The Ultimate Guide in Choosing the Right Restaurant Packaging Supplies
Packaging supplies are an essential part of any establishment’s order system. They provide the foundation for efficient and safe transit of food from kitchen to customer. Quality packaging also makes every order look neat and attractive, inspiring confidence in the product and reinforcing brand recognition which is valuable in building customer loyalty. Investing in good-quality packaging not only suggests a commitment to customer satisfaction but also carries many benefits.
The Importance of Food Packaging
Prevent Food Spoilage
Food safety is of the utmost importance, and only foods at their prime are safe for us to consume. Therefore, from when food is manufactured until it is sold to consumers, we employ materials and technology in food packaging to prevent food from biological, physical, or chemical variation. As a result, the food guarantee can be substantially extended. Food will undoubtedly remain fresh and enjoyable with correct and good packing.
Ease Package Transportation
Shipping materials designed for transporting food are designed to withstand bumps and drops during transit without compromising food quality, making it easier than ever for companies to distribute their products both near and far. Packaging can also keep food sanitary during its journey from the factory to store shelves and even onto customers’ tables. This form of packaging helps companies maintain their items’ freshness while protecting them from environmental conditions, ultimately helping them save money and time in the process.
Product Promotion
Food package design is crucial, in addition to employing eco-friendly materials and packaging forms. It might boost your sales performance and aid in the promotion of your product. The primary components are colour, language, and pattern. A successful design fully utilizes these components per the product’s functionality, features, and shape, enticing customers to purchase.
Information
Packages are where manufacturers convey essential information about their products, like nutritional information, ingredients, origin and even promotional messages. This data is invaluable to consumers, helping them make informed decisions about what to eat and giving them peace of mind that their food choices align with their personal dietary needs and values. Food packages also help businesses protect their brand recognition by displaying eye-catching visual branding that can be easily recognized on shelves and virtual marketplaces.
Different Types of Food Packaging
Aseptic Processing
This applies to sterile foods that must be kept clean. These products include liquid eggs, milk, and milk-based beverages, in addition to other processed foods that need to be stored for extended periods. Aseptic containers have a tight inner layer of polyethylene and are built of a combination of paper, polyethylene, and metal. Most sterile pharmaceutical containers, like syringes and vials, are made of plastic or glass.
Trays
Most of this is self-explanatory. Meats, plant seeds, and beverages can all be transported in trays. They are formed of different materials, such as paperboard, and are mainly flat with raised sides to hold the object in place. Trays provide a sturdy foundation for the transportation and display of items. Some trays are formed to fit the product perfectly like meat tray, while others are designed to be space-efficient so multiple products can fit in one container.
Bags
Food packaging bags are a popular and highly versatile way to store and transport food. They come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, from small pouches to large sacks capable of accommodating the contents of an entire grocery shopping trip. Made from different materials like polyethylene, paper, and plastic, food bags prevent food from exposure to bacteria, oxygen or moisture.
Boxes
Boxes are one of the most common types of food packaging. They not only protect food and goods from facilitating shipping, but they also add presentation value. They come in an enormous array of sizes, shapes, and materials, making them suitable for almost any type of food. The material composition can range from card-stock paper to heavy-duty corrugated cardboard, offering sturdiness and protection for many items.
Cans
Cans are a popular type of food packaging that is surprisingly long-lasting and versatile. Food companies have used this method for years, and it can easily be recycled. In addition, it can provide an efficient way to store food items that require preservation, primarily due to their hermetic seal capabilities. This form of packaging is also ideal for those with limited access to refrigeration, as canned goods don’t need to be stored in cool temperatures like other products do.
Cartons
Frequently, boxes and cartons can be used interchangeably. Cartons convey food and are made of corrugated fiberboard, just like boxes. Almost all food items we purchase from the grocery store are packaged in a carton. Carton food packaging is a cost-effective way to keep food fresh and safe for consumption. The material used to make these containers is lightweight yet durable, making them easy to transport and store.
Flexible Packaging
Flexible packaging is a type of packaging that is made from thin, flexible materials. It can package food, beverages, and other consumer products. Flexible packaging is often used in place of traditional packaging materials, such as glass, metal, or paperboard. Similar to bags, flexible packaging shields food from the elements and provides a suitable method of transport. Flexible packaging is frequently used to store foods like bagged salads.
Pallets
Pallets are one of the critical types of food packaging and are often used to transport large volumes of goods. They provide a safe way of transporting large amounts of food from one location to another since they provide stability and protect the items from breakage or damage. Despite their larger size, these food packages are highly efficient because they can be stacked on top of each other and are designed to support the weight of multiple boxes without collapsing.
Wrappers
Wrappers are food packaging that is used to enclose and protect food. There are many wrappers, including paper, plastic, and foil wrappers. Wrappers can package various food items, including sandwiches, baked goods, snacks, and candy. Wrappers help to keep food fresh and prevent it from being damaged or contaminated. They also make it easy to transport food.
What to Look for in Food Packaging Suppliers
There are a few things to remember when looking for food packaging suppliers.
Reliability
When sourcing food packaging suppliers, one significant attribute to consider is reliability. Working with a trustworthy and consistent producer has substantial advantages: they’ll be able to meet your quantity and quality needs on time, and you can trust the safety of the products they provide. When making your decision, think whether previous customers have had successful business experiences over the long term – that’s reliability in action! Choose wisely, save yourself the hassle and keep your customers happy too.
Product Range
When selecting a food packaging supplier, it is essential to consider their range of products. You want to be open in your choices. The right supplier will provide a wide range of packaging options to meet your needs, whether you are packaging dry goods, liquids, or other food items. They should also have a variety of sizes and shapes of packaging available, as well as different materials to choose from. This will ensure that you can find the perfect packaging for your products and that you have a supplier who can meet all your packaging needs.
Product Quality
When selecting a food packaging supplier, the quality of the product is one of the most important criteria to consider. The performance and safety of your product depend on the quality of the materials used in its packaging; therefore, it’s essential to choose a supplier that produces high-quality packaging supplies.
Competitive Pricing
One of the most important factors to consider when looking for a food packaging supplier is pricing. You want to find a supplier who can offer you competitive prices on the products you need. And you don’t want to overpay for your products.
There are several ways to compare pricing, including online price comparison tools and requesting quotes from multiple suppliers. It is also essential to consider the quality of the packaging when comparing prices, as cheaper materials may provide a different level of protection for your food products.
Good Customer Service
When choosing a food packaging supplier, it is essential to consider customer service. Good customer service means that the supplier is responsive to your needs and questions and can assist when problems arise. In addition, a good supplier will keep you updated on new products and innovations in the food packaging industry.
Contact Patek Packaging for Your Packaging Needs!
If you’re in need of superior quality and creative packaging solutions for any of your business needs, contact Patek Packaging! We offer various packaging options to suit your needs, including custom printing and design services. Contact us today to learn more about our packaging solutions and how we can help you create the perfect package for your products.