I never knew that sourcing packaging for Eco Chefs ready meals would be my biggest challenge. We researched and researched for food safe and environmentally friendly packaging for our meals. So far we have not found an option that I will be thrilled with. There is so much information out there regarding packaging but not enough on their impact on our health and the environment.

I thought biodegradable packaging should be a no brainer but as I did the study, I found out that it is not the best choice because only fiber based packaging is composted in our city’s recycling program. Another factor was that the fiber based packaging is not water proof. In order to make it water proof it is lined with Bisphenol A (BPA) laced resin (BPA has recently been banned in baby bottles by the Canadian Government because of health concerns).  I was not ready to make that choice where I have to sacrifice food safety.

Food safety was first on our agenda regardless of the fact that it is regulated or not. We want to be proactive and not wait for the government to make changes in their regulations. It may be too late for many by then. We finally chose after looking at all the options, glass bottles and aluminum trays and biodegradable fiber based packaging for non leaking products.  I know that glass takes much energy to produce but on the other side it is food safe, 100% recyclable and reusable. We chose aluminum trays for the frozen and chilled meals that need heating and cooling and have to be leak proof. Aluminum trays also have a coating that can contain BPA or Antimony (which is nearly as bad). We chose aluminum because there are BPA and Antimony free choices, it is 100% recyclable, valuable material and light so carrier cost is reduced. Above all, cities recycle 100% glass and aluminum. This means so far aluminum and glass seem to be the best available choices in the packaging industry.

We are keeping our eyes wide open for new developments and technological interventions. Please let us know when you find something that you think will be value to us and resonates with our philosophy.

I would love to hear from you if you have any comments or suggestions.

Sonya Kaute