Different Types of Food Packaging

15 November 2021 |

With packaging being the first thing a potential customer will see, ensuring it has a positive impact can make all of the difference. From keeping the food fresh and withstanding cold temperatures to creating an eye catching design that attracts passers by, there is a lot to consider when designing the perfect food packaging. The number of different food packaging options out there is vast, offering solutions for food businesses across all industries. Depending on the nature of your products, whether you sell frozen meals, fresh produce or takeaways, finding the best packaging to suit your offerings can not only improve your aesthetic, but make business operations more efficient.

Bags
Being an incredibly versatile form of packaging, it’s no wonder that food in bags are a common part of our daily life. As well as working for a wide range of products, it is a cheap form of packaging for businesses to utilise and offers convenience to shoppers. Foods such as crisps and loaves of bread tend to be sold in bags, keeping the contents fresher for longer and being easy to access when needed. Typically, bags are used for food which tends to be consumed in a short time frame as if not, finding a way to seal the packaging will be preferred by customers.

Boxes
Another one of the most common types of food packaging is boxes, being a store cupboard essential for many of us. Whether it be cereals, multipack items or frozen foods, boxes are popular among retailers and shoppers due to their tidy aesthetic, being easy to store in a way that offers added convenience. As well as the stackable properties, box packaging tends to offer more protection to the contents than other forms of packaging, preventing the risk of damage to the contents. Many caterers and takeaway businesses also opt for food boxes when serving up meals, being an easy and practical solution for a variety of uses.

Flexi
Flexible packaging solutions are ideal for lower cost items, saving budget while ensuring hygiene standards are met. Commonly you will find flexible packaging is used for items which do not need added protection, such as salad bags, grated cheese and rice, often being transparent to show off the fresh goods within. This form of packaging is ideal for transit, meaning high quantities of goods can be transported as packaging is minimal, with damage not being a primary concern.

Cans
For food items with a longer shelf life, cans are an effective form of packaging which are ideal for store cupboard items. Being manufactured from steel or other thin metal which is completely air tight and blocks out the sunlight, the contents are preserved for a longer period of time which offers added benefits to consumers. As well as food, cans are popular for a variety of drinks, such as beer and fizzy drinks, being a lower cost alternative to other materials. As well as creating a long lifespan, this type of packaging is highly durable and minimises the likelihood of damage.