What is Small Business Food Packaging? Read on!

Retaining the freshness, taste, and aroma of food products is paramount for businesses to satisfy customers. Food packaging plays a distinctive role in this regard. Endless options are out there to choose from when it comes to food products.

Your choice may depend upon your preferences and the type of food you want to pack. In this blog, we will discuss in detail about the small business food packaging. Read on to find more!

What is Food Packaging?

The type of packaging that protects and keeps fresh food items packed inside is called food packaging. This type of packaging is created considering the health of consumers as well as the branding requirements of food businesses. 

Choosing the right food product packaging is essential for small businesses. Appropriate packaging not only provides an enclosure to food items but also makes businesses stand out in a highly competitive environment.

Packaging Materials for Food Products

Endless material choices are available when it comes to food packaging. However, choosing the right one is important as it determines the quality and safety of food packed inside. Some food grade packaging material options are:

• Kraft Paper

Kraft paper is one of the most reliable as well as biodegradable packaging materials for food items. This material doesn’t contain any toxins so is considered ideal to pack food. You can create various types of packaging using kraft paper. Some common examples include paper food trays, food boxes, food wraps, etc.

• Corrugated Cardboard

When delivering food items safely, robust packaging is required to ensure safe shipping. Corrugated cardboard can play an important role in this regard. The reason is that this packaging material is made of multi-layered kraft paper providing a cushioning effect against bumps and knocks of transit. That’s how corrugated food boxes retain the integrity of food items for a long time.

• Plastic Material

Plastic is one of the most reliable packaging materials, not the best though. This type of material is famous for its dust-proofing and waterproofing properties. By resisting moisture and dirt, plastic bags and containers keep food items pristine for a long time. However, such packaging material may also contain toxins that can affect the health of consumers.

• Edible Packaging Material

Edible packaging is a gradually growing packaging option that is famous for its groundbreaking benefits materials of such packaging are completely consumable by the users posing no harm to their health. Some common examples of edible packaging materials are seaweed for food wraps, pasta for straws, and mushrooms for robust boxes.

Popular Food Packaging Options

Now that we know the popular materials that are used to create reliable food packaging, let’s delve into some commonly used packaging types in the food industry. Here are some retail food packaging supplies that can be used to pack different types of food products:

• Tuck-End Boxes

Tuck-style cardboard or kraft boxes are mostly used to pack a wide range of food products. These easy-to-open and convenient-to-carry boxes are mostly used for takeaway meals and bakery items. Such boxes are also robust enough to bear the weight of food products, so protect them during transit.

One of the best things about these boxes is that you can print whatever you want on them. Most food brands print their logos and persuasive graphics on these boxes to captivate customers.

• Box Cartons

For fast-consuming liquid food items, box cartons are considered to be a reliable option. These cartons are robust enough to keep liquid food safe inside. Custom cartons for milk and juices are mostly made with a blend of cardstock, plastic, and metallic material. All these combine to create durable and waterproof packaging for food items.

• Stand up Pouches

Some liquid and semi-liquid items can also be packed in mylar pouches. Such a packaging option is suitable for those food items that require relatively longer to be consumed than milk and juices. For instance, sauces and oils can be easily packed in stand up pouches. These pouches come with a nozzle and a cap on the top to conveniently use the products packed inside.

• Custom Sachets & Bags

For low-ticket food items in a small quantity, custom sachets and bags are considered to be an ideal option. These bags are made of mylar which provides waterproofing and airproofing benefits to enhance the shelf life of products. These sachets also come with tear notches making them suitable for one-time use products. 

Regulatory Guidelines for Food Packaging

Complying with the laws of states is essential when it comes to creating packaging for your food products. For every food business, it is obligatory to design packaging and pack food according to regulations by the FDA. FDA Regulates Food Packaging in two major areas:

1. Ingredients of food must be mentioned on the packaging of food
2. Substances that come into contact with food (like packaging) must be created according to guidelines.

Complying with the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA) is also essential when creating packaging for food products. It includes that businesses should ensure that the information mentioned on packaging labels is accurate and correct. Misleading or false information may lead to legal actions against that business.

Where to Customize Packaging for Food Items?

Now that we have explored what food packaging is. Let’s discuss how you can customize such packaging that benefits your small business. To do so, all you need to do is to get in touch with a reliable packaging company like Custom Boxes Lane.

We offer endless customizations allowing you to create suitable food packaging that meets your needs. You can also get free design support from us to align your food packaging with your brand.

Conclusion

Choosing the right food packaging is essential for small businesses to outshine competitors and keep food items safe. We hope the above guide on small business food packaging provides you with valuable insights helping to choose the right packaging for your business. For further information, or to get a custom quote, reach out to us!