Food Packaging Options for Startups 

A lot of food startups are great to begin with, but they do come with some challenges. Most of this happens in the logistics, shipping, and the packaging sectors, as this can be a major part of the struggles one deals with to get success with their packaging.

Subscription boxes, different kits for cooking, even snacks and cookies are a great way to impress people, provided they are intact and fresh. You need good packaging to help with this.

The right food packaging helps with food displays, stands out, and also slows down the spoilage. You should make sure that the packaging options that are chosen are compliant with both the local and the state regulations. 

Good Options for startups that are FDA Approved 

You want to make sure that the options that you use for your food packaging are approved by the FDA in order to slow down the spoilage of food and make it fresh.

Most are rated in a way to allow for direct contact of food. 

There are some however that might need food separation, and other guidelines for contact packaging, and here, we’ll go over each of those. 

Vacuum Packaging 

This is the most popular, and it creates a vacuum seal. 

One of the biggest sources of the degradation of food is the oxygen that happens when it’s shipped, and this enhances the spoilage of items. Vacuum sealing is the best way to ensure product safety by lowering the amount of oxygen within the package.

How this works is pretty simple. You put the food in a barrier bag, and then, with the use of a machine, it encloses this within the product. It’s then sealed with an atmosphere modified in order to keep the food safe in the packaging.

The atmosphere there is a lot different from our natural atmosphere, most of the time without oxygen in order to preserve the shelf life and extend it without the use of a preservative. 

Some of them also have specific bags that create a barrier against oxygen.  Some barrier bags may also feature other means to increase the properties of the barriers.  You may however want to get a co-extruded bag, which is made from different materials.  All of these are FDA approved, and it keeps the oxygen out. 

Overwrapping 

Another one that’s done by a lot of butchers, confectioners, and even grocers and those in the food industries is overwrapping. It extends the shelf life use and is lightweight with a variety of advantages that come with this.

It’s basically those meats and veggies that you see on the grocery trays.  This is basically a machine that uses a wire that’s electrically heated, cutting the film to wrap this around the products. The bottom portions of these trays are placed on heated plates of fabric, in order to mend and shrink the wrapping that’s around the bottom portion of the tray.  This look, when finished, is a conformed packaging that’s placed in the tray of the product. 

They come in different levels of thickness too, and some are even tinted, in order to reduce the exports of light to the products that are there. Some also work with heavier meat cuts too. 

There are other types of shrink wrapping that are used too, in order to bundle the products together, the PVC can shrink wrap this, but it’s not used for direct types of food contact, but instead for bottles and other types of food packaging.

Whatever you use, know that it must be approved by the FDA to help with the packaging. 

What Kraft Paper is for Packaging 

Kraft paper is something that a lot of people have decided to start using, as it’s a more sustainable form of packaging. Kraft paper has in fact made even more contributions and impact in order to meet the demands there.

While there isn’t any doubt that kraft paper is super popular, and the capabilities of such continues to get bigger, you might wonder why that is. 

Here, we’ll go into why kraft paper is the best thing for those in the realm of packaging. 

What Kraft Paper Is 

This comes from the word meaning “strong” and it’s literally that. 

Kraft paper is a tear-resistant, durable, and brown paper that’s made with the kraft pulp, and the process surrounding this.

It’s best for creating wrapping that’s durable, and also for cartons and boxes which are rigid, and this is also available in a variety of different colors, shades and the like.

Ideally, it’s perfect for branding and other solutions too! 

The surface of this is properly textured, creating a finish that’s high-quality, and premium to the taste, and also makes it rustic too. 

How it’s Made 

This is actually not a new packaging process. In fact, it was founded in the 1880s by Carl F. Dahl, who lived in Germany.

During the manufacturing process of paper, the wood gets pulped, which means it gets ground up directly into a pulp shape first and foremost. However, Dahl managed to treat this pulp with different chemicals, and in turn, this created a better strength, and a more impactful pulp that works, especially with the sulfates as well that benefited from the strength of this.

Originally, this was used directly as a material for wrapping, and it’s more durable, sturdy, and better for packaging and other solutions, especially when we look at the boxes that we know of today

How this differs from regular paper 

Some people may think that this is the same thing as regular paper, but that’s actually not the case.

Did you know that kraft paper is a lot stronger. 

Because of the process used to create this, more lignin is then stripped away from this wood pulp, and this in turn leaves more cellulose for the paper, so it’s much more tear-resistant, and more durable as well in terms of characteristics. 

Kraft paper also tends to have a more porous nature than regular kinds of paper too, so it’s a little bit less effective when it comes to printing.

However, it does succeed when used in debossing, and foil stamping, so if you like those finishes, this is some of the best types of paper to use. 

Uses in Packaging 

These days, kraft paper is used primary for corrugated packaging, especially boxes, and even some cartons as well. because of the durability of this, and the benefits that this offers to the ecommerce world, this is one that can withstand a lot of the harder shipping situations, without impacting the overall results of the box. 

So in turn, you can use kraft paper for a lot of great things, especially for shipping and creating item durability that matters a whole lot! 

Kraft paper also is used as well for a lot of businesses because this offers a lot of sustainability options that are there. It does portray more eco-friendly types of initiatives, especially since it’s brown, rustic, and also offers a rawer look to the kraft paper that’s there. 

It’s versatile and offers a larger range of the innovative packaging that’s utilized in the industry today for your uses as well too. 

Packaging for Custom t-Shirts 

People love to buy items online, and one thing that a lot of people like to get are t-shirts that are custom-made. Custom t-shirts come with their own unique styles to them. Many buy custom t-shirts to show them off to their friends.  Companies want to give their t-shirts the same love and packaging that the fans do when they get these shirts. 

Which is where the custom t-shirt box comes in.

Hinged lid boxes are actually becoming a lot more popular. This is a box with a lid on top that creates a hinge.  You can put some custom made or colorful tissue paper in there, and then the t-shirt itself, really enhancing the packaging that comes with this. 

There is another one, however, that’s recently become quite popular, especially amongst those who are younger. This is the snap lock base box, and this is one where there is a lock that snaps together, rolling all of this to create a box that’s easy to use, and very effective. 

These boxes are small enough that they won’t run major costs when you try to ship them, and they come with a digital printing process so you can make as many as you need. It usually uses the four color digital printing process to help with this, which is a good way to show off all of the colors, and the options for you to check out. 

In general, these boxes are different from the normal means of box printing that you might use for packaging. They provide a premier box that will really shine and stand out. For those looking to show off their designs not just in the form of the shirts on the site, but also in the boxes and packaging that they offer, this is the way for it to go. 

Now, what’s cool about this is the printing. You can add a simple white background with black lettering, a more monochrome style, then you’re good to go with these. 

One of the sides can be patterned in order to create a unique, sleek finish to each of the products that are there.  you’ll be amazed at the difference that this makes, especially when you’re trying to boost the packaging needs that you have.

You can also make sure that the boxes are fitting for the shirt. There are large rectangular boxes that are longer than wide, and they are good to create the traditional box feeling to them. Another unique style that’s become popular with t-shirt boxes, is the box that’s taller and wider, and adding more height. These are good to create a more ergonomic style, and really offers a unique means for you to really craft the most beautiful t-shirt packaging that’s out there.

The bottoms of this box are also very sturdy too, and they are simple to fold together to create a nice, effective and strong base that will handle jostles and motions during transit, in order to protect this high-quality product.

The next time you want to change the products that you have, and really enhance the t-shirts that you sell, look no further than these. There are a bunch of great, unique means to really improve the packaging that you offer, and you’ll be able to, with all of this, build the best packaging that you can, and from here, you’ll be able to create a custom t-shirts experience that you will enjoy, and one that, once you’re done with it, will get people excited to buy the shirts that you have to offer. 

Ethical Packaging for Product Packaging Design 

When you’re looking to create packaging, one thing that’s become popular is ethical packaging. These are shared principals that people have for the design, production, and finally the use of packaging.

This was created during the Ipack-Ima of 2014, where it became an initiative and unique means for people to become more aware of the packaging and its impact. 

Becoming aware of the popularity of packaging as a tool of marketing along with communication has now started to take hold and is spreading further and further. The average consumer actually comes into contact in many cases with 8000 various packaging throughout the year. 

The charter for ethical packaging was created as a tool for commitment, and also reflection, for the designers, the producers of the packaging, and finally, the users too.  It shows the ideal contract that should be there, in order to share the ideal principles of this. 

Here, we’ll go over the current ethical product packaging aspects. 

First, you want to make sure that the packaging is responsible.  This reflects the entirety of the community, so people need to be responsible, and know this principle that they’re designing on the packaging. 

Then, you want it to be balanced. Don’t use excess, but also make sure that it contains the items in order to transport it.  don’t exaggerate this promise that was made directly to consumers by now having too much information which distracts these buyers. 

You want packaging that’s safe, providing the information with traceability, along with the exact production means. It also will encourage not only hygiene, but also this protection during the transportation process, and the rest of the lifecycle of the product.

You want to make sure that it’s accessible, simple for a person to understand, regardless of the knowledge, and the skills of users. This packaging does guarantee the product to people, even those that are weak to the subjects, and also regardless of the sensory capabilities of the person. It must be intuitive, and also simple for people, and promote product consumption.

The packaging needs to be transparent, in a way that it communicates in a direct, sincere, and understandable manner. Make sure that you don’t deceive the customers and buyers, to build a relationship that’s lasting. 

Packaging must also be informative, in a way where it tells all of the necessary information. Packaging needs to discuss the nutritional aspects and values, preparing the food, and also how to store products. 

Packaging must also be contemporary in a way where it contributes to the creation of society.  You want to show off the models, the nutrition, and also different aspects. Make sure to keep any stereotypes away.

Packaging does need to be fast-forward too, and constantly innovative and changing.

Packaging also needs to be educational, in that they provide tools for people to use in their everyday life.  You should provide a means to educate users and also recognize and prioritize anything that’s needed.  Also, tell them how to dispose of the product too. 

Finally, you want the product to be sustainable, in that it’s designed, created, and then transported in a sustainable way, and also with clean energy.  You want to create eco-friendly packaging with the smallest amounts of energy and resources possible.

Everyone needs to use this, and you should make sure that you make every single product as ethical as they can be, and from there, reflect the creation of all of the products that are there, to create the ideal types of product packaging that are out there for you to use. 

Customized Boxes for Birthday Packaging 

If you’re someone who wants to give the best gifts that they can, making this totally special and really fun, then one way you can achieve this is via custom packaging. 

The ideal gifts, and the right types of packaging can help create the best kinds of packaging that you want.  You can create and print out different gift packages via the different dimensions, and graphics that are custom, including pictures, colors, names, and even texts.

Is there anything better than just doing this? probably not.

Gift boxes that were made for some people can provide a fun, unique experience for people.

Let’s look at this packaging for two twins, who have the same birthday.  They used a pull out box that also came with a double walled tray to provide a protection that’s accurate and strong. You’ve probably seen this as well in baptism favor boxes, as it’s very strong and helps with shock absorption. Not to mention, it also gives you the best gift presentation possible.

Packaging is then set up, and made up of two different boxes, each with the same type of sizes, and a graphic design that’s also quite similar, minus the tray coloring that’s there too, which is a green and Bordeaux. You can decide how you want to customize this, especially if there are certain colors that kids love, but one miniscule detail makes a huge difference in people. 

The beauty of this packaging is that, when you do this for birthday packaging, it provides a unique, added value that’s not underestimated. For events that are special, and those that can be really riveting, exciting and fun, this is where the packaging wins. This is because the packaging itself plays an emotional and vital role. 

Gift boxes aren’t just considered a box for the object, but in a way, they’re gifts themselves. 

You can incorporate different graphic designs, including pictures of the person, or anything that they love, and you can also include the names on this, especially on the sleeves and trays.  You can also add different symbols including hearts and stars too, fun graphics that provide a very strong involvement emotionally for those receiving it.  the exchanges of this provide both wonder, sediment, and the like, and the packaging itself starts from this box, but also not just from the gift itself.  The value of this provides a customized gift box that cannot be replicated, and for every single occasion, this provides a special moment that can’t be compared. 

The beauty of this is that regardless of who this is for, you can add your own unique touches to this. Let’s say you’re making a packaging box for a kid who loves cars. You can add different types of box favors and graphics to this, including the cars that they love, and also, a picture of them to make this memorable and fun.

This doesn’t even need to be for real little kids either.  For those who are older, especially when they become an adult, a box like this can mean a whole lot, and show the love that you have for them.

Birthdays and special events are always fun, and there are a lot of great ways to boost your gift giving abilities and wellness. You can do this through some customized gift packaging, so that from there, once you give them the gift that you’ve always wanted, you’ll be able to, with this, provide a wonderful, beautiful experience that you will be able to enjoy with them forevermore as well too.