Plastic pollution in Africa is a major threat to the environment and this environmental degradation is a result of single-use plastic packaging by the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry.

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation report projects plastics may outnumber fish in the oceans by 2050.

The good news is that some African FMCG companies are taking steps to reduce plastic pollution by seeking ways to produce eco-friendly products and increasingly sustainable supply chains, leading to a circular economy where resources are continually used and waste is eliminated.

As African governments become more aware of the need to drive eco-friendly solutions, it then becomes important to adopt sustainable packaging as it plays a pivotal role for FMCG organizations because it prevents waste by protecting products for proper consumption, meets growing consumer demands, and opens new business opportunities for partnerships, innovation, and diversification.

Below are 5 top eco-friendly packaging solutions that we think African companies in the FCMG sector can adopt to eradicate plastic waste.

Aluminum Packaging

Like we already established, single-use plastics hurt the environment especially marine ecosystems.

For companies in the water bottling industry, they can replace single-use plastics with aluminum packaging since they are recyclable and reusable, making them a sustainable packaging choice.

Agricultural residue-based packaging

Plastics and metals can naturally limit oxidation and as such, make up a majority of materials used in the packaging industry.

The bad news is that plastics and metals contribute to environmental degradation and if you were to recycle them, it would require dedicated facilities which will further add to the carbon footprint.

Food companies can design packaging made from natural fibers (biomaterial from agricultural residues) and are made into molded pulp fibers. This is especially economical because it will efficiently preserve food by limiting oxidation and controlling moisture.

Biodegradable Packaging

Biodegradable, plant-based packaging products are a great option for clean consumer packaged goods.

Fibrous sugarcane stalks, palm leaves, bamboo, wheat straw, birchwood, and post-consumer paper can be used to produce sustainable plates, bowls, to-go containers, cups, and packaging products.

Starch-based packages

Since food waste is a means for alternative solutions to waste management because a good number of it is biodegradable and recyclable, restructuring its components provides packaging companies with opportunities to integrate eco-friendly packaging into their products.

It is for this reason that we recommend upcycling food waste to create and provide sustainable packages which are compostable.

You could use plant-based and compostable food packages which are not only natural but have a long shelf-life and can decompose into the soil.