Summer has come early this year, and the increase in temperature means an increase in demand for outdoor eating. It's "sun's out, burger bun's out", for the British public as BBQs are brushed off, picnic rugs shaken out and folding chairs dusted down.
It also means that things are hotting up for food and beverage businesses, particularly those specialising in spices, seasoning, dips and spreads. For food companies, choosing the right container is as important as choosing the right ingredients.
Food Safe Packaging for Summer Foods
Safety takes priority when it comes to food packaging. The right containers help to keep food edible on its journey from factory to fork. There are several key factors to look for when selecting food packaging.
Food Grade: Not all plastic containers are suitable for food, particularly those made from recycled plastic. Food grade containers are identified by the wine glass/ fork logo. Packaging should also be BPA-free, so it will not leach potentially harmful chemicals into the food. Read our "Guide to Food Grade Plastic" to find out more.
Airtight: Air and moisture can quickly spoil food and shorten its shelf life. Quality packaging that can be properly sealed with well-fitting closures is a must for powdered goods like spices and meat rubs that need to be kept dry.
Meat rubs and powders need to be stored in moisture-proof containers
Fridge/ Freezer Safe: Plastic can become brittle at colder temperatures, so choosing fridge or freezer-safe tubs is important for dips or spreads designed to be stored chilled.
Hot Fill: At the other end of the thermometer, if the production line includes hot-filling, containers must be product-tested for suitability. Thin, cheap tubs can bow and melt with heat, compromising their structural integrity.
Tamper Evident: Tamper-evident bands are the industry standard and ensure that goods sealed in production remain sealed until they reach the end user. Tamper tabs also give confidence to the consumer that the contents are safe to eat.
Re-sealable: Foods that are used over a period of time, such as spreads, spices and sauces, will keep longer when stored in closeable containers. Screw-top jars or tubs with a push-fit lid are convenient for the customer and keep flavours fresh until the next BBQ.
Sustainability: Reusable containers are more sustainable than single-use food packaging. Dishwasher-safe plastic tubs are practical and easy to clean, making them one of the most reused food containers. The final question is how recyclable the packaging is. Monoplastics are the simplest to recycle, so choosing HDPE or PP containers, rather than unrecyclable multi-layered packaging, is a more mindful environmental choice.
Clear tubs make it easy to see the contents
Printed Tubs and Buckets for Food
Once all the safety and practicality boxes have been ticked, the next thing to consider is shelf appeal. Food customers make their buying decision with their eyes before their taste buds. Clear tubs and buckets that showcase the product can provide that temptation to purchase.
Strong branding is particularly important for food businesses, where brand loyalty and recognition matter. Photographic quality IML printed tubs and buckets can elevate people's perception of a brand. Unlike paper labels, IML happens at the production stage, the design is embedded in the tub. It is a durable and professional finish that is ideal for food packaging.
The right packaging keeps food safe, builds customer confidence and helps businesses build a brand that lasts beyond the sunshine.
Invopak Packaging for Food
We have been supplying rigid packaging to food and beverage businesses for more than fifty years, and stock a wide range of plastic tubs, buckets, jars and jerry cans. Invopak is also BRC Global Standards certified to the highest AA+ standard for storage and distribution, which means not only our our products suitable for food, but the service you get is too. So if you need tubs for your next production run or you would like to ask about printed packaging, please get in touch with our packaging experts. We're here to help.
