NEWS
Food Industry Guide To Product Packaging
When a consumer picks an item at the store, the packaging of this item probably doesn’t register with them. However, it provides a lot of information about the product. It lets them know which company makes the item, what the package contains, and what the company values. The package needs to draw a customer’s eye and leave them eager to take the item home.
When the package contains a food item, other things also need to be considered. The product shelf life is one element. In addition, the packaging must comply with FDA regulations. The following guide provides an overview of product packaging in the food sector.
Packaging Options
When packaging food, a company has many options. The manufacturer might place the food in a box, can, or pouch. However, it might choose to use a film or clamshell. Regardless of which option is selected, the packaging must be FDA-approved for food. You also need a filling machine and other equipment that considers the packaging to maximize productivity.
At the same time, this packaging must be attractive and draw a person’s eye. It needs to share information about the product’s shelf life, how it should be stored, and information about other regulations pertaining to the item.
In-Depth Knowledge
To create the perfect package, you need to know the food inside and out. What ingredients does it contain? Does it have preservatives to keep it fresh? The package needs to share this information and list any potential allergens, so consumers can make informed choices. You must comply with the Food Safety Modernization Act and Food Allergen Act when producing, packaging, and marketing food items to avoid legal issues. However, the packaging isn’t the only consideration. Machinery within the manufacturing facility must be cleaned and maintained in accordance with FDA and USDA guidelines, as you don’t want to package food that could be harmful to humans.
Protecting the Contents
Certain foods must be contained in specific packages to maintain their freshness and safety throughout the shipment and distribution process. Furthermore, the packages must be designed to prevent contamination. The products may also need things like anti-fog additives in their packages to ensure consumers can see what they are buying.
Cost Considerations
Budget plays a role in product packaging. Expect to pay ten percent of the product’s final cost for packaging. Research materials and labor to find the best price for packaging without sacrificing quality or appearance.
Packaging Trends
Many consumers today prioritize sustainability when purchasing products. They want to know their money is being used to protect the planet. Food manufacturers must consider eco-friendly packaging to capture this part of the market. Nevertheless, this is only one trend food manufacturers must monitor. They must also know what the competition is doing, as no company wants to be the last to adopt something. Try to find the right balance between familiarity and uniqueness when it comes to product packages.
Brand Personality
The packaging should provide a consumer with information about what is important to the brand. It also needs to appeal to the target audience. Don’t deviate from industry standards, but find a way for the package to stand out on a crowded shelf. If it captures a consumer’s eye, they are more likely to make a purchase.
Color choices are important. The same holds for resealable packages. Some consumers want to use the same packaging to close an item they haven’t finished. Consider this when creating the packaging based on what you know about the target audience.
Never overlook the importance of packaging when it comes to food. You need to spend time creating packaging that is enticing to customers, one that protects the contents throughout the supply chain while preventing contamination. When you find this package, capturing your share of the market becomes an easier task.
Kenneth is a proud native of sydney, born and raised there. However, he pursued his education abroad and studied in Australia. Kenneth has worked as a journalist for almost a decade, making valuable contributions to prominent publications such as Yahoo News and The Verge. Currently, he serves as a journalist for The Hear Up, where he focuses on covering climate and science news. You can reach Kenneth at [email protected].
