3 Intricacies of Food Packaging

Packaging for all consumer goods is an important marketing element. Quality packages keep items safe and woo consumers through interesting visuals. However, packaging for food poses additional challenges—and opportunities. Here are three intricacies of packaging for the food industry.

Approval Needed

Food packaging is in a category all its own and must be approved by the Food and Drug Administration specifically for food. This specialized packaging must keep food fresh based on federal regulations and guidelines, and it also needs to guarantee a specific shelf life. In addition to these specifications, food packaging like all other product containers needs to attract consumers’ attention.

Manufacturing Concerns and Processes

Food containers must protect perishable items during transport, whether the food is refrigerated or room temperature. Food packaging also must keep out contaminants and be sturdy enough so that after transport, food items can be placed on shelves for consumers in containers that still look good.

The manufacturing process for food packaging is intricate and involves specific parts such as ultrasonic tooling and horns. Various materials offer specific benefits, such as anti-fogging additives for clear packages that add visual appeal to items. A career field for packaging professionals has sprung up from this need for specialized, sophisticated food containers.

Expression of Personality

Product containers are an important marketing tool for companies to express their personalities. This aspect of packaging is also true for the food industry. Specific colors, typefaces, and design elements all are used to speak to consumers and draw their interest.

Packaging is actually an important factor in customer loyalty, as well. Customers get used to specific food containers—to graphics and colors—and changes to the look of packaging are a major marketing effort and should not be undertaken lightly.

Wrap It Up

Good product packaging is an important marketing element, including for the food industry. The ideal container keeps food safe and clean while attracting consumers’ interest. Quality, creative food packaging keeps tables filled with tasty items.

Connell
The author is an expert on occupational training and a prolific writer who writes extensively on Business, technology, and education. He can be contacted for professional advice in matters related with occupation and training on his blog Communal Business and Your Business Magazine.