Custom food packaging has changed substantially since 1967 when we opened our doors, and the team at Indepak is always studying the latest trends in customized packaging. We strive to provide our customers with the latest and greatest packaging. Here are a few trends we’ve noticed in the last few years that are shaping our industry.
1. Sustainable Packaging
These days, virtually all of our customers ask about sustainable custom packaging options and most are surprised to learn just how many great options we can provide. Our selection of materials includes thermoform plastics that are easily recyclable as well as starch-based bioplastics and plastics that contain recycled or post-consumer materials. We also can create combination designs that reduce the amount of plastic that we use. Additionally, we can create smaller packaging to reduce waste and make it more eco-friendly to transport your products from place to place.
2. Modified Atmosphere Packaging
When it comes to custom food packaging for the specialty foods industry, sustainability is not just about the packaging materials, but also about keeping foods as fresh as possible. Modified atmosphere packaging, or MAP, is all the rage these days, and it’s easy to understand why. MAP keeps foods fresh for days and sometimes weeks longer than ever before, which reduces food waste. This is better for the consumer’s pocketbook and better for our planet in general.
3. Convenience Sells
Consumers live busy lives, and custom food packaging made for these on-the-go lifestyles is in high demand. Many of our clients ask us to create single-use designs, single-serving yogurt pots or perhaps single-snack packaging. In some cases, packaging also might include removable utensils so that consumers need only grab one unit and they have all they need to enjoy a snack or meal without bringing along any extra items.
4. Flexible Packaging
Flexible packaging has been around for a while and demand for this type of packaging continues to increase. Flexible packaging is lightweight and reduces packaging waste, making it a highly sustainable option. Additionally, we often add a barrier material to flexible packaging that keeps out moisture, oxygen and UV rays, leading to a longer shelf life.
5. Clear & Concise Information
When it comes to specialty foods, consumers are more concerned than ever before to learn about your product and they aren’t simply focusing on a slogan, message or clever design. They want to be able to clearly read ingredients and nutritional information and if your product is organic, non-GMO, vegan or perhaps addresses an allergy issue that information needs to be front and center on the package as more and more consumers make purchasing choices based upon the health factor of a product.
These are just a few of the hot trends in the food packaging industry, and if you need custom packaging, contact the team at Indepak today. Over the course of the last 50 years, we’ve had extensive experience with the specialty foods industry and can create sustainable, cost-effective packaging for just about any type of food product.
