How We Source Sustainable Packaging for Your Meals

When you enjoy a Will's Cookery meal, you're experiencing the culmination of countless decisions—about ingredients, preparation techniques, and recipes. But one aspect that's equally important yet often overlooked is the packaging that safely delivers those meals to your table.

Today, we're sharing our journey toward more sustainable packaging solutions and the careful considerations that shape our choices.

In This Article

• The Packaging Challenge
• Our Current Packaging Solutions
• The Journey to More Sustainable Options
• Local Partners in Sustainability
• How You Can Help

Key Takeaways

• Food safety, quality preservation, and environmental impact require careful balancing in packaging decisions
• Will's Cookery has reduced packaging waste by 37% in the past year through material improvements
• Our current containers are either compostable or recyclable in Columbia's facilities
• Local partnerships have been crucial in developing our sustainable packaging approach
• Customer participation in container return and proper disposal significantly amplifies our efforts

The Packaging Challenge

Meal service packaging presents unique challenges that require thoughtful solutions.

The Balancing Act

In choosing packaging, we must balance several competing priorities:

• Food Safety: Any packaging must protect meals from contamination
• Temperature Management: Containers must maintain proper hot or cold temperatures
• Quality Preservation: Packaging should keep food looking and tasting its best
• Environmental Impact: Materials should minimize ecological footprint
• Practicality: Containers need to be easy for customers to handle and store

"The perfect container doesn't exist—yet. But we're constantly evaluating new options that better balance all our criteria. Every improvement, even small ones, adds up to significant impact over time." — Will Baker, Chef/Owner

The Realities of Food Packaging

Certain realities shape our packaging decisions:

• Regulatory Requirements: Health regulations mandate specific packaging standards for prepared foods
• Material Availability: Supply chain limitations affect which sustainable options are consistently available
• Performance Issues: Not all eco-friendly materials perform adequately for all food types
• Cost Considerations: Making sustainable choices affordable enough to maintain reasonable meal pricing

Our Current Packaging Solutions

After extensive research and testing, here's where our packaging stands today:

Primary Meal Containers

Our main meal containers are:

• Made from sugarcane bagasse, a byproduct of sugar production that would otherwise be waste
• Fully compostable within 90 days in commercial composting facilities
• Microwave and freezer safe for convenient reheating and storage
• Sturdy enough to prevent leaks and maintain food integrity
• Heat-resistant to handle hot foods without warping or releasing chemicals

Secondary Packaging

For sauces, sides, and garnishes, we use:

• Plant-based bioplastic containers for liquid components
• Paper-based wrapping from FSC-certified sustainable forestry for bread and dry items
• Bamboo fiber containers for delicate components that need extra protection

Delivery Packaging

For customers using our delivery option:

• Reusable insulated bags that can be returned for a credit on your next order
• Recycled cardboard dividers to prevent shifting during transport
• Paper-based tape instead of plastic tape for sealing

The Numbers Behind Our Impact

In the past year, our packaging improvements have:

• Reduced our packaging carbon footprint by approximately 42%
• Eliminated over 10,000 pieces of single-use plastic
• Diverted approximately 6,800 pounds of waste from landfills

Many Shandon and Lake Katherine customers have shared that our sustainable packaging was a significant factor in their decision to become regular Will's Cookery customers.

The Journey to More Sustainable Options

Our current packaging is the result of continuous improvement and research.

Evolution of Our Packaging

Our packaging journey has involved several phases:

1. Initial Phase (2022): Standard plastic containers with limited recyclability
2. Transition Phase (2023): Introduction of partial plant-based materials
3. Current Phase (2024-25): Primarily compostable packaging with minimal plastic
4. Future Goal (2026): 100% plastic-free, fully compostable or reusable system

Testing Process

Each new packaging option undergoes rigorous testing:

• Heat testing for warping, melting, or chemical leaching
• Cold testing for brittleness and moisture integrity
• Drop testing for durability during transport
• Time testing to ensure food quality isn't compromised during storage
• Customer feedback on usability and satisfaction

The Green Packaging Institute has been a valuable resource in helping us evaluate and select new packaging materials based on scientific testing and industry best practices.

Local Partners in Sustainability

Creating a more sustainable packaging system has been possible through collaboration with local partners.

Columbia-Based Allies

Several local organizations have supported our sustainable packaging initiatives:

• City of Columbia Recycling Program — Provided guidance on locally recyclable materials
• Sustainable Midlands — Connected us with regional eco-friendly suppliers
• Columbia Green — Consulting on compostable materials appropriate for our climate

Sourcing Partners

Our primary packaging materials come from:

• Eco-Products — Sugarcane-based containers
• Good Start Packaging — Plant-based bioplastics
• Lean Orb — Bamboo-based solutions
• Carolina Box Company — Locally produced recycled cardboard

Waste Management Solutions

To complete the sustainable lifecycle, we work with:

• Atlas Organics — Commercial composting of our kitchen waste
• Sonoco Recycling — Processing our recyclable materials

How You Can Help

Our customers play a crucial role in maximizing the environmental benefits of our packaging choices.

Optimal Disposal

To get the most environmental benefit from our packaging:

• Compostable containers can go in Columbia's yard waste if they're free of food residue, or better yet, to home compost systems
• Bioplastic containers should be rinsed and placed in your regular recycling bin
• Paper packaging can be composted or recycled depending on food contact

Container Return Program

Many Lake Katherine and Brandon Acres customers participate in our container return program:

• Clean, undamaged containers can be returned during your next pickup
• Each returned container earns a $0.25 credit toward future orders
• Returned containers are professionally sanitized and reused when possible

Packaging Feedback

Your input directly shapes our packaging decisions:

• Let us know if containers performed well for storage, reheating, and reuse
• Share any challenges you encountered with our packaging
• Suggest improvements or alternatives you've encountered elsewhere

The PackageFeedback app allows you to scan a QR code on our packaging and provide instant feedback that helps us improve.

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Our packaging journey is ongoing, and we're committed to continuous improvement. Every meal you enjoy from Will's Cookery represents not just our commitment to delicious, homemade food, but also to minimizing our environmental footprint. Together with our customers, we're working toward a more sustainable food system for Columbia.

Do you have packaging suggestions or questions about our sustainability efforts? We'd love to hear from you during your next meal pickup!