Frozen Food Packaging: What You Need To Know
Frozen food offers convenience, flavor and nutrition in a form that’s easy to use and store. While production methods and contents are key, so is the packaging you choose for your product. Prime considerations include visibility, appeal, freshness and shelf life. This brief guide explores some options in frozen food packaging.
Identify Your Target Consumer
Your target consumers’ characteristics and preferences should partially influence your packaging design and materials. Convenient packaging usually wins, no matter who your customers are: A 2015 study by Deloitte revealed that 35% of surveyed buyers prefer products in more user-friendly packages. Custom stand-up and lay-flat pouches can include a wide range of handy features:
- Resealable zippers
- Microwave-in-bag
- Easy-open tear notches
Mylar Vs. Other Materials
With so many packaging options, it’s important to choose the best one for your product. For instance, custom mylar packaging provides notable benefits such as durability, strength and dependable protection. While they aren’t a common choice for frozen foods, they’re an excellent option for herbs, supplements and many kinds of snack foods.
Many other options in frozen food packaging for small business exist. Typical choices include polyethylene pouches and rollstock, along with PET and biaxially-oriented polypropylene. These materials are moisture-resistant, sturdy and leakproof — all essential qualities for preserving freshness, nutrition, appearance and flavor.
Sustainable Packaging Options
Sustainable packing materials offer all sorts of benefits. Post-consumer recycled films are a popular option, reducing emissions and converting plastic into reusable resins. PCRs also use up to 28% less virgin polymers than their non-recycled counterparts.
Consumers are also driving the demand for eco-friendlier packaging. The National Association of Convenience Stores cited a 2021 survey revealing that 54% of customers prioritize sustainable packaging when buying food products. Other eco-smart packaging solutions include:
- Recyclable polyethylene films
- Compostable films, which disintegrate into non-toxic components
- Compostable polymer-based inks
- PCR and recyclable zipper closures
Greater Flexibility With Digital Printing
Digital printing and smaller production runs benefit small and large companies alike. With print-to-order capabilities, producers enjoy cost savings while avoiding waste. With the ability to imprint images and text right onto packaging, digital print opens up more possibilities for vibrant, eye-catching designs.
Resealable Packaging Is Key
We’ve discussed how resealable packaging offers convenience. There’s the obvious benefit of keeping food fresher. But consumers love it for other reasons: ease of use plus the flexibility of leaving some product in the package.
Resealable and reusable packaging is already standard for many food and beverage products. Printed coffee bags are a relevant example. Using custom flexible packaging, they incorporate features like press-to-close zippers and high-barrier films to maintain product freshness. Coffee and tea producers have the additional challenge of sealing in aromas, just as frozen food producers want to maintain product integrity as much as possible.
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The Future of Frozen Food Packaging
Several trends are evident in the future of frozen food packaging. Resealable zippers and sustainable materials are likely to become standard features as more food producers adopt them. Digital printing, made-to-order packages and smaller production runs make it possible for any company to enjoy the full benefits of flexible food packaging.