As the final step in your manufacturing process, it can be easy to treat product packaging as an afterthought. While a one-size-fits-all solution may be appealing, truly effective food packaging solutions are customized to consider your product and its journey from your facility to the shelf to the consumer.
Let’s explore four considerations to make when choosing the right packaging solution.
1. Make Sure Your Product is Protected.
An effective packaging solution begins with understanding the product and its characteristics. Different material capabilities are required for each product type to keep foods fresher for longer and ensure protection at every stage.
- Product requirements. Fresh foods like produce rely on breathable packaging for an ongoing flow of oxygen and release of CO2. In contrast, aromatic and flavorful food products, like snack foods, require thicker barrier films to keep flavors in and moisture out.
- Storage environment. Freezer, refrigerator and shelf-stored foods need different films to optimize product performance. For example, film blends for freezer conditions are customized to minimize freezer burn and punctures.
- Need for additional protection. Film optimizations – like anti-microbial additives that prevent fungus and bacteria growth – increase shelf life and product safety.
- Don’t underdesign or overdesign. Underdesigned solutions fail to take into consideration either the product, its environment, additional protection needs – or all three. Overdesigned solutions may include multilayer films when a monolayer option would suffice, or additional film additives that do little to help – or even harm – the product.
See how we helped a leading produce manufacturer maximize product shelf life and cut costs by switching from an overdesigned multi-layer package to an effective mono-layer solution.
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2. Make Sure Your Manufacturing Processes Will Run the Material Smoothly.
Once the product’s needs are met, our next priority is to optimize your packaging for your manufacturing processes. Small tweaks to the film formula or minor adjustments to the bag’s style or size can make all the difference in your facility.
- Bag size. Besides understanding the size of your product, it’s important to account for excess space for ease of filling and to prep for final package closure.
- Bag style. While also influenced by product needs and consumer preferences, machinery, systems automation and filling processes can help dictate which bag style will work best for you.
- Effective seals. Machine temperature fluctuations can make it challenging to create effective seals, consistently. Custom films can be optimized for the sealing process, creating larger sealing windows that work with your machinery, every time.
Learn how we helped a leading ice manufacturer grow their bottom line using packaging materials with a 3-4x larger sealing window.
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3. Be Sure Your Product Stands Out on the Shelf.
Another key consideration is how your packaging is being perceived by consumers. Is it making a good first impression on the shelf? How do people feel about the product and your company? A high-quality printed design can make all the difference.
- Bag design. High-quality printing can help you capture immediate attention, but it’s also important that brand messaging and product information resonates with target customers, too. Consumers are increasingly interested in sustainable solutions and investing in these materials can give your brand a competitive edge.
- Bag functionality. Take into consideration how your product will be used to ensure bag style and functionality matches consumer expectations. For instance, zippered or resealable bags can be convenient for multi-use products, or tapes can be used for extra anti-tamper reassurance. We’re excited to announce that new flange zippers will be available soon!
Interested in learning more about shifting consumer priorities for product packaging? Explore this recent article from McKinsey.
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4. Improve Your Environmental Scorecard
Consumer demand for sustainable solutions continues to grow. Brands not wishing to be left behind need to start thinking about their own environmental scorecards and what they can do to increase sustainability, companywide.
- Reduce material usage. Switching from a multi-layer to monolayer packaging solution can lessen material usage without sacrificing product safety or shelf life.
- Consider sustainable alternatives. New eco-friendly solutions are emerging every day, making investment in sustainable alternatives more cost-effective than ever. At Great American Packaging, we offer No PFAS Added, Plant-Based & Recyclable, Compostable and 100% Recyclable options.
Why Great American Packaging
From initial quote to shipping your product, our team works alongside you to develop the best packaging solution for your products, manufacturing processes, customers and the planet. This is part of our White Glove Service commitment to you – delivering more value in a world that often settles for less.
Ready to experience the benefits of a custom packaging solution? Our experts are here to help!
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