4 Aspects To Consider When Choosing Between Food Packaging
There’s plenty of variety across F&B businesses when it comes to the food they serve; some exclusively offer finger foods, while others have dishes from different cuisines. As such, not everyone will have the same requirements regarding their choice of disposable food packaging. Choosing the right type of packaging ensures your food arrives safe and intact and that its presentation is just as impeccable once it reaches the hands of your customers. And so, without further ado, we go over some key factors to consider when selecting which packaging containers fit best for the items on your menu.
1. Temperature limit
Temperature limit is essentially the range of temperature in which food is safe for storage and consumption, and different types of food packaging have different limits. For example, PET plastic containers for food have a temperature storage limit of up to 48℃ while sugarcane bagasse can range between -25℃ to 220℃.
While most packaging options can generally handle all food items, it’s important to remember that some people may reheat their takeout in the microwave should they have leftovers or not be able to eat their food immediately.
Thus, it’s important to make sure your food packaging can withstand the temperature of the dishes served as well as any potential reheating they may experience.
2. Sturdiness
Takeout boxes can be subject to many tossing and turning while in transit, especially during rush hour deliveries when speed is of utmost priority. As such, it is vital to ensure your packaging is as secure and sturdy as possible so that it does not get deformed or burst open during delivery, spilling its contents.
This also applies to beverage containers like those used for tea and coffee. A single wall cup is typically better for smaller and cold drinks consumed on location or immediately. In contrast, double or triple wall cups are ideal for piping hot beverages that can handle their heat and will not deform easily.
3. User experience and comfort
Given the simplicity of food packaging, one may neglect the user experience involved in using them. However, since food packaging becomes part of the product, ensuring your customers experience the greatest convenience when enjoying their takeout is critical. Imagine this: a customer orders a meal comprised of multiple items for takeaway. Instead of packaging it in several individual containers, wouldn’t it be better to go for an all-in-one bento box instead? The latter option is more organised while reducing the overall footprint of their order.
Choosing the right food packaging can also make a difference when it comes to beverages. Putting drinks typically consumed slowly in insulated containers ensures they maintain their hot or cold temperature for the best drinking experience (think freshly brewed coffee or tea or a chilled drink).
4. Materials and eco-friendliness
A food packaging’s material makeup is another significant factor determined by your menu. For instance, liquid-based dishes like soups and noodles need waterproof coating or materials to keep them secure, while those served piping hot need to be contained in materials that can withstand high temperatures, as mentioned previously.
Moreover, the topic of eco-friendliness will always come up when it comes to disposable food packaging. Given that there are many things to consider in this regard, the general rule of thumb is to choose the most environmentally friendly option material that checks all the requirements discussed previously.
Conclusion
Every decision, big or small, can make or break an F&B business’s success; the choice of food packaging is no exception. Thus, it is vital to determine which packaging solution is right for you to ensure there is one less obstacle hindering your growth.
Need help choosing the best food packaging solutions for your business? Supply Smiths is always happy to help! Browse our comprehensive selection of high-quality yet affordable food packaging made in different sizes and eco-friendly materials to suit your various needs and preferences – including small disposable containers, bento boxes, cake boxes and more.
Get in touch with us today and let us work together to find the ideal packaging solution for your operations.