‘How can this even happen?’

A shocked customer took to Reddit to share a packaging practice that should be a thing of the past from a company that advertises as “the future of food”: one huge box for two small products.

What’s happening?

In one after to the r/EgregiousPackaging subreddit, the poster shared two photos showing the problem. The first photo is of a large box Youfoodzand the second is of the inside of the box, which appears to be lined with insulating packaging and contains nothing but two very small items.

“GTFO, how could this even happen?” asked another shocked user.

“You’re the one who ordered groceries instead of getting them from the store.” added another, showing the original poster responded: “Actually I ordered pre-made meals. I only ordered 2 of those little packets and got them in my other box with my meals. They included 2 for free which is great, they just decided to make a “To use too big a box to send those two extra instead of the box I already had and that still had room.”

Why is meal kit packaging important?

Packagingis generally a major environmental problem. It is the largest end-use market segment, accounting for more than 40% of total plastic usewith much of this finding its way into our oceans, lakes and rivers.

Food packaging, such as those used for meal kits like this company, HelloFrisAnd othersis a specific problem. Cold chain packaging – packaging designed to keep food cold during transport – is particularly difficult to track down how to recycle. This leads many to do this incorrectly, which can contaminate otherwise good loads of actual recyclables.

While meal packages do lead to less food wastedo they still have ways to reduce packaging waste and the planet-warming pollution it causes.

Is Youfoodz doing anything about this?

According to his websitethe company is working on making its packaging more sustainable. The company also aims to improve distribution packaging, use less material at each stage of the supply chain and reduce the number of trucks needed to deliver goods.

It also provides instructions on what materials these may be recycled and how to do it right recycle including the materials used to keep the food products cold.

When you think about a product’s packaging, which of these factors is more important to you?

The way it looks

The information it provides

The waste it produces

I don’t think about packaging at all

Click on your choice to see the results and give your opinion

While these are great goals, the example shared by the OP indicates that the company still has room for improvement.

What is being done about packaging in a broader sense?

Many large companies, incl Ikea, Home DepotAnd Amazonhave committed to reducing their packaging. Other companies are busy making it alternatives all the way to plastic packaging.

You can take the time individually to consider how to properly dispose of the packaging items that arrive at your door. You can also reduce your total amount plastic consumption by finding plastic-free alternatives for everyday items.

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