Better Built
for This Moment

In the foodservice industry, every moment counts. And, right now, those moments are happening during economic uncertainty, regulatory shifts, and rapidly changing customer expectations. Tariffs are in flux. Domestic suppliers are adjusting prices with little warning. New laws are reshaping what kinds of packaging are even allowed. At the same time, younger consumers and institutional buyers are paying closer attention to sustainability than ever before.

So, what does it really mean to be Better Built for This Moment?

It means resilience, readiness, and the importance of partnering with suppliers who can help your foodservice operation adapt quickly, source wisely, and stay aligned with evolving environmental and business priorities.

A Perfect Storm of Uncertainty

If you’re responsible for sourcing food packaging right now, you’ve probably had whiplash trying to keep up with the constant changes in the market. International tariffs are causing price surges, but some domestic suppliers are raising prices just as fast to “catch up” and cash in. Even if prices are stable now, long-term commitments can feel risky in a world where costs fluctuate monthly.

Additionally, legislation like California’s SB 54 and new PFAS bans in various states require operators to swiftly change their packaging. Compostable packaging isn’t just a nice-to-have anymore, it’s a must-have in many markets.

Consumers aren’t sitting on the sidelines either. Gen Z and Millennials are more likely to choose a café, coffee shop, or restaurant based on how it handles packaging waste. Many large employers, colleges, and government institutions are also applying pressure from the top-down, tying foodservice packaging to ESG goals.

This all adds up to one undeniable truth: foodservice operators need more than just a packaging supplier; they need a strategic partner who’s better built for what’s happening right now.

What it Means to Be Better Built

Being Better Built for This Moment doesn’t mean having the lowest price or boasting the most patriotic origin story. Instead, we believe it encompasses:

• Diversified Sourcing: Collaborating with suppliers who have multi-regional manufacturing and backup plans if one region becomes unstable.
• Compliance-Ready Products: From PFAS-free guarantees to BPI certifications and on-pack compostable labeling, your packaging should adhere to your region’s waste laws. Even better? Your supplier should be ready to help you understand your region’s waste laws.
• Inventory Stability: A great product is useless if it’s out of stock. Reliable inventory, clear lead times, and proactive communication are essential.
• Mission and Market Alignment: Your supplier should understand that packaging is integral to your story, especially if you’re serving customers who care about sustainability.

How to Navigate Today’s Packaging Landscape

Here are four key strategies foodservice operators can use to stay resilient:

1. Ask for Options, Not Just Orders 
   Look for suppliers who offer multiple solutions rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Can they help you swap in a molded fiber bowl when a PLA lid is in short supply? Do they offer products that meet both institutional specs and compliance-ready certifications?
2. Understand the Compliance Landscape 
   If you operate in California, Oregon, Washington, or any of the growing list of states with packaging mandates, you need a partner who actively tracks legislation and can guide you through labeling and material decisions.
3. Prioritize Versatile Design 
   Opt for packaging that performs well across various food types and temperature ranges, reducing your SKUs and making ordering more efficient. Multi-functionality is a hidden strength in uncertain times.
4. Don’t Forget the Story
   Whether you’re pitching a green team at a tech campus, serving students and faculty at a university, or providing bulk items at a natural grocer, your packaging says something. Make sure it aligns with your brand’s values and your consumers’ expectations.

What Better Built Looks Like in Practice

• Colleges & Universities: More students are demanding eco-friendly solutions, and foodservice teams are expected to deliver. Compostable, PFAS-free packaging that aligns with sustainability goals is a must for the next generation.
• Quick-Service Restaurants: Customers who order takeout or delivery look for certifications of compostability, as these factors impact brand loyalty and local compliance.
• Corporate & Institutional Dining: Many workplaces prioritize and expect vendors to utilize products that meet verified sustainability standards.
• Retail Packaging Buyers: For grocery and mass market retail, molded fiber packaging that is shelf-stable, certified compostable, and US-designed resonates with both compliance needs and shopper values.

How Better Earth Helps You Be Better Built

At Better Earth, we know that times like these call for flexibility, not fragility. Our approach is built on diversified supply partnerships, mission-aligned sourcing, and comprehensive packaging strategies that cater to both foodservice and retail.

Whether you’re navigating new waste laws or looking for shelf-ready molded fiber packaging for your national chain, our Farmer’s Fiber^® Collection is one part of a broader commitment to compostability, performance, and real-world resilience.

We don’t just manufacture packaging. We help you design a better system — one that helps build a better earth.

Final Thoughts

The truth is, no one knows what challenges are ahead, but the right packaging partner can help you prepare for whatever tomorrow brings.

Better Earth is built to flex with the moment, and we’re ready to help you do the same. Because being Better Built for This Moment means knowing how to embrace challenges, not just endure them.

Want to learn more about building a more resilient and sustainable packaging strategy? Connect with our team by using the form below.