As the food delivery industry grows, brands are looking for sustainable alternatives in packaging as there is a looming danger of an exponential increase in non-biodegradable waste as the commonly used materials for delivery are plastic, thermocol, aluminum, etc. The availability of effective alternatives to single-use plastic is also limited. Many companies are, however, working to find sustainable alternatives, the beneficiaries of which are restaurants, cafes, cloud kitchens, etc.
One such company is Chuk, an initiative of Yash Pakka Limited, which has launched compostable delivery containers. The company has already established itself in the compostable tableware space, with brands such as Haldiram’s, Bikanervala, Chaipoint, etc. relying on Chuk for their food service requirements. With the launch of delivery containers, the company aims to help check the use of single-use plastic for food delivery.
The delivery containers will be available in four different sizes – 350 ml, 500 ml, 750 ml, and 1000 ml. They come with snug-fit lids, and are spill-proof and leak-proof. These are also microwavable, freezable, and ovenable. They are also free of artificial chemicals, making them food-safe, the company said.
The 100% compostable delivery containers have been manufactured using bagasse – the agri-residue of sugarcane. About 90% of the raw material is sourced locally. Once discarded, the products turn into compost within 180 days.
The company said the delivery containers have already found some takers in brands such as Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, FabCafe, Salad Point, Greenit, and Basil Box. Chuk will also cater to quick service restaurants, cloud kitchens, and takeaway restaurants with its latest range.
Satish Chamyvelumani, business head, Compostables, Yash Pakka, said, “Our delivery containers have been launched after rigorous research, multiple trials, and customer feedback, as a reliable and sustainable alternative to other available products. Having already launched and raised awareness around compostable tableware products, foraying into the food delivery packaging space was the next natural progression for us. Our overarching goal has been to find alternatives for single-use plastic for a cleaner planet, and with the launch, we are solidifying our stance. We look forward to empowering delivery brands to offer safe food via our delivery containers, and to transform the way people consume their food.”
Over the last few years, Chuk has been acknowledged with the highest design award from Red Dot Germany, Good Design in Japan, India Design, and NCII, the company said.
India produces about 3.4 million tonnes of plastic waste every year. Even if recycling is taken into account, only about 30% of all plastic waste is recycled. The online food delivery market in India is worth approximately $5 billion and is expected to grow to nearly $20 billion in the next five years, the company said citing various reports.
