5 Standards That Make for the Best Food and Grocery Packaging

Packaging Trends

5 Standards That Make for the Best Food and Grocery Packaging

As a fundamental industry, food and grocery retail are not going anywhere. However, with increasing consumer concerns regarding health and environmental impact and a highly competitive business landscape, food and grocery companies need not only to keep up but also to stand out. Your food and grocery packaging is an essential part of your brand…

5 Standards That Make for the Best Food and Grocery Packaging

As a fundamental industry, food and grocery retail are not going anywhere. However, with increasing consumer concerns regarding health and environmental impact and a highly competitive business landscape, food and grocery companies need not only to keep up but also to stand out.

Your food and grocery packaging is an essential part of your brand strategy. While it is critical to storing and protecting your products, your packaging also acts as a marketing tool that can both reach and retain consumers. Consumers want their food and grocery packaging to be simple yet safe, and want to buy from brands that align with their values. Read on as we discuss five fundamental ways to create memorable food and grocery packaging. 

Do Not Overpackage Your Products

amazon prime grocery bag with animation in the background

The biggest frustration consumers have with the food and grocery industry is overpackaged products. Overpackaging can negatively impact a consumer’s impression of your brand. Not only is it seen as wasteful, but it also makes products difficult to get into, creating friction in the consumer experience. 

The most important things to keep in mind when designing your food and grocery retail packaging are convenience and simplicity. Take a minimal approach to avoid falling into the trap of overpackaging. There are a few aspects of your packaging you will want to consider: 

  • Size. It is common for many brands to use large outer packaging, especially in the food subscription box industry. However, there are a few drawbacks to this approach. Oversized packaging costs more money and resources to create and ship, generates more waste, and creates inefficiency in the supply chain. Instead, opt for appropriately sized packaging components.
  • Quality. Package your products with more durable materials. While it may cost more upfront, choosing high-quality, sturdy materials can better protect your products while simultaneously elevating your brand image, making it a worthwhile investment. 
  • Quantity. Include the essentials in your product packaging. The more boxes and materials you use, the more work the consumer has to do to get to their highly anticipated products, and the more expenses you incur. 

Overall, overpackaging costs more for both brands and the end consumer. Investing in the right packaging and simplifying your approach is a win-win. It creates efficiency in the supply chain, lowers costs, appeals to sustainable packaging practices, and speaks to your consumer’s desire for convenience.

Keep Sustainability in Mind

person holding a green grocery tote bag

Environmental concerns are at the forefront of many consumers’ minds, causing them to be especially mindful of the products they purchase and the packaging they come in. Sustainable packaging has proven to be a key influencer in consumer buying decisions. In fact, 60–70% of consumers say they would pay more for a product if it comes in environmentally friendly packaging. 

Since many grocers and food manufacturers have been slow to adopt sustainable packaging solutions, you can easily get ahead of the curve with sustainable packaging solutions

Choose Sustainable Packaging Materials 

One of the most effective ways to create environmentally friendly packaging is by selecting sustainable materials. With today’s technology and the right service provider, you can create packaging solutions that are 100% biodegradable, recyclable, and compostable. Avoid plastic packaging, single-use plastic, and non-recyclable packaging and replace it with eco-friendly alternatives like food-grade paper, cardboard, metal, or glass. 

If you need to use plastic packaging components, make sure they are recyclable, biodegradable, compostable, or made with recycled materials such as rPET. Label your packaging accordingly to let your consumers know what it is made of and how they can properly dispose of it. 

Add Value With Reusable Packaging Components 

Reusable packaging components are a great way to reduce waste, increase efficiency, and cut long-term costs in your supply chain. 

Package your products in branded reusable bags that have a grip seal to maintain freshness. Provide printed fabric totes that consumers can repurpose when they shop. If your products need to be sealed in a plastic pouch, place them inside branded glass jars, wooden containers, or metal canisters for added protection. Let consumers know of different ways they can reuse your product’s packaging such as storage containers or decorative purposes, for example. 

Another bonus: Providing consumers with a reusable, high-quality packaging solution will act as an added gift with purchase that will make them feel valued and, in turn, boost brand loyalty.

Utilize a Sustainable Supply Chain 

Your supply chain plays a critical role in your packaging’s environmental footprint. From design to material sourcing to production to shipments, and everything in between, there are a lot of moving parts. 

Choose a packaging service provider that understands how to produce ethically and sustainably sourced packaging and uses eco-friendly manufacturing practices. They will be able to guide you through the packaging development process and help you create a solution that is both sustainable and hygienic. 

Prioritize Safety and Sanitation

woman delivering groceries

When it comes to food and grocery packaging, hygiene and food safety is the top concern for consumers across the globe. Your product’s packaging is critical to keeping it fresh, sanitary, and safe for consumption. 

There are a few ways you can achieve hygienic food and grocery packaging. Select food-safe packaging materials to ensure both dry and liquid products are kept safe. Use FDA-approved food contact substances appropriately. Choose highly durable materials to properly protect your products. Preserve the temperature of perishable food items and keep them safe during transit with insulated food packaging. 

Make It Memorable

delivery box for cookies

Every interaction a consumer has with your brand plays a part in the consumer experience. Your packaging should not only be consistent with your brand identity but should also elevate it. 

Presenting your brand consistently builds brand awareness, making it much easier for consumers to recall and identify your company, and in turn, strengthening trust within your consumer base. In fact, a consistent brand presentation can increase revenue by as much as 33%. Include key components of your brand identity such as your name, logo, colors, patterns, and more throughout your packaging design. 

Look for opportunities to share your company’s mission, vision, values, and story in a way that connects to your target audience. Consider their buying behaviors and what motivates them to make a purchase. For example, 81% of millennials expect companies to be socially responsible, and 60% are more likely to purchase from brands that give back. Companies like Annie’s Homegrown and Newman’s Own donate a portion of their revenue to charities that align with their brand values. Making consumers aware of how their purchase positively impacts their community — whether it be through supporting philanthropic causes, sustainability, and more — will help you build lasting relationships with them.

grocery delivery boxes

Personalized packaging is another great way to connect with your consumers. Give them pamphlets with their purchases that feature exciting new products, creative recipe ideas, or a discount code or coupon. Include a note personally thanking them for shopping with you. Add a postcard that highlights your unique brand values.

Choose the Right Packaging Service Provider 

Effective food and grocery packaging starts with finding a great packaging service provider. The right packaging partner will enable you to design memorable, safe food and grocery packaging that sets your brand apart from the rest. 

Before you choose a packaging service provider, look into their reviews, reputation, and capabilities. Select a service provider that is experienced, knowledgeable, and collaborative. They should be able to guide you through the packaging creation process from start to finish, advising you on best practices and supporting you throughout the development process. 

At Edge2Edge, we help food and grocery brands make packaging that is safe, sustainable, and stylish. Our dedicated team of advisors is here to help you with strategic packaging consultations, design support, and innovative packaging solutions that comply with food safety regulations. In addition, we offer high-volume manufacturing capabilities, live shipment tracking, and an optimized supply chain to help you take on global logistics management with ease. 

Contact us today to create a packaging solution your consumers will love.