Food Packaging Basics

Provide food packaging that works with your type of food products

By J.R. Glass
Understand food packaging basics to make the best packaging and marketing decisions for your food products. There are three basic types of food packaging: aluminum, plastic and cardboard. Each of these items is customizable to have a company logo, picture and any other information deemed necessary. The greatest difference between the three types of food packaging is the type of food it can safely store.

Aluminum food packaging works well with beverages and canned perishables. Plastic food packaging works well for many items including frozen perishables, chips, candy and more. Cardboard boxes are great for dry goods and fresh and frozen perishables. While some foods will have an option of packaging materials, the majority of food will determine the type of packaging.

1. Use plastic food packaging for snack foods, perishables and produce.

2. Package beverages and perishables in aluminum food packaging.

3. Use food packaging boxes for dry goods and frozen perishables.

 

Locate plastic food packaging suppliers

Plastic food packaging companies are widely available to companies. Some types of plastic food packaging available are custom food bags, poly food bags and beverage packing bags. Each type of bag targets a certain type of food category, such as bread, frozen foods and snack foods. Along with packaging, food packaging services may include custom printing.
Try: Crown Poly is a plastic food packaging supplier. It is an environmentally conscious company that practices source reduction. Another plastic food packaging supplier is Multivac. It offers packaging solutions for meat, dairy, vegetables and many more perishable foods.

Work with aluminum and metal food packaging companies

Aluminum is a common material for manufacturing food storage containers. Because aluminum food containers are easy to manufacture, they are inexpensive. Sealed aluminum food containers can safely store food for long periods of time. Aluminum containers are an environmentally friendly option; manufactures make them from recycled materials, and used aluminum is recyclable.
Try: Ball has been in the food packing business for 125 years. It carries aluminum packaging for both beverages and food products. Independent Can is a food packaging company that offers solutions for aluminum food packaging. It carries stock and custom containers.

Find suppliers of food packaging boxes

Food boxes offer attractive and functional packaging for perishable and nonperishable foods alike. Food boxes also offer a level of protection to food goods while they are in transit. Another benefit of boxes is that manufacturers can make them from recycled materials and you can recycle them again after use.
Try: Paper Mart sells food packaging supplies for dry goods. Browse its website to find boxes for pizza, bakery goods, wine and more. PacMoore is a contract packaging service. Work with this company to custom design food packaging boxes.

 

  • Consult with a packaging designer to make the most out of product packaging. Packaging designers are experts in product package design and marketing and can help you market your brand through your food packaging.

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