Let’s break down the key reasons why domestically-made compostable packaging can benefit your operations right now.
Tariffs and Hidden Costs
International Trade Policies
It’s not just pandemics that can upend global supply lines, politics and trade policies can too. Importing foodservice packaging from overseas often comes with exposure to tariffs and trade disputes. In recent years, the US has imposed tariffs as high as 25% on various goods from major trade partners5. And, as we are experiencing in today’s world, new tariffs are going even further to make importing goods from other countries a less reliable option for all kinds of business needs, including foodservice packaging.
For a restaurant or foodservice packaging buyer, tariff uncertainty makes it hard to plan. One day your supplies might cost X, and the next day a change in policy could make them 25% more expensive or even restrict their availability.
By contrast, sourcing packaging domestically insulates you from those wild swings. US-based suppliers, not subject to the latest import tax or customs delays, allow businesses of all sizes more price stability, predictability, and access, in a sea of uncertainty.
Increasing Market Demand
Sustainable Packaging
While factors push businesses toward US-made packaging, an equally powerful force is pulling them: consumer and market demand for sustainability.
Diners and advocates increasingly want environmentally friendly packaging, and they’re vocal about it. In fact, 82% of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable packaging options6. Whether as customers wanting their favorite local spots to use certified compostable packaging or as citizens demanding the restriction of petroleum-based plastic packaging through local-level policy changes, people factor the environment into their everyday decisions, which means businesses should as well.
Aside from consumer trends, investors, brands, regulators, and even employees are pushing for greener packaging solutions. The market for sustainable packaging is expanding rapidly, with growth in the molded fiber category alone projected at 10.7% annually7.
For restaurants and foodservice providers, this all means that switching to environmentally friendly packaging isn’t just a feel-good choice. Compostable packaging is increasingly becoming a business requirement that benefits all stakeholders — operators, investors, customers, and the planet.
Summing Up
The Business Case for Sourcing Locally
Beyond meeting sustainability goals, choosing US-made compostable packaging offers practical business advantages. The first of which is immediately evident being increased reliability, with the next building over time: cost savings. Less spent on international freight and warehousing significant inventory thanks to US-made packaging and local or regional suppliers free up time and money for businesses of all sizes to focus on what really matters — your customers, your team members, and the quality of the food and service you provide.
And we can’t forget the marketing and mission angle. Certified compostable packaging manufactured locally and supplied domestically in the United States aligns with sustainability in and of itself by reducing carbon emissions through each stage of the production process, boosting local economies, and even regenerating the earth’s soil*. And, especially when produced by a Certified B Corporation like Better Earth, US-made compostable packaging bolsters your reputation among those who value the bottom line, community, and green practices alike8.
A Smart Solution Made in the US:
Farmer’s Fiber® from Better Earth
A real-world example of these principles in action is the Farmer’s Fiber Collection from Better Earth, a line of BPI-Certified compostable foodservice and retail packaging made in the US and crafted from fibers sourced from US small farmers using regenerative agricultural practices.
This kind of domestic farm-to-packaging supply chain is more resilient by design, as it sidesteps ocean shipping and import uncertainties entirely, without sacrificing efficiency, sustainability, or better business practices.
Choosing a solution like Better Earth’s US-made Farmer’s Fiber molded fiber packaging and tableware is a strategic response to the challenges and trends affecting foodservice operators, distributors, and retailers today. In a time of uncertainty in global trade, and certainty in the push for more environmentally-conscious, circular economy solutions, a domestically made compostable packaging line offers peace of mind and business value.
Choosing US-made compostable foodservice packaging allows you to:
Farmer’s Fiber® from Better Earth
Our US-made, BPI-certified compostable molded fiber packaging and tableware uses regenerative agriculture and a farm-to-packaging model, offering a resilient and sustainable solution for foodservice businesses.
Contact Us
Let us know how our Better Earth team can further help you.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Our Locations
Atlanta
715 Park North Boulevard, #100
Clarkston, GA 30021
(844) 243-6333
Chicago
7447 S. Central Ave., Suite A
Chicago, IL 60638
(844) 243-6333