Sep 15, 2025

Are Recyclables Declining in Value? What Food Business Professionals Need to Know

Recyclables declining in value is real. Cardboard, plastics, and metals are worth far less than a year ago. Multiple factors drive the drop. Lower demand, oversupply, and high energy costs all play a role. Food businesses feel the squeeze. Lower value from cardboard and plastics means higher waste costs. Smart operators adapt. Reduce packaging, keep […]
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Sep 10, 2025

What Packaging Material Can Go from Freezer to Oven Without Breaking?

CPET packaging handles -40°F to 420°F and is perfect for freezer-to-oven meals.  Made with special thermoforming tools and processing, it keeps its shape and blocks oxygen, water, and grease.  Recycling is a challenge, but new CPET Light and TPET offer clearer, greener options.  Use CPET for extreme temps; choose alternatives for moderate heat needs.  First […]
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Sep 08, 2025

Is All Plastic Food-Safe? What You Need to Know

Resin identification codes (the triangles made of chasing arrows) show the plastic type, not whether it’s certified for food contact; even common codes like PET (1) or PP (5) can be unsafe if made from non-compliant materials.  Food-safe plastic isn’t guaranteed by appearance or resin codes — true safety requires FDA-approved materials, proper migration testing, […]
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Sep 03, 2025

Why is PET the Top Packaging Material for Cold & Ambient Fresh Food?

PET Packaging Boosts Visibility: Crystal-clear PET packaging enhances product appeal, improves sales, and simplifies inventory management, lowering handling costs.  Extends Shelf Life: PET’s strong oxygen barrier keeps products fresh longer than packaging with lower barrier properties such as paper or polystyrene, reducing waste compared to other materials.  Sustainable & Adaptable: PET has a robust recycling […]
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Aug 27, 2025

Learn What Separates Elite Packaging Manufacturers from the Rest

Choosing the right packaging manufacturer is critical — late shipments, poor quality, and weak service can damage profits and reputation beyond repair.  A great partner practices manufacturing vigilance: consistent quality checks, strong efficiency metrics, and systems that prevent mistakes before they happen.  Top manufacturers innovate with new materials, automation, and sustainability efforts, while also tracking […]
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Aug 25, 2025

An Introduction to Packaging Claims for Food Industry Professionals

Packaging claims must be truthful, substantiated, and match how the audience interprets them. FTC and states can penalize false or misleading claims, especially on hot topics. Environmental claims need strong proof to avoid greenwashing. Verify supplier claims, consider context, and choose partners who back up promises. Walk down any grocery aisle, and you’ll see packaging […]
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Aug 20, 2025

How Your Food Packaging Survives the Commercial Freezer Challenge

Packaging in freezers must survive rapid drops to -40°F without cracking or losing clarity. APET with impact modifiers resists cold and stays clear; polypropylene needs additives but can lose transparency. Each manufacturing heat cycle weakens material, making it more brittle in extreme cold. Success means balancing cold resistance, clarity, barrier strength, and insulation. Have you […]
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Aug 18, 2025

PET and The Battle of Bioplastics Part III: PEF

PEF and PET packaging: PEF is a plant-based rival to PET with better performance.  Why it matters: PEF fits existing PET lines — no overhaul needed.  Top benefits: Better barriers, more heat resistance, stronger, greener.  Big hurdles: High cost, low supply, no recycling system (yet).  You’ve seen this story before — another “revolutionary” bio-based packaging […]
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Aug 13, 2025

PET and The Battle of Bioplastics Part II: PHA

PHA and PET packaging: PHA is compostable but lacks PET’s strength, clarity, and heat resistance.  Production problems: Complex, costly, and inconsistent due to bacterial fermentation synthesis.  Performance limits: Often needs PLA blending to function — not viable solo for most packaging.  Eco-reality: Biodegrades well, but harsh extraction methods raise sustainability concerns.  In Part I, PLA […]
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Aug 11, 2025

PET and The Battle of Bioplastics Part I: PLA

PLA and PET go head-to-head — PET wins on cost, clarity, and recycling; PLA is plant-based but limited.  PET leads with strong barriers, low cost, and solid infrastructure.  PLA struggles with heat, moisture, and composting challenges.  Smart brands mix and match — PET for most, PLA where it fits.  “Ding, ding, ding! Everyone gather ’round! […]
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