In the food packaging industry, it is common to face food packaging malfunctions. A little mistake can cause a huge revenue loss to any business. This not only cuts down the profit value but also decreases the number of customers who used to trust that brand.
In today's fast-paced business world, every other brand is trying to make its food product wrapping more presentable and attractive. They understand the importance of maintaining both quality and quantity.
How would you feel if you were standing right in the middle of a market aisle? And a customer comes to buy a certain food product. He picks up your product but puts it back by saying that this brand is not trustworthy because its packaging is not reliable. Now, think it's just one customer that you saw. If every other customer says the same thing, how will you run your business? You need to understand
"A small mistake in the business can take down an entire empire."
To avoid such kinds of mistakes, you need to understand a few things before selecting a perfect, reliable, and durable packaging for your food.
Is the product dry, liquid, frozen, oily, or fragile?
Is your product cold or hot?
Does it need moisture resistance, temperature control, or airtight sealing?
Before selecting any packaging, analyze what your product needs to stay fresh and safe.
Consider factors like food safety, packaging, and product shelf life.
Which packaging protects your product from light, oxygen, or contamination?
Is the material that you are using eco-friendly or not?
Does the custom packaging for food you are using offer the end-user experience and convenience, like how easy the package is to carry, open, reseal, or microwave?
How does food packaging protect food from germs and spoilage?
In this blog, we will answer all of these questions in detail and in an explanatory way.
What do you think food packaging is? Is it just a simple casing of your food products, or is it something more? To answer this question, we first need to understand the nature of the food item. If it's wet, its packaging would be different. And if it's dry, its packaging would differ. For this, you would need to understand the categories of food and the factors affecting those foods.
Food is categorized on the basis of some important physical and chemical properties. Every food packaging demand differs from each other on the basis of these factors.
Dry or non-perishable food material has less water content, and it needs proper moisture resistance to maintain its dry nature. When they come in contact with moisture, the microorganisms start growing in them, and they spoil. And if they are protected from moisture, there are chances that the insects or rodents will attack them.
You can store them at room temperature for months to years if you store them properly in resealable or tear-notch pouches & mylar bags, paperboard boxes, jars, or PVC laminated bags.
Non-perishable foods are shelf-stable items like
Grains: Rice, pasta, flour, chickpeas, and cereals
Dried goods: Beans, nuts, dried fruits, and jerky
Canned goods: Canned fruits, vegetables, soups, and dried meats
Condiments: Sugar, spices, oils, and peanut butter
Food products that have a medium water content and need to be protected from water. They have natural microorganism growth inhibitors to stop the spoilage. To increase their shelf life, they undergo a preservation and pasteurization process.
They can be stored in cool and dry places. They have a shorter storage life span as compared to dry foods. Semi-perishable food items are
1. Potatoes, tomatoes, onions, apples, berries, and garlic
2. Some cured or smoked meats
3. Hard cheeses
4. Bakery products like biscuits, pastries, cakes, donuts, and pies
These food items have high water content and do not need that much protection from water. They are very sensitive to temperature and need to be frozen or refrigerated below 40°F (4°C) properly. If they are exposed to high temperatures, they spoil due to rapid microbial growth and enzymatic activity.
They require advanced packaging like vacuum packaging, Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP), or airtight containers to preserve freshness for months to years. These items are
1. Fresh meat, poultry, and seafood
2. Dairy products like milk, butter, and most cheeses
3. Fresh fruits and vegetables
4. Eggs
5. Cooked leftovers
6. Jams, sauces, and fresh juices
These food items have zero water content and need full moisture resistance. When they are in contact with moisture, the fungus starts growing in them. This damages their taste and physical and chemical composition. These items are spillable and greasy in nature.
You can store them in glass jars, metal tins, pouches & Mylar bags, or specialized plastic bottles. These need proper packing to protect against oil seepage and maintain quality.
Oil foods are sauces, cooking oils like olive, sunflower, and canola oil, salad dressings, mayonnaise, margarine, etc.
Food does not spoil itself. There are some main factors that affect the composition of food. These factors not only cause bacterial and fungal growth but also damage the taste, freshness, and aroma of food. There are some factors that affect the food depending on its nature.
Temperature, moisture, dust, UV rays, oxygen, physical damage, chemical compatibility, and light.
In the table below, there is a comparison given between factors that affect food and the food categories.
| Food Packaging Protection Factors | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foods | Temperature | Moisture | Oxygen | UV Rays | Chemical Damage | Physical Damage |
| Dry Food | Yes | Yes | High duration | No | Yes | No |
| Frozen Wet Food | Yes | No | Medium duration | More | Yes | No |
| Chilled Liquids and Food | Yes | Yes | Minimum duration | More | Yes | Yes |
| Oily Food | Yes | Yes | High duration | More | Yes | Yes |
Note: Every food has its own nature, and factors depend on its nature, which can cause spoilage of food. So it is important to understand the food storage requirements first. Then it can be protected from both chemical and physical factors.
Do you know what impacts the customer's brain most? It's not just product packaging but your food quality as well. It is important to know that using attractive and colorful packaging is not enough to maintain the freshness and food safety. You need to select a packaging that acts like a shield. It should keep your food safe from contamination, maintain its taste, texture, and nutrition. Most importantly, it protects the shape of your product.
Whether your product is snacks, baked goods, frozen foods, or ready-to-eat meals. When you provide will choose the right packaging. You will definitely provide your customers with their food in perfect condition.
Your packaging must be durable and reliable. Because there are many factors that you need to protect your food products.
When your products are shipped or transported from one place to another, they face many issues. The most problematic phase is handling. Whether your products are handled by machines or by laborers, there is a chance of mishandling. This can cause damage to the shape of the product and its designs.
The second problem is transportation itself. Food packaging may get punctured or ruptured if it is not packed in durable and reliable material.
To avoid these problems, you can use custom food boxes made from corrugated and rigid cardstock material.
Your food products are transported in simple cargo trucks. When they apply a break or face any jerk, your packaging can be damaged from shocks and vibrations. This can cause spillage or food shape deformation.
To avoid this issue, your packaging is the only way to protect your product. You can use customized cushioning materials like foam inserts or air pillows. It can reduce impact damage from shocks and vibrations. They keep your product in place and do not allow it to move in any direction.
When your food products are transported or even kept on the market shelf. They face temperature fluctuations. Those little changes can make your food spoil or cause microbial growth.
It is important to use the material that provides insulation, like mylar bags and glass jars. This material increases your food shelf life and keeps it fresh and ready to use.
If your packaging is not properly secured or closed, it can cause the food product to be contaminated. You need to use proper sealing and closing techniques to make them safe from macroorganisms like insects or other pests, dust, or other contaminants.
Well, this statement is not targeting any good employee, but it has been observed that some bad employees open up the food packaging and consume a part of it. To make sure that your customers are getting what you provided them, it is important to make your food packaging tamper-evident.
You can use custom packaging tapes to secure your food packaging, or you can use mylar bags with a sealable top. They are theft-proof and tamper-evident. Moreover, they are child-resistant for naughty kids. It will also keep them safe from consuming products like medicines or any food to which they are allergic.
Food items that are prone to fungal or bacterial growth need extra protection from light and UV radiation. Food and beverage products can degrade nutritional value and discolor products.
To protect your food material, you need to go for Light and moisture-resistant materials based on the category of your food product. They protect your product from moisture and light to reduce the risk of spoilage, degradation, and mold growth.
Check our products for food packaging to get more detailed information. You can simply click on any of these pictures to get an instant quote or order!!
You have got a variety of foods, but how to decide which material will be my best savior for the long term? When we visit the market, we see different kinds of packaging materials for food. We pick our product but never bother to look at the material specifications. There are different types of material available in the market, which play an important role.
You need to choose a food packaging material for your product. These materials make sure that they maintain the freshness, aroma, and crunchiness of your food. They avoid your food from getting soggy. These materials are Microwave-safe and freezer-safe options.
There are several materials that are being used in the market, like
+ Biodegradable PVC and PET Materials
+ Compostable Materials
+ Glass
+ Paperboard
+ Metal
+ Wood
+ Fabric
They are food-grade quality and do not leach any harmful chemicals into your food. They keep it safe and healthy. And not only humans, but these packaging options also think about the planet's safety as well. They do not contribute to land or air pollution.
Biodegradable material is a very eco-friendly material. It breaks down naturally without causing pollution and reduces waste. This material keeps the planet safe and green.
The most common types of bioplasts are used in today's packaging industry. They are polymers like PVC, which is Polyvinyl chloride, and PET, which is Polyethylene terephthalate. They are made from natural materials instead of fossil fuels. These materials are either biobased, biodegradable, or a combination of both.
PVC and PET are used to make Mylar bags, pouches, cellophane bags, etc. PVC/PET has two types. One is high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and the other is low-density polyethylene (LDPE).
HDPE: Milk jugs, detergent bottles, pipes, outdoor furniture, and fuel tanks.
LDPE: Plastic bags, food wrap, squeeze bottles, and flexible tubing.
This material is best for strong foods like milk, juices, bread, frozen food, frozen vegetables and fruits, and much more.
Composable material is made from bagasse, bamboo, molded pulp, or mushroom mycelium. These are eco-friendly materials. Because they easily become compost after breaking down into organic waste. They are perfectly recyclable and strong.
Compostable cardboard trays, glass, and cups are the most common types of food packaging. These trays are used to store fruits, vegetables, and other perishable items.
Glass is made from all the naturally occurring elements, like silica sand, soda ash, and limestone. These are used to store food and beverages. This material is recyclable, which makes it an eco-friendly packaging option.
Note: This material is prone to breakage during shipping. So it is important to pack it properly inside a box with inserts and dividers to keep it in place. It avoids movement, which can cause damage.
Glass jars, glass bottles, and other glass packaging are the most common types. These are used to store craft beers, sauces, condiments, juices, jams, cookies, bakery items, and other food.
Paperboard material is made from recyclable wood pulp. This eco-friendly material includes corrugated cardboard, cardstock, kraft paper, and rigid cardstock. This material is perfect for brand printing and customization. They are lightweight and durable.
Even these material boxes are low-budget. Because they are made from recyclable material. The best part about this is that they are totally crush-proof. They offer interesting design opportunities.
Folding cartons, beverage cartons like milk cartons, etc, are commonly used in the food industry.
A table is given below comparing all the materials on the basis of different factors to know which suits your food product the best.
| Packaging Material Comparison | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | Durability | Protection | Cost-Effective | Shipping Friendly | Best for Liquids | Best for Solids | Eco-Friendly | |
| PVC/PET | Medium | High | Yes | Long distances | Yes | Yes | Less | |
| Paperboard | Medium | Medium | Yes | Short distances | No | Yes | More | |
| Compost Material | Medium | Medium | Yes | No | No | Yes | More | |
| Glass | High | High | No | Long distances | Yes | Yes | Less | |
| Cardboard/cardstock | High | High | Yes | Short distances | No | Yes | More | |
| Kraft | Low | Medium | Yes | Short distances | No | Yes | More | |
| Fabric | Yes | Low | No | No | No | Yes | No | |
| Wood | Medium | Medium | No | Long distances | No | Yes | Less | |
| Metal | High | High | No | Short distances | Yes | Yes | No | |
Note: For more sustainable packaging, you should use glass or Mylar bags. They provide protection and keep your product safe from moisture, dust, microbial growth, and temperature fluctuations.
As a brand, customer satisfaction must be your top priority. But how will this happen if your packaging is not protected and reliable? You can not just expect your customers to like your food product when it is not durable and long-lasting.
Just imagine a customer buys a food pack, and when he opens it, he finds out the spoiled or soggy. If not this, then what about fungus or bacterial growth?
These things devalue your brand and become a major reason behind customer dissatisfaction. If you want to make your packaging your brand recognition and want to stand out among your competitors, then you need to for food safety certified packaging.
There are some methods and techniques that are used worldwide to seal food containers. They make your food spill-proof and leak-proof.
Do you know that you can make your packaging bacteria, mold, and yeast-free? Want to know how?
MAP packaging is the perfect method to keep your products, like cheese, baked goods, liquids like beverages, liquors, and meats, fresh and flavorful. In this process, air is replaced with a specific gas mixture. This mixture is prepared by combining carbon dioxide, oxygen, and nitrogen.
Are you tired of complaints about your product oxidation and product spoilage? Then you need to go for vacuum packaging. This is a very effective way to prevent your food from these factors. This technique removes all air from containers and minimizes oxygen exposure. This protects your product from microbial growth.
Barrier packaging is a very reliable method when it comes to increasing your product's shelf life. Do you know how it works? It works by decreasing the contact of oxygen, moisture, and other environmental factors with your food. This kind of packaging technique protects your product from microbial growth and keeps your packaging aroma-free. It does not allow the food aroma to go out of your packaging.
This barrier is made by using aluminum foil, nylon, and multi-layer films that incorporate materials like EVOH (ethylene vinyl alcohol). You can add re-sealable zippers, child-lock zippers, and tear notches as well for customers' ease.
Heat sealing is the most customer-friendly sealing option. It can be done by a professional sealing machine or even by using a hair straightener or a pressing iron. This method is very cost-effective and can be done again after opening a packet.
When you launch your product in the market, it is monitored by the government authorities. The government has set some rules regarding the packaging and wrapping of food products. And these authorities check their application by brands. Whether they are solid food or beverages, the manufacturing brand has to comply with it.
Product packaging must be according to the safety rules which are set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Forest Stewardship Council(FSC), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
These authorities check if your product packaging for food products is made to keep your food item fresh, healthy, and safe. It is important to follow these rules to protect clients and keep your products trustworthy according to the law.
Gen Z and millennials care a lot about sustainability. If you want to attract these customers, then you need to look for eco-friendly and sustainable food product packaging as your first priority.
When you have modern and more environmentally friendly and conscious customers, then you need to know that
Sustainable Packaging Matters a lot for your Modern Consumers.
A report from Trivium Packaging shows that 71% of customers make buying decisions based on a product’s sustainability. And when it comes to shopping habits, Gen Z leads the way.
According to the same report, 90% of Gen Z participants said they are willing to pay more for products with eco-friendly packaging.
With the increase in global warming and air pollution, governments have taken the initiative all over the world to recycle more and more packaging, like plastic. And not only governments, but also more than a third of global consumers are supporting this step. They are even willing to pay more for environmentally and sustainably packaged products.
According to research done by the Business Wire, all over the world, around 60% of consumers go for sustainable packaging, but in the USA, this ratio stands at 61%.
This shows the importance of eco-friendly packaging. So, for doing business in this country, it is a significant purchase criterion.
“Food product safety and protection are the brand's No. 1 priority.”
If your food product gets damaged or spills before reaching the market aisles or customers' doorsteps, it has a negative impact on your brand's reputation. If you want to give your customers an unforgettable and memorable food experience. Then you need to make sure it is properly packed and securely closed. Your product can get damaged during shipping and handling. Whether you are selling your product online or in physical stores, it is important that to transport is hassle-free.
You need to make sure that your packaging is the right size according to your product. It should not be too small and not too big. Then it will keep your food product in place and avoid unnecessary movements. It will stay safe during transport. It should also be strong and durable.
Note: During shipping, always leave one inch from the top. When you pack food items like cake, pastries, and liquid items like cold drinks, etc. Moreover, you can use customized inserts or dividers to keep them organized and travel-friendly.
MyBoxPrinting is a packaging expert and structural engineer who can help you create packaging. That will handle bumps, drops, and the overall stress of the transportation.
Humans have become very fond of comfort, and they like things to be done on their own, like waving a magic wand of any wizard. So when designing the packaging, you need to consider some points like
1. Packaging should be easy to carry
2. It should be easy to open
3. It must be resealable
4. Most importantly, it should be microwave or refrigerator-friendly.
Business means money. But if you invest a lot of money in packaging, what will you have? Simple answer Nothingsss!!
You can search for reliable suppliers like MyBoxPrinting to work with for making your food product packaging budget-friendly. You can avoid overspending by choosing the right type of material that affects cost.
For example, corrugated cardboard is cheaper than glass or metal. And in printing, flexographic printing is more cost-effective as compared to other printing options.
This material packaging can be easily stored and stacked. You can get them customized in bulk quantities to save money. You can go for wholesale rates to give your business a more pocket-friendly solution.
Do you know who goes to the grocery store most of the time? It's LADIESSSSS!!!!
So if you want your product to go into their cart, then you need to impress them first. If your packaging is successful in grabbing their attention. We promise you they will become your brand's heart core fan and won't bother any other brand.
It is important to understand your shoppers for designing your product boxes and packaging. Do you need to know who your customers are? Yes, of course, and you also need to know what their age, interests, values, and lifestyle are?
Do they like bright, bold designs? Or do they like to go for simple, minimalistic looks? Are they eco-conscious? Which color do they want to see on the package?
When you understand all of these preferences, you will be able to create packaging that will increase your customer brand loyalty. And you will become a major competitor for others’ businesses in the market.
You can make your food packaging a powerful tool to tell your brand story and connect with customers.
You can go for different color schemes to make your brand and your products recognizable at first glance. You can give your packaging a different color to attract them mentally. Once you are successful in influencing their emotions, you can leave a long-lasting impact on their minds.
For example, red color grabs attention, purple color is for sophistication, black color is for premium and luxury, and so on.
MyBoxPrinting offers its customers the convenience of using textures, graphics like animals, cartoons, and other themes. And this does not end here. If you want to choose Multicolor, dual, tri, or more colors for your packaging, you just need to ask. This will help you give your brand a different and unique identity in the market. You will be able to make more sales with this exclusivity.
There is one more option like if you choose just transparent packaging and no colors, you can hit the market with your custom printed branding. Your box will be simple, transparent, and show your great product. But printed with your logo, contact information, and a beautifully designed name.
People trust those brands that are transparent and provide all the details of the product. From the ingredients and nutrients of the food product to the material used in the packaging is important.
You can personalize your food packaging with your logos, company name, contact information, business address, food ingredients, warnings, QR codes, Bar codes, and much more.
Do you know that most customers pick up a product that has proper labeling and transparency? And what do you think that food regulatory agencies only check the product? No, they also check the labeling compliance. So it is non-negotiable to miss this important part.
Labeling includes a proper list of ingredients, nutritional information, and allergens. And do not think about ignoring it. Mislabeling or inadequate information can lead to legal issues. This will not only damage your finances but also damage consumer trust.
Do not worry about being updated with the latest regulations, because MyBoxPrinting makes sure that your packaging meets all requirements. And you can run your business smoothly.
If you are making a high-quality product, then you need to sell it in out-of-class packaging and wrapping. When you decorate your packaging with different finishes and foils, its whole look changes to a next level. You can try one or more finishing and coatings to make your food product rule the whole market like a king.
+ Silver and Gold Foil Stamping
+ Matte and Glossy Laminations
+ Protective Coating
+ Embossing and Debossing
+ Spot UV and Soft-Touch Coating
+ Raised UV and Satin Finish
Offset, screen, and digital printing in 2D and 3D digital designs with our water-based, soya-based, or oil-based inks can make your packaging very attractive. Good-quality printing, like CMYK and PMS color schemes, is paramount for making sure that your food product packaging is eye-catching and appealing.
You can design your product packaging in digital graphic design AI template tools like Adobe Illustrator and Pacdora for making it modern and advanced.
When we say this product has good packaging, what does this phrase mean? Are we only talking about protecting your product, or is there something else too? Which we need to consider.
A proper and efficient packaging means that it protects your product and increases your brand recognition in the market. It should also increase your sales by satisfying customers.
If your customers receive damaged items or see worn-out packaging on store shelves. They will not buy it and will never think again about your brand. Do you know what this means? It means you lost your revenue generator.
To avoid and overcome these mistakes, it is important to test and prototype your packaging. There are technicians at MyBoxPrinting who are certified by the International Safe Transit Association (ISTA). They run packaging through real-world conditions. They test to make sure that your packaging can handle the shipping, handling, stacking, and other factors that can damage your product. These tests include:
+ Incline tests
+ Vibration tests
+ Free-fall drop tests
+ Material-handling tests
+ Compression tests
Food packaging is an essential part of brand reputation. When a brand understands its customer demand and requirements, it becomes very easy to target them for increasing sales. The right type of packaging starts by understanding the nature of the food that you are packing. When you provide that food safety and protection from moisture, UV rays, temperature fluctuations, and other factors. You not only increase its shelf life but also gain customer satisfaction. This satisfaction increases your brand value and makes you stand out among competitors.
You can customize your food packaging to make it more attractive and appealing for your products. There are many trustworthy manufacturers like MyBoxprinting that not only make eco-friendly boxes. But also comply with the FDA, FSC, and other food regulatory authorities. You can get eco-friendly and strictly hygienic material, and unlimited printing and finishing options from us.
What should you look for when you choose food packaging?
You should focus on the safety, freshness, and durability of the packaging. You should also look for good material quality and how the packaging fits your product properly.
How to know if your packaging is durable for shipping?
When you use strong materials and proper sizing, it is perfect for protection and safety. And when you add protective inserts, it doubles the protection. Moreover, you can conduct tests like drop tests and vibration tests to know if your packaging can handle transport or not.
How can you know if the packaging is food safe?
You should always choose certified food-grade materials. They must be FDA-approved and follow other safety regulations.
How can I pick packaging that fits my budget?
You need to focus on some points like materials, design, and the company from which you are taking the services. At MyBoxPrinting, we offer cost-effective options that are budget-friendly for you.
Which packaging material is preferred for food products?
The best options are paperboard, glass, and corrugated cardboard. They are eco-friendly and budget-friendly.
How can your food packaging keep my product fresh for a long time?
Our packaging has airtight seals and offers moisture barriers. Furthermore, it is UV-resistant materials that protect the freshness and extend the shelf life of your food.
