A Beginner’s Guide to Food Packaging

The food industry is one of the most fiercely competitive fields in a world where consumers have an abundance of options. With so many brands vying for attention, businesses need to do more than just provide quality products and create an experience that resonates with consumers. One crucial element in doing so is through food packaging. 

Food packaging is no longer just a means of protecting food products. It has evolved into a powerful tool for creating a unique brand identity and establishing a strong connection with customers. The design, materials, and messaging on a package all contribute to a brand's personality, and make it stand out on the shelf. It is no wonder that packaging is often the first thing that catches a consumer's eye when shopping for food products. In this article, we will be sharing with you all the fundamentals you need to take note of when choosing the right food packaging for your business in this increasingly competitive market - keep reading to discover more.

4 Functions of food packaging



Food packaging is an essential component of the food industry that not only protects food products but also serves as a means of branding and marketing for businesses. While the primary function of food packaging has been to keep food fresh and safe for consumption, modern-day food packaging has evolved to incorporate other features such as convenience, aesthetics, and eco-friendliness. This section takes a look at the various functions of food packaging for your business.

Protection and preservation

One most important function of food packaging is to protect and preserve food products. Food packaging maintains the quality, freshness, and safety of food by preventing contamination from external factors such as air, moisture, light, and microorganisms. For instance, vacuum-sealed packaging is used for meat products to prevent oxidation and the growth of bacteria. Similarly, airtight containers are used for storing bakery products to prevent moisture absorption and staling. In addition, food packaging serves as a barrier against physical damage, such as breaking or crushing of products during transportation. This is particularly beneficial for products like cakes or crackers, which are often packed in food packaging boxes that help protect from crushing their texture. 

Convenience 

Food packaging provides a great deal of convenience and simplicity to consumers in today’s fast-paced world. Convenient packaging can come in many forms, such as plastic food containers, vacuum storage bags, and take away boxes, and saves time and effort by allowing food to be stored for longer periods without worrying about spoilage or contamination. 

Additionally, the right food packaging can provide ease during the preparation and consumption of food. Ready-to-eat meals conveniently packaged allows consumers to heat and serve them quickly and easily. Snacks and other on-the-go options can also be packaged in a way that makes them easy to carry and consume, even when consumers are on the move. Moreover, food packaging also makes portion control more effortless for consumers, particularly those who are watching their calorie intake, making it easier to maintain a healthy diet. These conveniences that food packaging offers bring a significant difference in the purchasing decisions of customers. By prioritising convenience in food packaging, businesses are able to meet the needs and expectations of today's consumers while setting themselves up for success in the future.

Helping your brand stand out

Consumers of today are on the lookout not just for quality products, but also for brands that align with their values and beliefs. This is where food packaging can come in to help communicate those values, creating a strong emotional connection with your target audience. Food packaging can be used to tell a story about your brand and its mission, helping to connect with consumers on a deeper level, creating a sense of loyalty and advocacy.

Another way to differentiate your brand through packaging is with a unique design. A design that is visually striking and memorable will support your brand in standing out from the rest while on shelves, capturing the consumer's attention. A bold use of colour, graphics, and typography helps with a strong brand identity, making it easier for consumers to identify and recall your brand. Utilising premium materials such as glass, metal, or sustainable options communicate luxury and sophistication, creating a perception of value and quality in the minds of consumers. Eco-friendly packaging also shows a commitment to sustainability and responsible environmental stewardship, which is an important value for many consumers today.

Provides consumers with information

Food packaging provides consumers with essential information about the food they are purchasing. Nutritional facts displayed on food packaging provide consumers with information about the food's calorie content, fat, sugar, and protein levels, among other things. This information helps consumers make healthier choices and manage their diets more effectively. 

In addition, ingredient lists can help consumers avoid specific ingredients that they may want to avoid for other reasons, such as dietary restrictions or preferences. Allergy warnings are another crucial piece of information provided on food packaging. These warnings alert consumers to the presence of common allergens such as peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, soy, and wheat, among others. With this information, consumers avoid potentially life-threatening allergic reactions and ensure that they are purchasing food that is safe for them to consume. 

Types of food packaging 

Food packaging has become an indispensable part of modern day lives and seen as a tremendous innovation, with new materials and technologies being introduced to improve the safety, shelf life, and environmental sustainability. Today, there are various packaging options available, each with its unique benefits. Here, we explore the various food packaging options used today, and the advantages they each come with.

Aseptic Processing

Aseptic processing is a type of food packaging that involves sterilising both the food and the packaging material separately before packing sterile food into the sterile packaging. This type of packaging is commonly used for liquids such as juices, dairy products, and liquid eggs, offering numerous benefits.

With the need for refrigeration eliminated, food products stored in aseptic processing can be kept at room temperature. This helps to reduce the cost of transportation and storage, making it an attractive option for both producers and retailers. Aseptic processing also extends the shelf life of food products, which is particularly important for perishable items. This is because the sterilisation process kills off any bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms that may cause spoilage, and the sterile packaging prevents new contaminants from entering the product. This ensures that the product remains fresh and safe to consume for an extended period, reducing waste and increasing consumer satisfaction.

Food packaging boxes

Food packaging boxes can be made from paper, cardboard, or plastic, and come in different shapes and sizes, offering a range of benefits. Convenient to use and transport, food packaging boxes are often a popular choice for fast food and takeout restaurants. They can be easily stacked, making storage efficient, and are typically lightweight, reducing transportation costs. In addition, food packaging boxes are customizable, providing brands the opportunity to showcase their logo or message on the packaging, increasing brand recognition and customer loyalty. 

Another advantage of food packaging boxes is that they are relatively inexpensive to produce and purchase. This allows smaller businesses to compete with larger brands, providing a level playing field in the market. For consumers with concerns about the environmental impact of packaging materials, food packaging boxes made with paper or cardboard can even be recycled or composted, offering an environmentally sustainable alternative that reduces waste in landfills.

Wrappers

Food packaging wrappers play a crucial role in keeping our food fresh and safe. Cling wrap and baking paper are two popular options that are commonly used in food preparation and storage. Cling wrap is a thin and flexible film that can be used to wrap food items of all shapes and sizes, from sandwiches to fruits and vegetables. It forms a tight seal around the food, preventing air and moisture from getting in and keeping the food fresher for longer.

Baking paper, also known as parchment paper, is a versatile and non-stick paper often used in baking and cooking. It can be used to line baking trays, cake pans, and other cookware to prevent food from sticking, on top of wrapping food items during cooking, such as fish or vegetables. The non-stick surface of baking paper ensures that the food is easy to remove and makes clean-up a breeze. By using food packaging wrappers such as cling wrap and baking paper, we can help to prevent contamination, reduce food waste, and make food preparation a hassle-free process.

Bags

Food packaging like vacuum storage bags, have revolutionised the way we preserve and protect our precious food items. Specially designed to remove all air from the package, vacuum storage bags create a completely airtight seal that prevents oxidation, spoilage, and contamination. Whether it’s delicate meats, fresh fish, or exotic coffee blends, vacuum storage bags are an indispensable tool for any food professional or home cook. Apart from preserving perishable items, vacuum storage bags can also stock non-perishable items including dried fruits and nuts, keeping them flavorful and fresh for months on end.

Whether you're a home cook or a food industry professional, these versatile and effective bags are essential for anyone looking to preserve the quality and flavour of their food.

4 Food packaging tips every start-up should know

When it comes to selling food products, packaging is not just a pretty wrapper. In fact, studies have shown that packaging design has a real impact on consumer decision making, so you need to make every effort to ensure your packaging is appealing to customers. This means that you need to ensure your food packaging is not only visually appealing, but also effectively communicates your brand and product values to potential customers. Wondering how you should do so? Here’s some tips you should keep in mind when using packaging for your marketing strategy.

Choose the right food packaging material for your food

When selecting the right food packaging for your business, think about which materials help maintain maximum freshness, provide protection and come with environmental benefits. Take into account the specific food product you are selling, and factors such as moisture content, shelf life, and fragility. For instance, some foods may require airtight packaging to prevent oxidation, while others need breathable packaging to avoid moisture buildup.

Using eco-friendly packaging also reduces waste and sends a positive message to your customers about your commitment to sustainability. You may also consider utilising packaging technologies such as bioplastics, made from renewable resources and can decompose naturally in the environment.

Use food packaging to create your unique brand identity

The golden rule of packaging is to keep your design consistent with your unique brand identity. Consider how you want people to view your brand and what are the values that drive your company. Is your brand relaxed? Or perhaps trendy and bold? Whatever your brand stands for, make sure it is reflected in your food packaging.

One effective way of doing so is through custom packaging. Designed with the brand’s logo, unique colours and graphics, this creates a visual representation of an identity that allows a brand to distinguish themselves in an otherwise crowded market. This results in brand recognition, and establishing a lasting impression in the minds of consumers.

Give your customers a sneak peak

Consider boxes that give your consumers a sneak peak of your product such that they know what they are purchasing and can get excited about it. Not only do such food packaging boxes add an element of anticipation, but they also provide a sense of transparency and honesty. By allowing customers to see the product, brands are essentially sending the message that they take pride in what is being sold and we want consumers to see it for themselves.

Such packaging is particularly effective for visually appealing products, such as baked goods and desserts. They also work well for products with unique shapes or textures, as customers can get a better sense of what they're buying.

Don’t forget form and function

While an aesthetically pleasing packaging will score points with customers, safety and functionality should also be at the forefront of your design considerations. Different materials and shapes will need to be used for your product to maintain good condition and help your food items remain intact. Packaging that cradles your food item will prevent damage during transportation, while packaging that allows your product to shift around can lead to spoilage. Ultimately, prioritising practicality in your food packaging design will ensure your product reaches customers in top condition, while still looking visually appealing.

Mistakes to avoid with food packaging 

There is an array of food packaging mistakes that can make or break the popularity of a brand and the trust that consumers have in them. Keep reading to avoid some of the mistakes that commonly occur with retail food packaging to ensure customer satisfaction.

Your product is difficult to open

Food packaging that is easy to open is incredibly important for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures that the food within the packaging can be accessed quickly and efficiently, without unnecessary delay or frustration. This is especially important for individuals who may have physical limitations that make it difficult for them to open traditional packaging, or to prevent unwanted injuries such as finger cuts, split nails and chipped teeth. Additionally, individuals who struggle to open the food packaging may resort to using sharp objects or other potentially harmful tools that compromise the safety and hygiene of the food inside. Through providing packaging that is simple and easy to open, manufacturers can reduce the risk of injury and contamination, ensuring that food remains safe and fresh.

Wasteful packaging

All businesses want to ensure that their products remain protected from the elements, often choosing to over-package, using more layers than necessary to wrap a perishable product. However, modern day consumers are more interested in sustainable companies than ever before. This means that businesses that prioritise this are more likely to appeal to environmentally conscious buyers. Hence, it is advisable to avoid wasteful packaging that is not only expensive, but can also backfire and harm your brand.

Using the wrong material

Using the wrong material is one of the most common mistakes that food businesses make when choosing packaging for their products. This mistake often leads to quick spoilage, contamination, and wastage. Aside from that, using the wrong packaging material can also affect the appearance of your products, turning an otherwise appetising meal into an unsightly mess. To avoid compromising the quality of your food, check that your take away boxes are made of safe and sturdy materials, suitable for the kind of food products your business offers.

Learn more: 3 Tips for Packaging and Shipping Baked Goods

Inadequate packaging design

Businesses should consider the consumer's intended use of the product when designing their food packaging, taking into account whether it will be consumed on the go, or at home. Snacks or drinks meant for consumption on the go for instance, should be designed to be portable and convenient. These products should have features that make them easy to carry along and made to prevent spills. A good example of such a design would be energy or protein bars, which are often packaged in small, lightweight packaging that can be carried in a purse or backpack.

If a product is meant to be consumed at home, the design of food packaging should prioritise keeping food fresh and protected. This could include details including airtight seals, sturdy materials and resealable packaging to avoid contamination. The design of coffee bags is one example that comprises a cone-way valve to release gases while preventing air from entering the bag and spoiling the coffee.

Poor labelling 

Poor labelling refers to labelling that is unclear, inaccurate, or incomplete, making it difficult for consumers to understand what they are buying and potentially leading to health and safety issues. As an example, serious consequences for individuals with allergies can occur if a product contains allergens such as peanuts and the label fails to disclose this information. Inadequate labelling can also harm the reputation of a business as consumers begin to pay more attention to the labelling of their food products, resulting in a loss of trust among consumers, and decreased sales.

Questions you may have

We conclude this guide with some questions you might have with regards to food packaging for your business.

What are some of the most common materials used for food packaging?

The material used for food packaging depends on factors such as the type of food being packaged, the intended use of the product, and regulatory requirements. Below are some examples of the most common materials used in food packaging.

• Paper and cardboard: Commonly used for storing dry goods such as cereal, pasta, and snacks. They are lightweight, biodegradable, and can be recycled.
• Glass - Glass bottles are a popular choice for many liquid food items due to their non-permeable and chemically safe nature. That said, one downside of this food packaging is its heavy weight. It also breaks easily.
• Plastic - Plastic is one of the most widely used materials for food packaging because it is lightweight, versatile, and cost-effective. Common types of plastic used include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and polypropylene (PP).

Can food packaging affect the taste of food?

Yes, the materials food packaging is made from can interact with the food and affect its flavour, aroma, and texture. For example, if food is packaged in plastic or metal containers, it can absorb flavours and odours from the packaging material. This is because plastic and metal are porous, allowing molecules to pass through the packaging and into the food, resulting in an unpleasant taste in the food.

How can businesses reduce the environmental impact of food packaging?

Businesses can reduce their environmental impact by utilising sustainable materials such as biodegradable or compostable plastics, paper, and cardboard. They can also use recycled materials in their packaging to reduce the amount of waste that goes into landfills.

Food packaging has become an essential component of our everyday lives. Hence, it is valuable for businesses to carefully consider the impact of their packaging choices on the environment, as well as the safety and functionality of their products.

On the search for the best packaging solutions? MillionParcel is your one-stop shop for packaging supplies in Singapore - reach out to our team to learn more about our extensive range today!