The Meezbox Solution: Think Globally - Cook Locally

We’ve thought long and hard about what matters most and have decided that moving meal kits to a local-based concept just makes sense. By eliminating the need to “ship” a meal kit we can: 1) improve the freshness, 2) increase the food value proposition, and 3) reduce the impact on the environment.

We encourage you to be a participant in keeping the Meezbox concept at a low environmental footprint. Each outer Meezbox container (the large six-quart plastic box) is returnable for a refund coupon applicable to your next order. In fact, if you want to return all of your Meexbox packaging, we'll make sure it goes to its best outcome -- either sterilized and reused, recycled, composted, or properly disposed when necessary.

Studies show that meal kits can actually have a positive benefit through a reduction in food waste when compared to shopping at grocery stores. But what about that packaging and delivery?  Let’s take a closer look. 
 

While specific companies and specific meal orders vary significantly, a typical meal kit delivery order weighs about 20 pounds (averaging across 10 of the largest meal-kit companies in the United States). Of that weight, approximately 35% represents the actual food in the box, 45% makes up the coolant in the form of gel packs or ice, and the 20% is physical packaging: That’s almost twice as much packaging material as food.  
 

Packaging and coolant represent approximately 2/3s of the overall weight of the shipment. Here’s a breakdown of the typical meal-kit:

Outer shipping box – Most companies use familiar corrugated boxes – aka the cardboard boxes Amazon uses. Although cardboard is frequently recycled, it can be a hassle to break down, store, and then get to a proper recycling facility.  

Insulation – Some companies have moved on to more environmentally friendly materials, including repurposed natural textile fibers (like denim and cotton), paper, or bio-foams. However, often these insulation liners contain plastic binders and still need to go to a landfill. 

Ice packs – Ah, ice packs. As noted above, ice packs (often referred to as gel-packs or “coolant”) are the heaviest item in a container.  Most coolants include a mixture of water and ethylene glycol (which is what gives it a “jelly” feel) and are wrapped in low-density polyethylene (LDPE), the same material used in plastic shopping bags. 

Individual wraps and containers – To protect individual items from moisture, and keep the box organized, meal kits use pouches, wraps, or light containers to protect specific items. 

Flyers, promotions, menu cards – There are many pieces of paper, although some of these are recyclable many are not due to the plastic lamination needed for that high gloss, moisture-resistant, look and feel. 

And then there's the transportation itself – taking into consideration the airfreight and ground delivery, when it's all added up, the weight and distribution of a typical meal-kit shipment requires a lot of fossil fuels to get to your door. 

When you add it all up - the typical meal-kit proposition, based on long-distance shipping, is rather alarming.