Saving the world is an enormous task for anyone to take on—especially for a mere food marketer. Every day, you focus on how to tell your products to the biggest amount of customers possible. It’s our overall goal that we strive to accomplish every day, and we depend on our product’s packaging to take us there.

Am I right?

If your approach isn’t yielding impressive results, maybe it’s time for a new angle. And I’m willing to bet this angle is one that your competitors aren’t using yet—and that’s saving the world.

How FasoPro is Saving the World with Health Food Packaging

In 2014, food processor FasoPro offered a much-needed solution for starving communities in West Africa. They used a new barrier bag to house a local protein source, and the secret behind their success lies within shelf life.

The barrier bag used by FasoPro is composed of three layers, consisting of barrier polyester, nylon, and cast polypropylene. This health food packaging does not include an aluminum layer, so they are safe for microwaving. This packaging extends shelf life to 12-18 months.

The contents in these barrier bags might not sound appetizing, but it’s saving lives. The protein source takes advantage of the area’s overabundance of Shea caterpillar larva, with the packaged contents consisting of ground caterpillar larva and protein powder.

West Africa is known for its malnutrition and poverty epidemic. In 2008, 47 percent of West Africans lived on $1.25 day or less. With FasoPro’s effort to supply the region with protein via barrier bags, West Africa’s starvation situation can begin to turn over a new leaf.

And we can thank the innovative technology of packaging for making it possible.

FasoPro Health Packaging Brings New Jobs

Not only is this packaging delivering a solid protein source to West Africa, they’re also helping to create jobs. West Africans are being employed to help harvest the caterpillar larva—in fact, FasoPro is aiming to provide employment to 15,000 moms in West Africa.

Once the caterpillars are harvested, the packaging will need to be filled with the protein substance. This gives yet another employment opportunity for the poor in West Africa.

FasoPro expects employment to grow four-fold through 2015.

Boosting Economic Growth with Protective Packaging

Aside from assisting the malnourished in West Africa, FasoPro’s barrier packaging is adding yet another positive element: economic growth.

Multiple local retailers in West Africa will be offering the protein, which can help boost sales in the economically deprived area.

It’ll undoubtedly take time to transform the situation in West Africa. But little by little, FasoPro is working to make the world a better place with their packaging.

So, How Can You Change The World with Health Food Packaging?

While assisting West Africa with their malnutrition and poverty epidemic is admirable, you can still help save the world in smaller steps with packaging. Small changes can add up in the world of retail, so start with small steps if you aren’t ready to save the whole world (yet).

The first step you can make is to switch from cardboard boxes or glass jars to flexible retail packaging. This move alone will help free up more space in landfills, which has a direct impact on the environment.

Cardboard boxes and glass jars are notoriously difficult, if not impossible, to recycle. Once you ditch the box and the glass, you’ll open yourself up to a whole new world of packaging opportunities—and a whole new opportunity to help save the world.

Spread the Message with Protective Packaging

Packaging presents a powerful avenue for delivering your message to consumers. Your product packaging is prime real estate to promote what matters most to your company. Take advantage of the advertising space.

For example, say that your company is passionate about protecting wildlife in South America. You can dedicate a spot on your barrier bag to promote wildlife protection of rainforest animals, giving step-by-step instructions for what your customers can do to help.

Not to mention, when you are passionate about saving the world, it’ll be just the edge that you need for taking your competitors head on.

Encourage Recycling with Eco Friendly Packaging

Your customers might not realize that most health food packaging is recyclable. While studies have shown that society is concerned with recyclable packaging, not all Americans act on it.

Therefore, use your packaging to encourage recycling. You can simply add a recycle symbol somewhere on your packaging, or draw more attention with custom artwork.

Pledge to Donate

Another way that you can help save the world with protective packaging is by donating some of your proceeds. Pick a cause or campaign that means something to your company, and let your customers know that you’ll donate a percentage of your proceeds to your selected campaign.

This is an easy way to make a difference in the world with your protective packaging. You and your customers will both be contributing to a cause that makes a difference, whether it’s overseas or right in your hometown.

Get Started Saving The World Today

You don’t have to wait another minute to start saving the world with health food packaging and other types of protective packaging. Consult a packaging professional to design top-quality product packaging that grabs attention and makes an impact.

By leveraging your resources and the help of your customers, your company is ready to make a real difference in the world with packaging.

(Image Source #1: http://blogs.dnvgl.com/sustainability/2011/08/the-low-carbon-diet-6-principles-for-how-to-eat-sustainably/)

(Image Source #2: http://87026196499.blogspot.com/2015/02/save-our-wonderful-nature.html)