How Food Packaging Directly Influences Sales
The global food packaging market is projected to reach $468 billion by 2028, according to GlobeNewswire. This growth highlights the significance of food packaging in the industrial space. Beyond the essential function of protecting a food product from contamination and spoilage, packaging can improve sales.
Below, we explore food packaging trends, the materials and products commonly available, and why they matter to businesses.
Innovative Food Packaging Supplies—Trends
Research shows that 72% of American consumers say that packaging design influences their purchase decision. This finding demonstrates the benefits of creating a visually appealing package design. One of the latest trends in food packaging is incorporating smart packaging and creating an “unboxing experience” for consumers. This may include customized touches, such as personalized messages or images, to make a package more memorable and engaging.
Additionally, visually appealing elements like pops of color, company logos, or stickers make a package stand out on a crowded shelf. To optimize the consumer experience, packages may include items like candy, a toy, or stickers that customers weren’t anticipating. A QR code on the box that links to more information and an option to join a rewards program can also provide a more personalized experience and increase the potential of a returning customer.
Food Packaging Materials
There’s a vast array of food packaging materials used in the food and beverage industry. Each of these materials has its advantages and limitations, and the choice of packaging material depends on factors like the type of food being packaged, storage requirements, shelf life requirements, transportation considerations, and environmental concerns. Here are some of the most common food packaging materials:
Plastic
This is one of the most widely used materials due to its versatility, low cost, and ability to provide barrier properties to protect food. Common types of plastic used in food packaging include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polystyrene (PS).
Glass
Glass is inert, nonporous, and transparent, making it suitable for a wide range of food products. It is commonly used for packaging beverages, sauces, and preserves.
Metal
Metals like aluminum and steel are often used for cans and containers. They provide excellent barrier properties and are recyclable, and they can withstand high temperatures, too.
Paper and cardboard
Paperboard and corrugated cardboard are used for packaging dry goods, cereals, and beverages. They are renewable, recyclable, and biodegradable.
Biodegradable/compostable materials
With increasing environmental concerns, there’s a growing interest in packaging made from biodegradable or compostable materials such as plant-based plastics, starch-based materials, and biodegradable films.
Bioplastics
These are derived from renewable biomass sources such as corn starch, sugarcane, or cellulose. Bioplastics can be either biodegradable or non-biodegradable, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastics.
Textiles
Fabrics like cotton or muslin are used for packaging certain food items, particularly fruits and vegetables. They allow for breathability and can reduce condensation. Reusable waxed wrapping made from cotton has also risen in popularity in recent years.
Vacuum packaging
Vacuum packing involves removing air from the package before sealing, typically using plastic or composite materials. It helps extend the shelf life of perishable foods by reducing oxidation and inhibiting the growth of spoilage microorganisms.
Active and intelligent packaging
These are innovative packaging solutions designed to interact with the food or the environment to prolong shelf life, monitor freshness, or provide additional information to consumers. Examples include oxygen scavengers, antimicrobial films, and time-temperature indicators.
Recycled/recyclable materials
Many packaging materials, including plastics, paper, and metals, can be recycled, reducing the environmental impact of packaging.
Food Packaging Products
Made from some of the different materials listed above, food packaging products include a variety of items tailored to specific food storage needs and preferences. We list some of the most common food packaging products below.
Plastic containers: These include containers of various sizes and shapes, such as bottles, jars, tubs, and trays, used for packaging items like sauces, condiments, dairy products, and ready-to-eat meals.
Cans: Metal cans are commonly used for packaging beverages, fruits, vegetables, soups, and canned meats.
Flexible packaging: This category includes pouches, bags, wraps, and films made from materials like plastic, paper, or foil. They are used for packaging snacks, candies, chips, and frozen foods.
Cartons: Paperboard or cardboard cartons are used for packaging items like milk, juice, soup, broth, and liquid eggs.
Boxes: Cardboard or corrugated boxes come in various sizes and are used for packaging bulk quantities of items like cereals, grains, pasta, bakery products, and baking ingredients.
Trays and inserts: These are often made from plastic or foam and are used to hold and protect individual food items within larger packaging, such as meat trays, fruit trays, and egg cartons.
Wrapping materials: Often used for deli items, these materials include cling film, aluminum foil, wax paper, and parchment paper used for wrapping and protecting individual food items or covering containers. Plastic wrapping is often used in candy packaging.
Bottles and jars: Glass or plastic bottles and jars are used for packaging beverages, sauces, condiments, spices, and preserves.
Vacuum-sealed bags: These bags are used for vacuum packaging meats, cheeses, and other perishable items and are designed to extend the food’s shelf life.
Lids and caps: These are used to seal containers and bottles, ensuring freshness and preventing spills. They come in various designs, including screw caps, snap-on lids, and flip-tops, but the vast majority are made from plastic.
Specialized packaging: Some food items require specialty packaging, such as vacuum-sealed pouches for coffee beans, aseptic packaging for long shelf life beverages, and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) for fresh produce.
Disposable cutlery/tableware/accessories: Single-use utensils, plates, cups, and straws made from materials like plastic, paper, or compostable materials are used for takeout, catering, food service applications, and ready meals at the grocery store. Other accessories include items like labels, stickers, shrink sleeves, and tamper-evident seals used for branding, information, and security purposes.
Some of these options are made from materials like compostable plastics, paperboard, and molded pulp, designed to minimize environmental impact, while others, made from glass, stainless steel, or food-grade plastic, are intended for reuse to reduce single-use packaging waste.
Why Food Packaging Matters
Innovative and engaging food packaging can significantly impact consumer behavior and brand perception, and here are just some of the reasons why.
Aesthetic appeal
By incorporating creative elements on the outside and inside of the package, food manufacturers can create a more memorable and personalized experience for customers. Appealing packaging designs and attractive visuals can capture consumers’ attention, stimulate desire, and enhance the overall dining experience. Eye-catching packaging has been proven to influence impulse purchases and drive brand differentiation in competitive markets.
Protection
Customers are also concerned with the protection and preservation of their food. Well-made packaging protects food from physical damage, contamination, and spoilage during transportation, storage, and handling, and can perhaps even extend the shelf life of the product. Consumers expect packaging to maintain the freshness, flavor, and quality of the food until it is consumed. Packaging helps ensure food safety by preventing exposure to harmful bacteria, chemicals, and foreign objects. Sealed packaging provides a barrier against contaminants, reducing the risk of foodborne illness.
Convenience
Convenience is another factor shoppers look for, with many valuing packaging that makes their food or drink easy to store, transport, and consume. Convenient packaging formats like single-serve portions, resealable bags, pouches with tear notches, stand-up pouches for ease of storage, and microwaveable containers fit busy lifestyles and reduce food waste. Modern life often comes hand-in-hand with on-the-go consumption and this drives demand for portable, ready-to-eat food products with convenient packaging formats like grab-and-go containers, single-serve pouches, and snack packs.
Information
Packaging also communicates essential information to consumers, including ingredient lists, nutritional content, allergen warnings, expiration dates, and cooking instructions. Clear and accurate labeling helps consumers make informed choices about the food they purchase and consume. 94% of consumers in the USA say they are more likely to show loyalty to a brand that offers transparency with clear and accurate product labeling.
Packaging can also support consumers’ efforts to maintain portion control and make healthier choices by offering portion-sized packages, calorie information, and health claims. In addition, transparent packaging allows consumers to see the contents and assess freshness and quality.
Sustainability
With the increasing consumer concern about the environmental impact of packaging, shoppers are more likely to opt for sustainable packaging, such as those made from compostable, biodegradable, or recyclable materials, which can help reduce waste and minimize this impact. According to reports, 50% of consumers are willing to pay more for products in sustainable packaging. These packaging solutions resonate with environmentally conscious consumers who are keen on minimizing waste and reducing their carbon footprint.
Branding
Finally, packaging also plays a crucial role in shaping brand perception and building consumer trust. According to McKinsey, around 55% of shoppers recommend products in branded packaging. Well-designed, creative, and innovative packaging that reflects brand values, communicates authenticity, and provides a positive sensory experience can build and enhance customer brand loyalty and influence purchasing decisions. It’s also a great way for companies to differentiate themselves in this competitive marketplace.
Food Packaging Options—Summary
When customers have a memorable and positive experience with a package, they are more likely to become repeat customers and recommend the product to others. As the global food packaging market continues to grow, companies need to stay up-to-date with the latest trends in packaging to stay ahead of the competition.
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Source: Thomas
