Choosing the right food packaging is vital to your business's success! Here are the most common types that can work for your restaurant or brand.
Whether you are a restaurant owner, a food manufacturing company owner, or a chef looking to start an online food delivery service, you must have realized that food packaging is not something you can afford to take lightly.
Your buyers will judge the quality of your food from the package, and you must keep abreast of the constantly evolving trends in the food packaging industry to grab their attention.
If you are looking for trusted and innovative ways to package your food products, you’ve come to the right place. This article will explore why food packaging is so important, various types of packaging for food, and how you can choose the right ones for your business.
The main goal of food packaging is to provide a practical means to contain a portion of food. However, there are other essential functions of food packages including:
Food items that are not consumed immediately can rot quickly if they come in contact with air, heat, and moisture. So they need to be preserved in containers that keep them free of contamination and damage at all points in the retail process. Packaging ensures food safety and prevents physical damage.
On the other hand, faulty packaging can affect the quality and taste of food, thus reducing the shelf life of the product. This is why food businesses conduct extensive research to find the best packaging solutions that can protect the food from dust, chemical reactions, and light.
Packaging labels on food products help brands communicate important information to customers. This includes the brand name, food type, ingredients, and the expiry date of the product.
The food label is also used to display crucial health and safety information. This is particularly important for consumers with allergies and skin conditions who must avoid specific ingredients to remain healthy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requires all such products to display the list of ingredients used in the food item on the package.
Food containers can be designed to have features that make the handling, consumption, and preservation of food items easier for customers.
For example, aseptic cartons are used for liquid food like soup, dairy products, and beverages. These are sterilized packages that are designed to prevent microorganisms from entering the container. This keeps the product fresh and ensures a longer shelf life.
Food packaging plays a huge role in helping to differentiate your brand from similar products on the same shelf. Customers often make their purchase decisions based on the appearance of the product, and the logo, colors, and style of food packaging are a bigger marketing tool than most business owners realize.
Packaging builds brand recognition and ensures customers can distinguish your product the next time they visit the supermarket.
There are a plethora of food packaging options and as such, we won’t be able to cover each of them in this article. Instead, we will focus on the primary packaging materials that are eco-friendly and avoid materials like plastic bottles, cans, plastic containers, aluminum cans, trays, skin film, and wrappers that are in most cases, not so eco-friendly.
There is a lot of hype about flexible pouches from both food manufacturers and consumers, and there are a few reasons why we love this packaging material so much.
Food manufacturers love it because it is lightweight and cheap which leads to lower shipping costs, and environmentally friendly which helps them score points with eco-conscious customers.
Customers love the flexible packaging material because it often comes with clear windows, allowing them to see the product within the package before making a purchase decision. They can also feel the texture of the food with their hands – to an extent – by touching the flexible container.
noissue’s Custom Stand Up Pouches are FDA-approved and food safe. They are made from recyclable materials that ensure the package can go back into circulation once used. The pouches come with features like degassing valves to keep oxygen from getting inside and spoiling the food, press-to-close zippers, and tear notches for retail display.
Custom stand up pouches can store snacks, dry goods, and more to keep them fresh, easily accessible, and recognizable!You can use these resealable pouches to package food items like bagged salad, potato chips, sweets, and candies. You can customize your pouches with your brand’s logo, graphics, and product information.
Although glass requires careful handling, companies continue to use it for food packaging because it boasts an air of luxury when compared to other types of packaging materials. It is also transparent, which allows buyers to see what’s contained within.
Glass containers are easy to recycle and reuse making them an eco-friendly packaging material. But one major drawback is that it breaks easily. Broken glass can be harmful to store staff and consumers.
The impermeable nature of glass bottles means they are primarily used for liquid foods such as juices, wines, beers, pudding, pickles, or jams.
Recyclable sandwich bags are the perfect eco-friendly replacement for the countless plastic sandwich bags that usually end up in landfills and oceans. They are paper bags that do a good job of keeping your food fresh until you are ready to eat. Many are freezer-safe and can be kept in short-term freezer storage.
noissue’s Custom Sandwich Bags are made from recycled fibers and recycled Kraft paper. Their stand-up design allows for eating straight from the bag — making them the perfect takeout essential. You can use also them to package food items like snack crackers, chips, or packed fruits.
For takeout orders, be sure to add a tamper-evident sticker to your sandwich bags, so customers know that they're receiving their food fresh.
Paperboard boxes are made from a paper-based material that boasts superior attributes to ordinary paper. Depending on its method of production, paperboard can be made from Kraft paper, Glassine, sulfite paper, or parchment paper. These materials are thinner than cardboard but thicker than paper.
This enhanced rigidity helps explain why it is one of the most commonly used materials in processed food packaging. It currently has a 34% market share when it comes to usage as a packaging material.
Paperboard is fully recyclable and you can use it to package all sorts of food products, including snacks, pasta, cereal, canned beverages, and much more.
Most of the wrapping papers you will find in supermarkets and food joints are made from non-recyclable materials like polyethylene plastics. Compostable wrapping papers are different. They are made of materials that decompose naturally.
noissue’s Custom Food Wrapping Paper is 100% compostable. It is made of FSC-certified paper and printed with water-based food-safe inks that ensure you can promote your brand on your product packaging without worries.
noissue Custom Food Wrapping Paper by @pearlandhornThe wrapping paper is the perfect addition to any takeout box or plate and can be used to wrap bread and most baked goods.
This is the type of wrapping paper you should use to pack greasy or wet foods. It can provide a non-sticky surface because it has been coated with wax which acts as a moisture and grease barrier.
Although traditional wax paper cannot be recycled because of the wax or silicone coating that grants its barrier properties, the noissue Custom Wax Paper is 100% recyclable after use. It is made from FSC-certified acid-free paper and coated with food-safe wax.
Use custom wax paper to protect and personalize pastries on display at your restaurant or cafe!It is available in a range of sizes, and you can use them to wrap greasy food items like sandwiches, cheese, and more.
Corrugated cardboard boxes are mostly used for secondary packaging in the food packaging supply chain.
Each box will hold multiple units of the same type of food product to make the transportation and distribution process much easier. The boxes will then be placed on pallets and wrapped together to secure them for shipping.
Additional resources:Nonetheless, they can still be used to deliver food items like frozen seafood, snacks, and beverages directly to the end-user. They are also one the most frequently and successfully recycled packaging materials in the world.
A paper bag is not just a better option for the environment, it is also stronger and more durable than the standard plastic bag. They are sturdy enough to stand upright on counters for consumers to easily load the bag and durable enough to be reused.
noissue’s Custom Food Delivery Paper Bags are made from 100% recycled fibers and are recyclable and reusable. They come with handles for easy carry, making them perfect for both your takeout and delivery needs. You can use these eco-friendly bags to package confectionery, gourmet foods, and small groceries.
Tip: Wrap your burgers and sliders in branded food-grade paper before placing them into custom delivery bags!
The eco-friendliness of this type of packaging depends on the type of material used in its production. Clamshells made from styrofoam are not recyclable, while those made from plant-based materials are biodegradable and eco-friendly. Clamshells made from plastics are recyclable, although this is not always done.
noissue’s Custom Clamshell Takeout Containers are made with sugarcane fiber. They are petroleum-free, tree-free, and commercially compostable.
You can use clamshell containers to package hot and cold foods, including chicken wings, BBQ ribs, salads, sandwiches, and other foods.
Just like wrapping paper, most coffee bags are not recyclable. This is because they are made by combining aluminum foil and polythene plastic to create a multi-layered structure that is compact enough to preserve the quality of the coffee beans.
Fortunately, more companies are starting to offer sustainable custom coffee bags which are usually made from kraft paper. There are recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable options.
noissue’s Custom Coffee Bags are recyclable and compostable once you remove the tin ties. Made from recycled kraft paper, these bags are customizable and use FDA-certified food-safe lining. You can use them to package tea bags and leaves, coffee grounds and beans, tea leaves, and even small baked goods.
Custom coffee bags can also be used to store whole beans and tea leaves!
You can opt for a resealable coffee bag if you need a superior way to keep coffee beans fresh and safe from accidental spillage. noissue’s Custom Resealable Coffee Bags come with customizable features that can get you the exact packaging you need. These features include:
Billions of pizza are sold each year, and when most people are done with their delicious pizza, they simply dump the boxes in the trash. This makes pizza boxes a major contributor to environmental pollution. Especially, boxes that are made of corrugated plastic or wax-coated cardboard.
Compostable pizza boxes give brands the opportunity to reduce the negative impact of the containers they use to sell their products. The noissue Stock Pizza Box is made with B flute corrugate, and it is both compostable and recyclable. You can also use them to package cookies and brownies.
Personalize your pizza boxes with branded stickers and a safety seal for extra security!Packaging materials come in different shapes and with traits relative to their properties. The right packaging material for your product will be the one that best helps to maintain the flavor, shape, and texture of your product over an acceptable timeframe. Consider the following:
The food packaging industry is constantly evolving to meet the demands of customers. Recent trends in the industry are leaning towards packaging solutions that can engage with customers emotionally, while also eliminating harmful plastic packaging.
noissue can help you stay ahead of the curve. Check out our complete range of food packaging products that will meet and exceed your containment, sustainability, and branding needs.
Producing and selling food products requires strict regulatory compliance standards that businesses are mandated to follow. This includes being on top of food packaging regulations and knowing which materials are suitable and safe to use.
There are several different options to choose from in food packaging. Various materials can help determine what kind of packaging can be made and how it affects food safety and quality. However, not all materials are created equal, nor are they meant to withstand the same environmental conditions or usage.
Knowing and understanding these qualities can be very helpful for business owners and decision-makers while selecting the optimal packaging for their products.
The primary purpose of food packaging is to ensure the quality of the product inside. However, this is not the only factor to consider when choosing the type of packaging.
Packaging companies create several designs that best optimize the safety of different food products. Using the right packaging material offers a level of protection to keep food quality high and unharmed by factors such as chemical reactions, light, and dirt.
The proper food packaging can also help extend the shelf life of a product. The materials prevent it from being contaminated by foreign substances.
Food packaged in aluminum cans, bags, bottles, glass, and boxes can help ensure the products’ safety during delivery from factory to market. Additionally, the type of packaging used can make it easier to carry from one place to another.
Food packaging plays an essential role in attracting customers to buy a product.
Products that use packaging with vibrant or attractive colors and bold fonts can be perceived as exciting and pique consumers’ interest. Packaging with unique coatings or embellishments such as metallic foils may infer a premium product. Brand owners can also use food packaging to represent their brand and send a compelling and attractive message to the buyer.
There are several types of food packaging available in the market today. However, each kind of material is typically recommended for only a specific set of foods. This ensures that the quality is kept and consumption is made simple.
Using glass for retail packaging ensures that the material is non-reactive to the food inside. It is also impermeable, making it suitable for beverages and other liquid food products. Glass is a sustainable and recyclable material that allows brands to improve their waste management. However, this material is also breakable and may be heavy, thus increasing risks and costs during transport.
Aluminum food packaging is lightweight and eco-friendly. This material also maintains the attractive aroma of food for a long time and protects it from light and microorganisms. Aluminum packaging is resistant to moisture, heat, and corrosion but is not as sturdy as other materials and may have a higher materials cost to the brand.
This material is one of the most durable among the different types of food packaging. Additionally, it can act as a more cost-effective alternative to aluminum materials. Tin plates are water- and heat-resistant, but they can cause reactions with food products and may be considerably harder to open. Businesses can use this material for packaging both beverages and foods.
Styrofoam packaging is typical in retail food establishments. The material is lightweight and can insulate food more effectively than can plastic. A disadvantage is that styrofoam is not biodegradable. This choice could dissuade eco-conscious buyers from selecting your brand. Additionally, the properties of styrofoam make it more expensive to recycle than to produce. That means even in places where it can be recycled, styrofoam will likely end up in a landfill instead.
Plastic is relatively inexpensive, making it one of the most commonly used packaging materials today. This material may offer brands more flexibility with their product designs and can keep food for long periods. Plastic can be molded into various shapes such as bottles and tubs to store any food product. However, plastics also contribute to the amount of waste on the planet as many types of plastic take hundreds or even thousands of years to decompose.
Cardboard, typically used in corrugated packaging or folding cartons, is another inexpensive and lightweight paperboard material commonly used to package dry and frozen food products. It is a renewable packaging material that can be recycled later. A disadvantage is that it is prone to moisture and humidity issues. Additionally, it can be easily torn and damaged.
Each packaging material comes with its advantages and disadvantages. However, before deciding what type of packaging is best for your product, it is vital to note a few factors. Businesses should note the local laws and regulations in the area they want to sell their products. Some countries may have different standards and regulations regarding food packaging. These may include but are not limited to cultural differences, language barriers, and sustainability issues.
Choosing suitable packaging material for food products means being able to abide by the rules and standards of local food authorities. This is because food packaging is essential in maintaining the safety and quality of food products.
The right packaging can also help businesses present their products to establish their brand in the market. Simultaneously, it conveys the values of the brand to its customers. Business owners can make use of professional printing solutions to improve their packaging designs. Contact Meyers today and bring your vision to life.
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