Food packing for delivery and takeaway is becoming more popular and widely used as customer behaviors change. Aside from types and materials, there are several aspects to consider when selecting the correct packaging goods for your food service. In today's article, we'll take a closer look to identify the perfect food packaging for delivery for your business.
What is the packaging for sending food?
Food packing for delivery is defined as the materials and containers used to represent and protect food during its trip from a restaurant or food preparation facility to the customer's door. It is important to ensure that food arrives securely, fresh, and in the right condition.
Food packaging is essential for delivery for several reasons, including:
- Protection: food packaging keeps food protected from infection, crushing, and spillage while it is being transported.
- Convenience: Proper food packaging makes meals easier for customers to handle, carry, and consume.
- Presentation: Using packaging to highlight your restaurant's colors and emblem might be a great idea. Important details like ingredients, allergies, and reheating guidelines can also be shown on it.
- Portion management: Separate packing keeps dishes from combining to create a disorganized jumble and aids portion control.
In reality, food packaging for delivery can be used for takeaway service also because of its convenience.
There are different food packaging items, but when it comes to delivery, they have to respond the requirements as listed below:
- Durable and protective: To withstand transportation and prevent spills or leaks.
- Temperature-retaining: To maintain food freshness and quality.
- User-friendly: Easy to open, close, and identify food items.
- Adaptable to various food types: Caters to different dishes, from sandwiches to pizzas.
What are different types of food packaging for delivery?
There are many different food packaging products available that are composed of different materials. The materials and food packaging items that are frequently used are listed below.
Commonly used food packaging items for delivery
If you own a restaurant, caterer, or convenience store, food packaging for delivery could be a helpful tool for your business. The following are typical goods that are delivered in food packaging:
|
Item |
Benefits |
Ideal for |
|
Insulated containers |
Maintains food temperature |
Hot meals (pizza, fried chicken), cold dishes (salads, ice cream) |
|
Cardboard boxes |
Sturdy, multi-item capacity |
Pizzas, pastas, large orders |
|
Clamshell containers |
Visibility, portability, stackability |
Salads, sandwiches, wraps |
|
Soup bowls with lids |
Leakproof, microwave-safe |
Soups, stews, ramen |
|
Condiment containers/packets |
Portion control, hygiene |
Sauces, ketchup, mustard |
|
Sustainable alternatives |
Eco-friendly, compostable |
Various food items |
|
Aluminum foil containers |
Lightweight, heat-conductive |
Hot meals (fried chicken, curries), baked goods |
|
Paper bags with handles |
Convenient, portable |
Burgers, fries, sandwiches, salads |
Common materials of food packaging for delivery
When it comes to food packing for delivery, various materials are available. Each material has advantages and disadvantages. This table lists the differences between each material:
|
Material |
Features |
Applications |
Drawbacks |
|
Paper & Paperboard |
Lightweight, inexpensive, biodegradable, customizable |
Bread bags, pastry boxes, muffin cups, sandwich wraps, pizza boxes, burger boxes, dry goods |
Not heat-resistant, tears easily, not leak-proof |
|
Plastic |
Clear, versatile, leak-proof, re-sealable, protects from moisture and spills |
Salad containers, soup cups, wraps, zip-lock bags, bottles, clamshell containers |
Not always recyclable, some leach chemicals, melts with hot foods |
|
Aluminum Foil |
Conducts heat well, disposable, leak-proof, keeps food hot or cold |
Hot dishes, casseroles, baked goods, BBQ, meat trays |
Not recyclable, microplastic pollution, metallic taste, tears easily |
|
Biodegradable/Compostable Materials |
Eco-friendly, renewable resources, reduce environmental impact |
Salad bowls, cutlery, food wraps, takeaway boxes, plates |
May be less available, slightly more expensive |
|
Styrofoam |
Lightweight, durable, insulates well, inexpensive |
Takeout containers, hot beverage cups, meat trays |
Not recyclable, microplastics, health concerns |
The type of delivery packaging items appropriate for each type of business
According to type of business
If your business specializes in a certain sort of cuisine, the following delivery packaging items may be needed:
Fast Food:
- Paper bags: The classic choice for burgers, fries, and sandwiches. Opt for grease-resistant linings and sturdy handles.
- Clamshell containers: Ideal for salads, wraps, and smaller portions. Choose leakproof closures and stackable designs for efficient delivery.
- Aluminum foil containers: Perfect for hot meals like fried chicken and fish & chips. Look for heavy-duty options for heat retention and leak prevention.
- Condiment packets: These single-serve portions of ketchup, mustard, and sauces ensure convenient and mess-free delivery.
Pizza Restaurants:
- Pizza boxes: The undisputed champion, choose sturdy boxes with secure closures and ventilation holes. Consider custom branding for added impact.
- Insulated pizza carriers: Maintain optimal temperature during delivery, especially for long distances.
- Condiment packets: Offer options like chili flakes, parmesan cheese, and garlic powder for customization.
Asian Cuisine:
- Cardboard boxes: Ideal for multi-item orders like sushi platters, noodle bowls, and rice dishes. Opt for compartments to prevent mixing and secure closures.
- Soup bowls with lids: Perfect for ramen, pho, and other hot broths. Look for leakproof lids and double-walled construction for insulation.
- Soy sauce packets and ginger packets: Essential condiments for enhancing the Asian culinary experience.
Salad and Health Food Restaurants:
- Compostable bowls and containers: Align with your eco-conscious brand and cater to environmentally aware customers.
- Paperboard salad boxes: Lightweight and customizable with branding. Choose transparent lids for visual appeal.
- Dressing containers: Leakproof options with portion control features are ideal. Offer a variety of dressings for customization.
- Fruit and vegetable wraps: Biodegradable and compostable alternatives to plastic wrap for individual servings.
Bakeries and Dessert Shops:
- Cake boxes: Sturdy and beautifully designed boxes with secure closures are essential.
- Cupcake boxes: Individual boxes with inserts protect delicate cupcakes during delivery.
- Clear plastic containers: Showcase your pastries and cookies with tamper-evident seals.
- Biodegradable paper bags: Eco-friendly option for individual pastries and cookies.
Coffee Shops and Tea Houses:
- Double-walled paper cups: Keep beverages hot or cold while protecting hands.
- Cup carriers: Securely hold multiple cups for convenient delivery.
- Tea tins or pouches: Maintain freshness and aroma of loose-leaf teas.
- Biodegradable stirrers and straws: Eco-friendly alternatives to plastic options.
According to type of food
If your food service business offers a variety of foods, here is a list of packaging options based on the type of food.
Hot Food:
- Insulated containers: Maintain optimal temperature for hot meals like pizza, fried chicken, curries, etc. Consider size, weight, and material (foam, bag, pizza carrier).
- Aluminum foil containers: Lightweight and heat-conductive, perfect for hot meals. Look for heavy-duty options for heat retention and leak prevention.
- Soup bowls with lids: Leakproof and microwave-safe for hot soups, stews, and ramen. Double-walled construction for insulation is ideal.
- Cardboard boxes with compartments: For multi-item orders with hot items, use boxes with secure closures and ventilation holes.
Cold Food:
- Paper bags with handles: Versatile for burgers, fries, sandwiches, and salads. Choose grease-resistant linings for cold sandwiches.
- Clamshell containers: Ideal for salads, wraps, and cold cuts. Opt for leakproof closures and stackable designs.
- Compostable bowls and containers: Eco-friendly option for cold salads, poke bowls, and fruit parfaits.
- Paperboard salad boxes: Lightweight and customizable with branding for cold salads. Choose transparent lids for visual appeal.
Liquid Food:
- Soup bowls with tight lids: Leakproof and microwave-safe for soups, broths, and ramen.
- Double-walled paper cups: Keep beverages hot or cold, protecting hands. Consider cup carriers for multiple drinks.
- Bottles and jars: Secure options for juices, smoothies, and bottled beverages.
Baked Goods:
- Cake boxes: Sturdy and beautifully designed boxes with secure closures for cakes and pastries.
- Cupcake boxes: Individual boxes with inserts for delicate cupcakes and muffins.
- Clear plastic containers: Showcase cookies, brownies, and other treats with tamper-evident seals.
- Biodegradable paper bags: Eco-friendly option for individual pastries and cookies.
Other considerations when choosing food packaging for delivery
Besides of types of items and types of materials, there are different factors helping your business choose the right packaging, including:
- Customer experience: Food packaging for delivery should be easy to open, close, carry, and dispose of. Attractive and branded packaging with clear windows (if applicable) enhances the dining experience and reflects your brand identity. Do not forget Include instructions for reheating, storage, and disposal of packaging. Consider adding ingredients and allergen information for transparency.
- Cost: Business can Compare prices of different materials and explore bulk discounts to balance quality, sustainability and affordability.
- Size and safety: Choose the right size according your needs and requirements. Avoid over- or under-sized packaging to minimize waste and ensure food fits securely. It’s important alsos ensure leakproofness, this crucial for liquid foods. In other hand, do not forget temperature control. Your business can choose insulated containers, foil, or double-walled packaging to maintain optimal temperature for hot or cold
- Regulations: Ensure all materials comply with local regulations for food contact surfaces.
- Customization: Your food business can choose customized service with logos, or brand message to engage customers and convey your message.
Food Packaging for Delivery Options from Kimecopak
At Kimecopak, we offer different types of food packaging for delivery and take away. Our food packaging is made from high-quality materials, which ensure the best experience for customer when using but still eco-friendliness. Kimecopak’s food packaging items includes:
- To-go-box: The boxes made from eco-friendly material like kraft paper, sugarcane or bamboo fiber. High-quality, leak-proof, suitable with a wide range of food including hot, cold, wet, dry food.
- Paper Coffee Cups: We have single wall paper cups and double wall paper cups, which can vary with your needs and requirements. There are different sizes for different types of beverages.
- Paper soup cups and lids: These cups are made from high-quality paper, they are also leak-proof, microwaveable, freezer safe. This will bring a flawless experience for customers.
- Disposable Plates: perfect for control portion, and can be used for many occasions and events.
And there are so many food packaging items that will take your food packaging at a next level. All are available at our website.
Kimecopak is a trusthworthy provider of eco-friendly packaging for restaurants, coffee shops, catering companies in North America. We offer also customization service for business and numerous exclusive offers for longterm, including: saving 5-7%, fixed price in 6 months, storage solution and scheduled shipping. For more information, please contact us via email: halo@kimecopak.ca or Kimecopak Facebook Fanpage.
