Jun 18, 2026

Are Convenience Stores the New Quick Service Restaurants?

At a Glance  Convenience stores are becoming major foodservice destinations, competing directly with QSRs through fresh, prepared meals.   Consumers value speed and convenience, driving growth in grab-and-go and made-to-order food programs.   Packaging now plays a critical role in shaping quality perceptions before customers take the first bite.   Consistent, high-performing packaging helps convenience stores build trust and compete […]
Read More +
Jun 15, 2026

What Are the Differences in How Gen Z and Millennials View Food Packaging?

At a Glance Both Gen Z and Millennials care about sustainability, but food safety, freshness, shelf life, and convenience still come first when it comes to packaging decisions. Gen Z values transparency, sustainability, and product information. They want clear, specific claims about sourcing, ingredients, and environmental impact — not vague marketing language. Millennials tend to […]
Read More +
Jun 05, 2026

Food for Thought: Key Takeaways from the 2026 National Restaurant Association Show

At a Glance  Restaurants are being hit with multiple disruptions at once — GLP-1 eating habits, shifting generations, sustainability pressure, and new competition from grocery, convenience, and delivery.   Beverage trends are booming, with operators focusing on customizable, visually appealing drinks that need packaging with clarity, portability, and leak resistance.   Packaging is now part of the […]
Read More +
May 29, 2026

Is the Iran Conflict Still Affecting Plastic Food Packaging?

At a Glance  The Iran conflict is still affecting plastic food packaging through resin volatility, freight disruption, and supply chain uncertainty.   Packaging companies are increasing safety stock, adjusting sourcing strategies, and preparing for prolonged instability rather than a quick recovery.   Even if the conflict ended tomorrow, ripple effects tied to energy prices, shipping, and petrochemical infrastructure could […]
Read More +
May 22, 2026

What Does Saving a Few Pennies on Packaging Actually Cost Your Food Business?

At a Glance  Cheap packaging often creates expensive problems later through leaks, refunds, food waste, and lost customer trust.   Quality tamper-evident and leak-resistant packaging helps protect food safety, presentation, and the overall customer experience.   Clear, durable packaging can improve shelf life, reduce shrink, and make products more appealing at purchase.   Packaging is no longer just a container — […]
Read More +
May 21, 2026

How Can Group Purchasing Organizations Chop Food Business Costs?

At a Glance  GPOs help independent food businesses gain big-chain buying power by pooling volume, leading to better pricing and contract terms.  They don’t distribute products — they negotiate pricing and contracts while members continue ordering through their preferred distributors.  Beyond cost savings, GPOs expand supplier access, provide market insights, and handle competitive bidding on members’ behalf.  The value […]
Read More +
May 16, 2026

The Green Machine: 7 Takeaways from the Sustainable Packaging Coalition’s 2026 Impact Conference

At a Glance  Consumers are overwhelmed by sustainability messaging, and the packaging industry is realizing that confusion. Simpler, clearer communication is becoming critical.   One of the conference’s biggest themes was shifting away from technical “green” messaging toward more human, emotional, and social-media-style communication that consumers instantly understand.   Companies are recognizing that packaging performance still matters […]
Read More +
May 13, 2026

PETs: APET, CPET, DPET, rPET, and rDPET…Oh my! What’s the Difference? Let’s Get Resin-able

At a Glance  PET is the foundation of most food packaging, with APET (clear, non-crystallized) being the standard for cold and ambient applications.   CPET is heat-resistant, opaque PET used for oven-ready meals, created by crystallizing APET in a one-way process.   DPET is a more efficient, higher-performance version of APET made with fewer processing steps, offering […]
Read More +
May 01, 2026

Making Sense of Tamper Protection: What ‘Tamper-Obvious’ Really Means for Today’s Shoppers

At a Glance   Tamper-obvious packaging makes safety instantly visible from a distance, helping customers trust your product without picking it up.  Consumers make split-second decisions, so packaging must show clear, irreversible signs if it’s been opened — “evident” isn’t always obvious enough.  Subtle seals or perforations can fail to meet shoppers’ real-world expectations, leading to lost sales, shrink, and […]
Read More +
Apr 30, 2026

What’s Really Going on Behind Every Grocery Shelf Starts with Your Packaging

At a Glance  Shelf placement isn’t random — it’s controlled by category managers using planograms that prioritize margin, visibility, and overall shelf strategy.  Prime shelf space is intentional, designed to drive sales and influence customer behavior — not reward every product equally.  Packaging plays a major role: It affects how easily products are stocked, how […]
Read More +