There are three types of food packaging ( Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary packaging). Food packaging is the process of wrapping food. The food packaging maintains the food’s freshness and safety. 

Primary packaging like plastic wrap and direct food contact, secondary packaging like cardboard is used for bulk items packaging, and tertiary packaging like bulk shipping. 

The different types of packaging are used in the food industry. In this blog, we will tell you why food packaging is important and types of food packaging.

Why food packaging is important?

Food packaging is important because of the quality, freshness, and safety of food items. The food packaging containers prevent contamination from dirt bacteria and moisture. Food packaging supplies give important information to customers including nutrition facts, ingredients, expiry dates, and warning allergens.

Types of food packaging

There are three types of sustainable food packaging mentioned below, along with their explanations;

Primary packaging

Primary packaging is the first type of packaging that wraps and protects the food product. It keeps the food fresh, safe, and easy to use.

Example: Chocolate wrapper, and perfume bottle.

Secondary packaging

Secondary packaging is the secondary part that safe the primary packaging. It is used for branding, and bulk packaging and gives from safety during traveling.

Example: Retail boxes, display packaging

Tertiary Packaging

The tertiary packaging is the third type of packaging. It is designed for bulk handling, storage, and shipping. This reduces the cost of product damage during shipping.

Example: Shipping boxes and crates container.

Significance of food packaging

The food packaging plays an important role in maintaining freshness, ensuring food safety, and improving convenience. It protects from damage, and contamination and also is used for branding and sustainability. They also make food easy to store, carry and use.

What material is used for food packaging?

There are some food packaging materials used in including paper, cardboard, glass, and metal as mentioned below with their explanation.

Paper & Cardboard

• Properties of paper: There are properties of paper including lightweight, recyclable, biodegradable, flexible, and absorbent.
• Properties of cardboard: There are some properties of cardboard like durable, rigid, recyclable, sustainably, and thickness ( available in single, double, and triple walls)
• Properties of Plastic Material: Some properties of plastic material include waterproof, chemical resistant, and recyclable.
• Common uses of plastic material: The common uses of plastic material include packaging, medical, and electronics.
• Glass material properties include durability and heat resistance.
• Properties of Metal Material: metal properties include durability, malleability, ductility, corrosion resistance, and high melting points.

What are the trends in eco-friendly food packaging?

The eco-friendly food packaging design trends refer to the practices in packaging to minimize the environmental impact. They are included in biodegradable & compostable, plant-based packaging, recycled & reusable packaging, etc as explained below:

Biodegradable & Compostable Materials

Biodegradable & compostable are sustainable packaging and reduce the environmental impact.

Plant-based packaging: The plant-based packaging refers to eco-friendly materials such as sugarcane, mushrooms, and seaweed. 

Molded fiber trays and containers: The molded fiber trays and containers are eco-friendly packaging solutions. They are made from recycled paper, recycled cardboard, and natural fiber like bamboo and bagasse. These materials are compostable & biodegradable and used for food packaging. 

Recyclable & Reusable Packaging

The recyclable & reusable packaging provides sustainable materials to be repurposed and used multiple times.

Mono-material packaging: The mono-material packaging is a single type of material that is recycled, sustainable, and reduces waste contamination.

Glass & aluminum containers is a sustainable packaging as known for their recycled, durability, and ability to preserve product quality. 

Sustainable Inks & Coatings

The sustainable inks and coating are eco-friendly packaging. 

They are made from biodegradable, non-toxic, and renewable materials for maintaining print quality and packaging durability.

Water-based & soy-based inks: an eco-friendly printing that reduces the harmful chemicals to safe the environment and is easy to recycle.

Biodegradable coatings: Biodegradable coatings are an eco-friendly protective coating applied to packaging materials. 

Smart & Functional Packaging

The smart and functional packaging integrates features like OR codes and attractive design.

Active packaging: The active packaging includes materials and technologies that interact with the product. 

They maintain freshness and safety such as oxygen and absorption. 

QR codes for transparency: The QR codes provide customers with instant access to detailed product information, including sourcing, ingredients, and recycling instructions.

Final Thought

In this blog, you have learned about the types of food packaging and their importance, materials, and eco-friendly trends. The food packaging not only safe the food’s freshness but also helps in branding and attracting customers. 

You can make a great choice for your packaging needs by considering the environment and cost. If you are unsure about packaging material, don’t worry! Just contact PACKLIM for the best solution.

Faqs

What are the best paper used in food packaging?

The best paper used in food packaging is kraft paper for durable and greaseproof paper for slick food varieties and food-grade paper that security guidelines. 

How does plastic packaging affect the food quality?

Plastic packaging maintains freshness by preserving moisture loss and contamination but some plastic packaging may transfer chemicals that can affect food taste.

What is the perfect packaging for food products?

The perfect packaging for food products depends on the type of food but the perfect choice for food packaging is vacuum-sealed packaging with eco-friendliness and airtight to prevent contamination.

What type of packaging is best for branding?

The best packaging for branding is custom-designed packaging including luxury rigid boxes, custom kraft packaging, and eco-friendly packaging. 

Can I customize biodegradable food packaging?

Yes, you can customize biodegradable food packaging requirements with custom prints, logos, colors, shapes, and eco-friendly inks.

What kind of packaging that attracts the customers? 

The packaging that attracts customers includes functional, custom-printed boxes, attractive designs, vibrant colors, and sustainable materials.