How do you choose the best packaging for your food product?

1 Packaging functions

The primary function of packaging is to protect your food product from physical, chemical, biological, and environmental hazards that could compromise its safety and quality. Packaging also serves to contain, transport, store, and display your food product, as well as to communicate information, instructions, and marketing messages to consumers. Depending on your food product type, you may need different packaging functions, such as moisture barrier, oxygen barrier, light protection, temperature control, tamper evidence, portion control, resealability, or convenience.

2 Packaging materials

The choice of packaging materials depends on the packaging functions that you need, as well as the availability, cost, and sustainability of the materials. There are four main types of packaging materials: metals, plastics, glass, and paper. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of strength, flexibility, transparency, recyclability, biodegradability, and compatibility with your food product. You may also need to use a combination of materials, such as laminates, coatings, or films, to achieve the desired properties and performance of your packaging.

3 Packaging design

The design of your packaging is not only about the shape, size, color, and graphics of your packaging, but also about the functionality, usability, and ergonomics of your packaging. You should design your packaging to fit your food product, your target market, your distribution channels, and your branding strategy. You should also consider how your packaging will influence the consumer perception, preference, and behavior towards your food product. For example, you may want to use clear packaging to showcase your food product, or use innovative features to enhance the convenience or appeal of your packaging.

4 Packaging testing

Before you launch your food product with your chosen packaging, you should test your packaging to ensure that it meets the quality, safety, and performance standards and requirements for your food product. Packaging testing can involve different methods and parameters, such as physical tests, chemical tests, microbiological tests, sensory tests, and shelf life tests. Packaging testing can help you evaluate the suitability, compatibility, stability, and functionality of your packaging, as well as the consumer acceptance and satisfaction with your packaging.

5 Packaging regulations

Another important factor that you should consider when choosing the best packaging for your food product is the packaging regulations that apply to your food product and your market. Packaging regulations can vary depending on the country, region, or industry that you operate in, and they can cover aspects such as labeling, safety, hygiene, materials, additives, recycling, or disposal of your packaging. You should comply with the packaging regulations that are relevant to your food product and your market, and keep yourself updated with any changes or updates in the packaging regulations.

6 Packaging sustainability

Finally, you should consider the environmental impact and sustainability of your packaging, as consumers, retailers, and regulators are becoming more aware and concerned about the environmental issues and challenges related to packaging. Packaging sustainability can involve reducing the amount and weight of packaging materials, using renewable or recycled packaging materials, designing for reuse or recycling of packaging, or opting for biodegradable or compostable packaging materials. You should aim to minimize the environmental footprint of your packaging, while still maintaining the quality and safety of your food product.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?