In the competitive fast-food industry, packaging supplies speak of a brand’s strategy and consumer experience. According to a report by Packaging Digest, nearly 70% of consumers believe that packaging solutions influence their purchasing decisions. For instance, customizable packing services have been shown to increase brand recognition by up to 30%.
In Canada, the trend towards sustainability of packing supplies has gained momentum. A recent survey by the Canadian Packaging Association found that 52% of consumers are eager to pay a premium made from recycled materials or that offers better recyclability. This shift prompts packaging supply stores to offer biodegradable and recyclable materials, such as kraft paper and eco-friendly plastics.
The Role of Packaging in Brand Identity
According to a survey by Packaging World, over 60% of consumers recognize brands based on packaging alone. The design has various elements, including colour schemes, typography, and imagery.
- For example, Coca-Cola’s use of its iconic red and white colour scheme is highly distinctive and associated with its brand identity.
- Their shapes, such as the distinctive bottle design of Evian water or the square box of Pringles, enhance shelf visibility and brand recall.
Brand Storytelling and Messaging
- Flexographic and digital printing enable detailed graphics and text to tell their story through visuals and written content.
- For instance, creating beer labels includes information about the brewing process and the brewery’s history, thus enhancing the brand narrative.
Consumer Experience and Engagement
Functionality affects convenience and usability. Features such as resealable closures, self-storage, easy-to-open mechanisms, wardrobe boxes, and portion control enhance the user experience. For example, stand-up pouches with zip-lock closures offer convenience and freshness of moving services.
What Are The Most Favoured Options?
Customizable
- Flexographic printing uses flexible plates and fast-drying inks for high-volume runs, while digital printing is for high-definition graphics and shorter print runs.
- Custom bags and boxes are printed with company logos, product information, and promotional messages. Materials include paperboard, corrugated fiberboard, and plastic.
Eco-Friendly
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Biodegradable |
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Recycled |
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Compostable |
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Functional
- Tamper-evident features shrink bands, breakable seals, and tamper-proof caps. Technologies include induction seals that use electromagnetic energy to bond a foil layer to the container’s rim.
- Multi-compartment separates different items or portions and is made from plastic, paperboard, or moulded fibre. This is ideal for meal kits or combination products to maintain freshness and reduce contamination.
- Resealable incorporates zip-lock mechanisms or press-to-seal tabs to open and reseal, preserving product freshness and preventing spillage. Common in snacks and frozen foods.
Flexible
- Stand-up pouches are ideal for snacks, beverages, and pet foods, made from multi-layer films. They include resealable closures, bubble wrap, and spouts.
- Shrink Wrap is used for bundling multiple products or tamper evidence of fragile items, it is a plastic film that conforms to the product shape when heat is applied—good against moisture and contamination.
- Rollstock is used in automated systems, and it refers to large rolls of flexible film that are converted into on-site right boxes. It allows for high-speed processing and is commonly used in the food and beverage industry in British Columbia.
Rigid
- Glass has a good barrier and is used for premium products such as sauces, beverages, and cosmetics.
- Plastic containers made from materials such as PET, HDPE (high-density polyethylene), and PP (polypropylene) are widely used for dairy items, sauces, and snacks.
- Metal cans are common for beverages and food products—aluminum or steel protects against light, oxygen, and moisture.
Fast Food Chains are Incorporating Unique Packaging for Consumer Experience
Fast Food Foul
It is an Egyptian fast food chain that represents a radical departure from traditional branding and bundling in the Middle Eastern market. The restaurant, known for its vibrant and unconventional approach, was designed by Shiekh Branding with the goal of attracting a younger generation.
- Made from high-quality, recyclable paperboard, known for its durability and ease of printing.
- Features a riot of bright, bold colours that are uncharacteristic of the conservative Egyptian market.
- The design is heavily influenced by the American 90s aesthetic, characterized by geometric shapes, neon colours, and playful typography.
7 West Cafe
It is a 24-hour restaurant in Toronto, Canada, and faces the challenge of promoting late-night pizza orders to its regular-hours customers. The solution, devised by designer Man Wai Wong, was a series of time-specific pizza boxes, each to a particular hour of the day.
- Made from sturdy corrugated cardboard, known for its strength and insulation, which help keep the pizzas hot.
- Includes 12 distinct designs—one for each hour of the day—each featuring a humorous reason why that specific time is ideal for ordering pizza.
- For example, the 1 AM box suggests that it’s the perfect time to order because you're five hours into a movie binge.
Gawatt
A coffee shop known for its unique and playful branding introduced takeaway coffee cups that allow customers to customize the face and mood of their cup by simply rotating the sleeve.
- The cups are made from high-quality, recyclable paperboard. Ensures durability and insulation for hot beverages.
- The cups feature a rotating outer sleeve that displays different facial expressions as it turns, allowing customers to personalize their cup’s "mood."
Best Packaging Options for Fastfood Chains
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Category |
Product |
Material |
Food Applications |
Price |
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Beverage |
PET |
Ideal for serving cold beverages, like Coca-Cola, iced teas, and smoothies. |
$85.95 |
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Paper |
These cups are ideal for serving coffee, hot chocolate, and other warm beverages. |
$78.95 |
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Cutlery |
PP |
Perfect for serving soups, stews, and other liquid-based meals. |
$18.95 |
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Wheat Straw Fibre |
Ideal for fast food chains that emphasize sustainability, these spoons can be used for both hot and chilled dishes, including soups, salads, and desserts. |
$23.00 |
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Takeout |
Paper |
Designed for serving moderate portions of rice bowls, pasta, and more. |
$60.95 |
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#8 | 46oz Eco-friendly Kraft Take-Out Box 6x4.75x2.5″ - 200 Pcs |
Kraft |
Best suited for takeout meals, especially for larger portions like pasta dishes, rice bowls, and combo meals. |
$44.95 |
Improve Your Brand’s Visibility with a Quality Pack
Commercial packaging carries a memorable brand experience, and can drive customer engagement while reinforcing brand identity. This means having the right wrapping can be a strong asset that can enhance your brand’s visibility and customer loyalty.
Patek Packaging offers a range of affordable and durable solutions to meet the specific needs of businesses. Now, you can protect your food items with ease for storing, serving, and delivering.
Ready to take your fast food game to the next level? Order at Patek Packaging today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the cost savings associated with lightweight packing for fast food chains?
Lightweight bundling can reduce material costs by up to 15-20% without sacrificing durability. For example, switching from a traditional 20-gram plastic container to a 17-gram version can save a chain with 1,000 locations approximately $200,000 annually. Additionally, lighter ones reduces shipping costs by decreasing the overall weight of each shipment, potentially saving another 5-10% on logistics expenses.
How does high-quality packing impact customer retention rates?
Studies show that 60% of customers are more likely to return to a fast food chain if it enhances their dining experience. Features like reclosable lids and spill-proof containers contribute to 45% fewer complaints related to food quality during delivery. 70% of consumers perceive brands with premiums as higher quality, which can lead to a 25% increase in repeat business.
How does packaging design influence the speed of service in fast-food chains?
Well-designed wraps can improve service speed by up to 20%. Features like easy-grip handles, pop-open tabs, and pre-folded containers reduce the time it takes for employees to package food. This efficiency can lead to an average reduction of 30 seconds per order, which can result in serving an additional