Essential Guide to Packaging Supplies: Product Ideas and Uses

Over the past decade, the e-commerce market has undergone significant growth- with a projected $61.55 billion revenue by 2026, the demand for product packaging solutions to manage shipping and logistics and establish a special connection with customers has also expanded.

The initial point of contact and connection with customers for online sellers is through packaging and shipment. 

Although packaging’s original purpose was to safeguard goods in transit, ignoring its potential marketing value could result in a missed opportunity. If executed properly, unboxing your food box packaging can be an opportunity to provide customers with a helpful product and give them an experience they will always remember.

To help you differentiate your company in today’s market, we’ve compiled a list of promising and innovative food packaging ideas.

The restaurant industry is witnessing a spike in demand for takeaway and delivery services. The coronavirus outbreak is expected to continue this trend over a long period.

For customers, doorstep food delivery has become both a necessity and a convenience. Not only is it ideal for the food packaging to be cost-effective and functional, but the food presentation must also align with customer expectations and provide them with a satisfying experience.

Below are some valuable takeaways from delivering a stellar customer experience with appropriate packaging. Although there may be variance in how each order is delivered, you can follow these simple rules of thumb to ensure that your food is delivered as intended.

The packaging should withstand the rigours of transportation and handling without tearing, puncturing, or falling apart. This is especially suitable for sandwiches and salads that may be jostled around during delivery.

If the packaging is leak-proof, it can prevent a mess during transport and make the food unappealing to the customer. In addition, packaging should be able to keep liquids, such as sauces and soups, contained and prevent them from spilling out.

If the food being delivered is hot or cold. In that case, the packaging should be able to insulate and maintain its temperature until it reaches the customer.

The packaging should be easy to open, mainly if the customer is eating the food on the go or in a car. Conversely, packaging that is difficult to open or requires special tools can be frustrating for the customer.

To reduce waste and promote sustainability, it is ideal for the packaging to be reusable or easily recyclable. This can include items like containers that can be returned for reuse or packaging made from recycled materials.

When packaging utensils, always ask your customer if they want them included in their takeout or delivery order. It is just to ensure that packaging is well-spent and used. If they do request utensils, package them with care. Keep your disposable utensils in sanitary conditions and package them the same way.

It is best practice to package utensils to prevent contamination separately. It’s also best to add utensils to the takeout bag last, as they could break or go unused if placed underneath or between other items.

In addition to practical considerations, it’s also strategic for the packaging to be visually appealing. It can increase the perceived value of the food and enhance the overall customer experience.

As people continue to optimize the dispatch process, businesses are continuously looking for better ways to make delivery orders easier, faster and more profitable. Follow these practices for food delivery packaging to ensure that the food you serve looks as good as it tastes.

Always be mindful of your food packaging. Don’t be scared to use new packaging materials if they will increase the profitability and success of your business. Continue to ask for customer feedback and refine your packaging along the way.

Packaging supplies are a valuable part of packaging and shipping because they help keep the items safe and protected. They also help with branding and marketing because the packaging materials can match the image and values of the company.

Depending on the needs of the product being shipped, many different kinds of packaging materials can be used. Some examples include:

Kraft Paper

Kraft paper is firm and can be folded or flattened without changing shape. The main benefit of this packaging is its price, which depends on how much you bulk purchase and the quality level. You must ensure that your kraft bags have lids to stay dry and protect the product from exposure.

Flexible Pouches

These pouches are good for the environment. Their carbon footprint is much smaller than most other packaging materials, like glass, metal, cardboard, and hard plastic. Flexible pouches have clear plastic windows that let you see what kind of food is inside before you buy it. The valves on its packaging keep oxygen from getting inside the pouch and spoiling the product.

Paperboard Boxes

Paperboard boxes are trendy packaging materials used for various product packaging applications. It is a paper-based material thinner than cardboard but thicker than paper. These boxes are used for packaging all sorts of products, including cereal, crackers, snacks, soup mixes, canned, pasta, meal kits, and many other types of food. It is fully recyclable if not stained with liquids or food particulates.

Clamshell Packaging

Most clamshells are paperboard, plastic, recycled paper, plant-based materials, or styrofoam. There are two “shells” on a clamshell. On one side, the shells are joined together; on the other; there is a clasp or knob that can lock and unlock the container.

Clamshells are often used for packaging sandwiches, salads, fruit, chicken wings, BBQ ribs, and other foods and consumer goods.