Plastic Packaging for Food Businesses: Uses & Benefits

What is plastic packaging?

Plastic packaging covers a broad range of containers, tubs and lids made from plastic materials. In the food industry, businesses can use these products for different applications depending on the type of food and how it needs to be handled.

For example, plastic containers can provide practical solutions for food storage, takeaway products, retail presentation and larger-volume applications. Different formats can also offer different shapes, capacities and closure options.

Why do food businesses use plastic packaging?

Food businesses need packaging that can protect products while remaining practical to handle and store. As a result, plastic packaging is commonly used across food production, retail, takeaway and food service environments.

Some of the potential benefits include:

• A wide choice of sizes and container formats.
• Practical options for storing and transporting food.
• Suitable formats for both smaller and larger quantities.
• Secure lid options for appropriate applications.
• Clear and opaque designs depending on presentation requirements.

How can plastic packaging be used for food?

The most suitable packaging will depend on the product and how the business intends to use it. For instance, smaller containers can suit individual portions, ingredients or prepared foods, while larger tubs can provide additional capacity for food production and retail applications.

Businesses should also consider whether products need to be stored, transported or displayed before use. Therefore, capacity, shape, closure and material suitability all play an important role when selecting a container.

Plastic containers for food storage

Plastic containers can provide a practical way to store a wide variety of food products. Their different sizes and shapes allow businesses to choose packaging that suits the quantity being handled and the space available for storage.

In addition, suitable lids can help keep contents contained during handling and transportation. Businesses should always choose packaging that is appropriate for the particular food and its intended storage conditions.

Plastic packaging for takeaway and retail

Plastic packaging can also support takeaway and retail applications where businesses need convenient, practical containers for prepared products.

For example, suitable tubs can help businesses portion products consistently while providing a straightforward format for customers to carry and store. Depending on the product, clear packaging can also allow customers to see the contents before purchase.

What should you consider when choosing plastic packaging?

There is no single plastic packaging format that will suit every application. Therefore, businesses should consider how the packaging needs to perform throughout storage, handling and use.

Key considerations include:

• Food type: Choose packaging that is suitable for the product being packed.
• Capacity: Select a size that matches the required quantity.
• Storage: Consider the conditions in which the product will be kept.
• Lids: Determine whether the application requires a secure or tamper-evident closure.
• Transport: Consider how the packaged food will be handled and moved.
• Presentation: Decide whether clear or opaque packaging is more appropriate.

Can plastic packaging support product presentation?

Yes. The appearance of packaging can influence how customers view a product, particularly in retail and takeaway environments.

For example, clear containers can make the contents visible, while other formats can provide a clean and consistent presentation across a product range. Choosing a suitable shape and size can also help create a more professional overall appearance.

Can plastic packaging be personalised?

Suitable plastic packaging can also offer opportunities for businesses that want to incorporate their branding into the finished product.

Depending on the container and production requirements, options such as in-mould or post-mould labelling may be available. However, the most suitable approach will depend on the product, quantities and branding requirements.

For more information about personalised paper and plastic packaging, read our Packaging Personalisation guide.

Choosing plastic packaging for your food business

Ultimately, suitable plastic packaging should match the product, quantity and way the business intends to store, transport or present it. Considering these factors before choosing a container can help businesses find a practical solution for day-to-day use.

Parkers Packaging supplies a range of plastic packaging for different food applications. Explore our Food Grade Recyclable Containers or browse our Tamper Evident Packaging for suitable options.

For more information, contact us below