If you are in the food production industry, you understand the importance of food packaging and its role in extending the life of your products. You may have even tested different options, such as flexible packaging film, to learn what keeps your food safest and freshest on the shelf. These are some packaging options you may consider for longer shelf life.
Barrier Packaging
Food products tend to spoil faster when they become exposed to external elements. Often, these products need multiple barriers to keep them fresh. For example, you may need to block out light to keep your products fresh. Whatever you need to block out, you can add a layer to your packaging process that handles this.
Moisture & Oxygen Barrier
Oxygen and moisture are two of the main things you may need to keep out of your products. However, some foods actually need air to stay fresh. Therefore, your packaging may need gas permeability to slow spoilage. This may include tiny holes that allow proper air for fruits, vegetables and other food products.
In addition, you can use modified atmosphere packaging to produce an ideal environment for your food products. This type of packaging helps you control the humidity, oxygen and temperature on the inside so that your food lasts longer and keeps its flavor.
Physical Protection
As a food manufacturer, you also need a physical barrier between your food and the outside world. Therefore, you should choose packaging that effectively protects your food, such as. The purpose is to keep your foods in their original state, so while you may choose an air-filled bag for chips or a rigid box for cookies, you may also choose mylar bags for products that won’t crush, such as rice, dried fruit or oatmeal.
Vacuum Packaging Options
Vacuum packaging actually removes all the air. This is especially important for freezer products or those that can mold, attract bacteria or grow yeast when they become exposed to air. These contaminants cannot survive without it. Vacuum-sealed packaging also keeps your products fresher after your consumer purchases them, at least until they open these products.
Stand Up & Out on the Shelf
Once you have found the best packaging to extend the shelf life of your products, choose options that stand out on the shelf. Stand-up packaging continues to increase in popularity because it gives you more real estate to share information about your product and brand right on the shelf. In addition, it is easier and lighter to pack and store and fits on the shelves better than other options.
Stand-up options are also more sustainable than others because manufacturers produce them efficiently, customers can reuse many options and they are recyclable. They are also easily customizable, so you can create the design, style, size and color you want. These packages are durable and strong. You can also use them on a wide variety of products, making them highly versatile. Analyze your food products to learn what types of packaging options will keep them the freshest and best serve your customers. Consider custom stand up pouches that you can fully customize to your needs as you review your packaging options.
