3 Factors To Consider When Packaging Food Products
For small business owners, making the right packaging choices can mean the difference between gaining loyal customers and facing costly complaints. Food packaging ensures safety and preserves flavor, aroma, and texture. However, using the wrong packaging or applying it incorrectly could lead to leaks, reduced shelf life, or waste. Learn three factors to consider for packaging food products correctly.
Food Safety and Hygiene
Suitable packaging materials protect customers and shield your business from potential legal or reputational risks. Food packaging must use food-grade, non-toxic materials that comply with regulatory standards. In the USA, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) establishes these standards to ensure safety and compliance. Examples of food-safe materials for packaging include glass, stainless steel, polyethylene, polypropylene, and certain types of food-grade silicone.
Beyond material choice, packaging designs enhance hygiene. Features like tamper-evident seals and airtight closures prevent external elements from affecting the product. These characteristics build consumer confidence in your business’s quality control.
Barrier Properties
A proper food package protects against moisture, air, light, and contaminants that can degrade flavor and texture. For instance, laminated films and foil linings create strong barriers, locking in freshness and extending shelf life. Whether it’s a snack mix or a liquid product, effective barriers ensure your food reaches customers in top condition.
Another critical aspect of barrier protection is the type of seal used in packaging. Hermetic seals are used on pouches, cans, and jars to block air and moisture entirely. You can determine if your packages have a hermetic seal with physical testing. For instance, tensile testing stretches the sealed sample in opposing directions until it breaks. The seal should remain intact longer than the packaging material.
Durability
Food packaging must be durable enough to survive the demands of production, transportation, and storage. Weak packaging that tears or leaks can compromise the product and cause waste. Materials like multi-layer plastics or reinforced pouches provide the required strength to endure these stresses.
Durable packaging also creates a professional impression. A pouch or box that arrives intact shows that your business values quality. Packaging reliability is an especially important factor for small businesses to consider as they establish the credibility of their food products. Durable packaging minimizes the chances of faulty deliveries, helping you win trust and repeat business from your customers.
Packaging mistakes, such as weak materials or improper sealing, can lead to spoilage, contamination, and customer complaints. The solution lies in choosing durable, food-grade materials and testing barrier properties to confirm seal quality. Regularly test your packaging, and consult with packaging suppliers for new materials and designs that can extend product shelf life and reduce costs.
