2025 Trends in Sustainable Food Service Packaging: What You Need to Know

5 Top Sustainable Food Packaging Trends in 2025

The food service industry is undergoing a major transformation in 2025, driven by growing environmental awareness and a surge in demand for sustainable solutions.

Compostable packaging has moved from niche to necessity, and several major trends are leading the charge.

At Biofuture, we believe that every eco-conscious choice, no matter how small, drives change. Here’s what’s trending right now in compostable food service packaging.

1. Compostable Materials Go Mainstream

Materials like PLA (polylactic acid) and PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoates), made from renewable plant sources, are becoming standard in food packaging. These materials break down in composting environments and are often certified under EN 13432 and ASTM D6400, ensuring they meet stringent environmental and safety standards.

Businesses across the UK and globally are embracing these materials as sustainable, customer-approved alternatives to plastic.

2. Smart & Minimalist Packaging

Today’s packaging does more than hold food, it communicates, educates, and builds trust.

QR codes are now commonly found on compostable containers, offering customers instant access to information about ingredients, sourcing, and disposal methods. This not only boosts transparency but also increases brand loyalty.

Meanwhile, minimalist packaging designs are in. Using less material while maintaining durability and functionality is a win for both the planet and your profit margin.

Biofuture 100% Compostable Resealable Bags

3. Regulatory Compliance & Rising Consumer Demand

Government regulations are aligning with eco-conscious values. In the UK, legislation like the Plastic Packaging Tax and bans on certain single-use plastics are encouraging businesses to adopt sustainable practices.

Consumers are already ahead of the curve, over 80% prefer sustainable packaging when given the option, and this demand is only growing.

4. Infrastructure Gaps Still Exist

There’s one major hurdle: industrial composting infrastructure. In many areas of the UK, access to proper composting facilities is limited.

The solution? Companies are partnering with waste providers, like our partnership with Grundon Waste to bridge the gap. This way, we help to ensure your compostable waste goes to the right place, closing the loop on the circular economy.

5. Takeout Packaging Innovation

The rise in takeaway and delivery has brought new urgency to sustainable packaging design.

Compostable materials like bagasse, paper, and bamboo are being shaped into heat-resistant, grease-proof, durable containers that meet both consumer expectations and environmental standards.

Add smart tech like QR codes, and you have a packaging solution that’s functional, sustainable, and engaging.

Be Part of the Solution

Compostable food service packaging is no longer a nice-to-have, it’s a must-have.

Whether you run a café, restaurant, or food truck, staying ahead of these 2025 trends ensures your business stays compliant, competitive, and conscious.

At Biofuture, we offer a full range of certified compostable packaging and connect our customers with responsible waste solutions.