Packaging with a Purpose: How Eco-Friendly Containers Are Transforming the Industry – Expert Insights

Sandeep Singh

Founder Of Rubystone Hospitality

Sustainable packaging is rapidly becoming the norm across industries. Companies are switching to sustainable packaging to mitigate environmental impact. Organizations are implementing sustainable packaging by swapping out or eliminating single-use plastic with biodegradable plastics, including plant-based plastics or plant-based materials and films, recycled papers, and compostable forms of packaging. Some companies are even utilizing refill models so customers can reuse their containers, while other companies are making lightweight and reduced packaging to decrease transport emissions. There is a whirlwind of exploration and use of technology and innovation with organizations exploring, for example, edible sources of packaging and also packaging made from agricultural waste. Many companies are not just focused on the materials; there is also a re-designing of organizational supply chains and processes to ensure packaging is simpler and easier to recycle or disposed of responsibly. This shift isn't merely a compliance movement to every new sustainable and environmental law; it is also indicative of shifting consumer expectations. Business consumers are choosing more based on sustainability; consumers are incorporating some factor of sustainability in their purchasing decisions.

In the marketplace, many creative types of packaging are being developed. Plant-based plastics, also derived from corn starch or sugarcane to provide an alternative to petroleum-based plastics, have been well accepted in the industry. Edible packaging, such as edible seaweed wrappers for food, has been explored and is currently creating traction in the food market. Some fashion labels and lifestyle brands are looking at packaging made from recyclable fabric or cardboard, also beverage brands have used paper bottles made from

recycled paper as an alternative to plastic bottles, and there are also examples of using seed-infused packaging (packaging that you can plant after use to grow food/herbs or flowers). Within personal care, solid shampoo bar products and refillable containers are reducing plastic. These examples go to show that sustainable packaging can also go beyond functional and help to inspire consumers to have a more sustainable life and become attached emotionally to the brand.

Anit Saklani

EAM F&B, ​The Fern Brentwood Resort & Spa, Mussoorie

At The Fern Brentwood, we believe sustainability extends beyond the guest experience into every touchpoint, including packaging. As part of our eco-conscious philosophy, we have phased out single-use plastics and introduced biodegradable, compostable, and reusable packaging across our operations. From using recycled paper bags and wooden cutlery to glass bottles for water and refillable dispensers for amenities, each initiative is aimed at reducing waste and minimizing our carbon footprint. For takeaway meals and in-room dining, we rely on containers made from bagasse (sugarcane residue), bamboo, and kraft paper, which are sturdy, safe, and environmentally friendly.

Innovation in eco-friendly packaging is reshaping hospitality worldwide, and we are proud to be part of this shift. Edible cutlery, plant-based wraps, and seed-infused paper packaging that can be planted after use are some inspiring solutions gaining ground. Similarly, mushroom-based packaging and seaweed films are offering sustainable alternatives to plastics. By adopting such innovations, we not only enhance guest trust but also contribute to a greener future for the industry. At The Fern Brentwood, every packaging choice is a conscious step toward aligning hospitality with responsibility.

Ranjit Phillipose

Sr Vice President – Operations, IHCL Goa

In today’s world, packaging is about responsibility and not aesthetics. The rise of eco-friendly containers is transforming industries, offering solutions that are as elegant as they are ethical. From biodegradable boxes to reusable glass jars and compostable wraps, sustainable packaging is rewriting the story of consumption with a greener, more mindful script.

For today’s conscious consumers, packaging now speaks volumes. A thoughtfully designed, eco-friendly container reflects not just the product within but also the values of the brand behind it. It assures the buyer that luxury and responsibility can coexist beautifully, that indulgence need not come at the expense of the planet. Going a step forward, we at IHCL Goa properties have drastically reduced – to nil single use plastics and are using paper bags for our amenities. All Taj resorts in Goa are successfully managing in house water bottling plants.

The benefits ripple far beyond the retail shelf. By reducing plastic waste, lowering carbon footprints, and embracing renewable resources, eco-friendly packaging empowers communities and conserves natural ecosystems. It also inspires innovation, pushing designers and manufacturers to reimagine convenience through sustainability.

Ultimately, this is packaging with a purpose—where form meets function, and style meets sustainability. In choosing eco-friendly containers, businesses are not just wrapping their products; they are wrapping a promise—for a cleaner planet, a healthier tomorrow, and a future where luxury and sustainability walk hand in hand

Gaurav Mawari

Executive Chef, Novotel Pune

On sustainability in F&B: “As chefs, we have a responsibility that goes beyond the kitchen. At Novotel Pune, sustainability is woven into the way we operate—right from sourcing to service. We actively reduce single-use plastics, use biodegradable and recyclable packaging, and ensure minimal food wastage through mindful menu planning. For us, it’s not just about serving great food, it’s about serving it responsibly.”

On aligning with guest expectations: “Today’s diners are increasingly conscious about what’s on their plate and its impact on the planet. By championing environment-friendly practices—like sourcing local produce, reducing carbon footprint, and using eco-friendly packaging—we not only support the community but also give our guests the confidence that their choices contribute to a healthier planet.”

On the bigger picture: “Sustainability isn’t a trend, it’s a commitment. As part of the Novotel and Accor philosophy, balanced living also means respecting the environment. Every small step, from composting to packaging, is our way of ensuring that hospitality and sustainability go hand in hand.”

Sanjukta Roy Choudhury

Operation Manager Port Muziris, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel.

At Port Muziris Hotel, Kochi, under Serve 360 initiative, sustainability is woven into our everyday operations, reflecting the values of today’s conscious traveler. From the food we prepare to the packaging we use, every choice is made with care for our guests, our community, and the planet.

We’ve significantly reduced single-use plastics by replacing plastic water bottles with reusable glass ones and ensuring all takeaway orders are packed in plastic-free boxes, accompanied by wooden cutlery. These small but impactful changes help minimize waste while setting an example of responsible hospitality.

Our commitment goes beyond packaging. The breakfast menu features fresh, locally sourced ingredients that support farmers and reduce food miles, while our use of cage-free eggs promotes ethical farming and animal welfare. We also embrace innovation with cashless payments, reducing paper waste while enhancing convenience and security for guests.

At Port Muziris, sustainability is not just a practice but a way of life. By choosing us, guests actively contribute to preserving Kochi’s natural beauty and supporting a greener future. Together, we can ensure that hospitality remains both memorable and mindful of the world around us.

Ritesh Sharma

General Manager, Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla

Sustainability is no longer optional; it’s a responsibility. At Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla, we are deeply aligned with IHG’s “Journey to Tomorrow” commitment, and sustainable packaging plays a crucial role in this vision. Companies, including ours, are increasingly adopting biodegradable, recyclable, and reusable materials for food & beverage packaging, replacing single-use plastics with eco-conscious alternatives. Beyond materials, the focus is also on minimalist design that reduces waste while maintaining quality and functionality. This approach not only lowers environmental impact but also resonates strongly with guests who value conscious choices.

Ans: The industry is seeing remarkable innovation in this space—compostable containers made from biodegradable cutlery. At our property, we have introduced eco-friendly takeaway boxes, glass water bottles, and reusable bags for guests as part of our efforts to minimize plastic usage. Additionally, initiatives like gifting plant seed pots in biodegradable planters to guests symbolize our commitment to sustainability while creating awareness. These purposeful touches show that eco-friendly packaging can be both practical and inspiring, redefining the hospitality experience.

Giles Pereira

Director Food & Beverage Hilton Mumbai

Sustainability in packaging is no longer optional — it is now a guest expectation. Hilton globally has pledged to reduce single-use plastics, and at Hilton Mumbai we have taken this forward by integrating eco-friendly solutions across dining, retail, and banqueting. From biodegradable takeaway containers to reusable glass jars in festive hampers, every touchpoint is being reimagined with responsibility in mind.

We have also introduced plantable cards — embedded with seeds — that turn packaging into a living reminder of a stay or celebration, reducing waste while adding meaning. Globally and locally, companies driving this shift are combining design with purpose: edible cutlery, compostable packaging, and refill models are reshaping the guest experience while cutting down on waste.

These innovations not only lower environmental impact but also resonate strongly with eco-aware travelers who seek thoughtful hospitality. Packaging with a purpose is more than a trend — it is hospitality’s commitment to shaping a greener tomorrow, while delighting guests with meaningful and memorable touches.

Devinder Walia

General Manager of The Orchid Hotel, Chandigarh

 The Orchid Hotel, Chandigarh, has adopted sustainable packaging solutions across its operations, reflecting its commitment to environmental responsibility and guest wellbeing. - What are some innovative examples of eco-friendly packaging solutions? The hotel has implemented eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastics, including biodegradable containers, plant-based polymers, and recycled materials, for food service, room amenities, and takeaway items. Innovative solutions are being introduced to enhance sustainability while maintaining high service standards. “Environmental responsibility is at the heart of our operations,” By incorporating sustainable packaging, we aim to reduce our ecological footprint and inspire both our guests and industry peers to adopt greener practices. The Orchid Hotel, Chandigarh encourages guests to participate in its sustainability initiatives making every stay a step toward a greener future.

Purushottam Pandey

Rooms Division Manager, Four Points by Sheraton Kochi Infopark.

 Packaging with a Purpose: How Eco-Friendly Containers are Changing the Game Sustainability has become a central priority for businesses and consumers alike. Companies are steadily adopting eco-friendly packaging that can be reused or recycled, reducing their environmental impact. Innovations include
biodegradable packaging, glass bottle alternatives, and even packaging materials created from agricultural waste. In hospitality, hotels are transitioning away from single-use plastics, with many shifting from packed plastic water bottles to glass bottles as a practical, eco-conscious step. These changes reflect a wider commitment to reducing waste and promoting responsible consumption, helping both businesses and guests contribute to a greener future.

Vikas Deep Rathour

Executive Chef The Imperia by Dhaba, Somerset, NJ

Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword—it’s a business necessity. Companies across industries are rethinking packaging to reduce waste, cut carbon footprints, and appeal to eco-conscious consumers. Many are replacing single-use plastics with biodegradable, recyclable, or reusable materials. For instance, food and beverage brands are shifting to plant-based plastics, compostable paper, and containers made from agricultural byproducts like sugarcane bagasse. Retailers are also embracing minimalist packaging, using less material while maintaining durability.

Innovation is at the heart of this transformation. Startups and global players alike are experimenting with edible packaging made from seaweed, mushroom-based containers that naturally decompose, and water-soluble films for everyday products. Brands like Lush offer “naked” packaging-free cosmetics, while beverage companies are exploring aluminum cans and paper bottles as alternatives to plastic. Even shipping is evolving, with e-commerce businesses using recycled cardboard and compostable mailers instead of plastic wraps.

These solutions not only reduce environmental harm but also strengthen brand reputation. Today’s consumers are more likely to support businesses that demonstrate responsibility toward the planet. By prioritizing eco-friendly packaging, companies are not just protecting the environment—they’re reshaping the future of commerce with purpose-driven innovation.

Rahul Uppal

(Food & Beverage Manager) Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore

Eco-conscious packaging is no longer a niche, it’s a necessity. Beverage and hospitality brands are integrating sustainability into operations through smarter design and material choices. The “reduce, reuse, recycle” ethos is guiding innovations like right-sized packaging, reusable containers for returns, and recyclable materials that minimize waste.

Leading examples include:

● Recyclable and Biodegradable Packaging

● Compostable Containers

● Upcycled Materials

These solutions not only support a greener supply chain but also resonate with environmentally aware consumers seeking brands that align with their values.

Debaditya Chaudhury

Founder & Managing Director, Chowman

Sustainable packaging has moved beyond being a trend and is now an operational necessity for businesses across industries. Companies are increasingly moving away from single-use plastics and incorporating biodegradable, recyclable, and compostable alternatives such as paper, bagasse, bamboo, and cornstarch-based polymers. Many are also investing in innovative design to create packaging that is leak-proof, heat-resistant, and durable, ensuring that sustainability does not come at the cost of functionality. Alongside this, brands are rethinking their supply chains to make eco-friendly packaging viable on a large scale, while also engaging with consumers through campaigns that highlight their commitment to the environment.
The world is seeing a wave of innovation in this space—in India, the growing adoption of areca leaf and bagasse containers as replacements for plastic and Styrofoam. Some businesses are even experimenting with reusable models, where glass or metal containers are collected and used multiple times.
At Chowman, we have adopted recyclable and biodegradable packaging that retains food quality while reducing our environmental footprint. The shift comes with higher costs and operational challenges, but it is a conscious investment in a greener future. Eco-friendly packaging is no longer just an add-on; it has become central to how responsible brands operate, shaping both consumer perception and the larger sustainability movement.

Seethala Karipineni

Founder of Saka Organics

Sustainability in packaging is no longer a “good-to-have”, it’s an expectation from conscious consumers and a responsibility for companies. Businesses across industries are now rethinking packaging not just as a vessel for their products, but as a reflection of their values.

At Saka Organics, our approach to packaging has always been guided by simplicity and responsibility. For us, eco-friendly packaging is not about following a trend; it’s about designing for minimal waste, reusability, and long-term impact. We focus on recyclable materials, minimal plastic, and formats that encourage longer product life cycles. For example, many of our products come in compact, durable formats that last longer and reduce the need for frequent repurchases, thereby cutting down packaging waste.

Across industries, we’re seeing exciting innovation, from biodegradable films and compostable pouches to refill stations and plant-based containers. The shift isn’t only about materials but about rethinking how consumers engage with packaging in their everyday lives.

What excites me is that packaging is now part of the larger conversation around responsibility, not just aesthetics. The real game-changer will be when eco-friendly solutions become accessible, affordable, and scalable enough that they are the default, not the exception.
For us at Saka, “packaging with a purpose” means aligning every choice we make - from raw materials to final design - with the simple idea of leaving behind less while giving consumers more value.

Ambika Prasad Ghosh

Food and Beverage Manager, Grand Mercure Mysore,

Sustainability has become central to how companies design and deliver packaging. Traditional plastics are being replaced with biodegradable, recyclable and plant-based alternatives that are safer for the environment. Lightweight designs reduce the use of raw materials and lower emissions during transportation. Refill and reuse systems are being introduced to encourage a circular approach where packaging has a longer life cycle. Many businesses are also working closely with certified suppliers to ensure that the entire supply chain follows responsible practices. At the same time, packaging is no longer just functional. It is increasingly used to communicate a brand’s environmental values, guiding and inspiring consumers to make more eco-conscious choices.

 The world of sustainable packaging is evolving with fresh ideas. Edible films made from natural ingredients such as seaweed or rice paper can be consumed or composted safely. Plant-based plastics created from renewable resources like corn or sugarcane mimic traditional plastic but break down more easily. Mushroom-based materials provide a compostable alternative to Styrofoam, while water-soluble films dissolve completely without leaving waste. Glass is regaining importance because of its premium feel and its ability to be endlessly recycled. Reusable and refill systems are also transforming consumer habits by encouraging the return and repeated use of containers. Together, these innovations show how packaging can protect the planet while remaining stylish, practical and appealing.

Akash Kalia

General Manager, DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Bengaluru Outer Ring Road

Sustainability is a top priority in hospitality, and packaging plays a vital role. Hotels are moving away from single-use plastics and adopting recyclable and biodegradable alternatives. At DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Bengaluru ORR, our delivery brand Darbar uses eco-friendly containers designed to preserve quality while minimizing environmental impact. We’ve also eliminated plastic straws and reduced single-use packaging, while exploring plant-based and compostable materials. These initiatives resonate with
eco-conscious guests and reinforce brand loyalty by aligning with global sustainability goals. Packaging with a purpose is more than an operational change — it reflects our commitment to responsible hospitality.

Chef Durgesh Tyagi

Corporate Chef, Massive Restaurants Private Limited.

Hospitality brands are replacing plastics with biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable packaging. Innovations like edible cutlery and eco-friendly boxes reduce waste while appealing to conscious diners. Though the costs may be higher, sustainable packaging builds brand equity and signals long-term responsibility. Quote: “Eco-friendly packaging isn’t just about waste reduction. It’s a brand statement of responsibility and care.” – Durgesh Tyagi

Gautam Chhabra

Hotel Manager, Fairfield by Marriott, Jaipur Tonk Road

Hotels are increasingly reimagining packaging not just for convenience, but as a key element of sustainability. One prominent example is the ban on single-use toiletries. Marriott has phased out miniature amenity bottles globally in favor of bulk or refillable dispensers, cutting millions of plastic bottles annually.

Another innovation is in-house glass bottling plants, implemented at many Marriott International properties. By packaging reusable glass bottles on-site, hotels reduce dependency on single-use plastics also lowering transportation-related emissions.

Food and beverage packaging is also evolving. Concepts such as Marriott’s Fresh Bites in-room dining use 100% recyclable or compostable containers made from materials like paper, bamboo, glass, and aluminum. Even meetings and events are being designed with sustainability in mind, using recycled notepads, biodegradable pens, and water served in pitchers or glass bottles.

Beyond operational practices, Marriott engages in CSR partnerships, such as collaborating with Clean the World to recycle used soaps and amenities into hygiene kits for communities, creating both environmental and social impact.

These examples demonstrate how eco-friendly containers can reduce waste, support sustainability goals, and meet growing guest expectations - showing that packaging can truly be a tool for positive change.

Chef Kishor Singh

Sous Chef at Namak Indian Restaurant & Bar, Greenville, US

Companies across industries are increasingly rethinking their packaging strategies to align with sustainability goals and growing consumer demand for eco-friendly choices. Many are phasing out single-use plastics and turning to biodegradable, recyclable, and compostable materials. Large brands are adopting paper-based alternatives, plant-derived plastics, and reusable containers, while startups often lead the charge with creative zero-waste concepts. Beyond material choice, companies are also optimizing packaging design to reduce excess waste, minimize shipping weight, and lower their overall carbon footprint.

Innovative solutions are emerging worldwide. For instance, edible packaging made from seaweed and rice paper provides a waste-free alternative for snacks and beverages. Mushroom-based packaging, grown from mycelium, offers a sturdy, biodegradable replacement for Styrofoam. Some cosmetic and food brands are experimenting with refillable systems, where customers return empty containers for a discounted refill. Even e-commerce giants are switching to recyclable mailers and water-based inks for a greener supply chain.

Eco-friendly packaging is no longer just a marketing buzzword—it’s a competitive advantage. By investing in sustainable solutions, companies not only reduce environmental impact but also strengthen consumer trust, proving that responsible choices can drive both business growth and a healthier planet.