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 […]
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Apr 24, 2026

Which Reheats Better: Food in Polypropylene or Aluminum Packaging?

At a Glance  Polypropylene (PP) is microwave-safe but not oven-safe; it insulates heat, often leading to uneven heating with hot and cold spots.   Aluminum conducts heat efficiently, making it ideal for ovens and delivering more even heating, better texture, and improved presentation.   Microwave use with aluminum is technically possible under controlled conditions, but not recommended due to safety risks like […]
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Apr 24, 2026

Is Your Convenience Store’s Grab-and-Go Working For You or Against You?

At a Glance  Packaging is the silent salesperson — clear, clean presentation builds trust and drives impulse purchases, while messy or opaque packaging kills them.   Cheap packaging (like bags) often costs more in the long run through shrink, lost sales, poor presentation, and reduced customer trust.   Clear, rigid containers that have visible tamper evidence and tamper resistance often […]
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Apr 17, 2026

Your Packaging Passed Inspection. But Will It Survive the Real World?

At a Glance   Packaging failures don’t just cause messes — they lead to lost product, food safety risks, fines, and brand damage. Most of these issues are preventable with proper testing.    Strong suppliers go beyond basic checks and run key tests like leak testing, compression/stack testing, tamper validation, and full distribution simulations to mimic real-world conditions.    The […]
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Apr 16, 2026

Why Plastic Packaging Prices Are Rising Right Now (And What It Means for You)

At a Glance  A plastic pricing increase is happening because the material is tied to oil, and conflict involving Iran is disrupting a key global oil route (the Strait of Hormuz).   That disruption increases raw material costs (such as PTA, MEG, and propylene) while also tightening supply, creating upward pressure on prices.   Shipping costs are […]
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Apr 10, 2026

Is Plastic Food Packaging Really the Villain the Media Makes It Out to Be?

At a Glance  Plastic packaging (including plastic food packaging) is often portrayed as harmful in the media. When it comes to food packaging, we should not forget its role in environmental impact reduction by preventing food waste, a major source of emissions.  Media narratives oversimplify the issue, leading businesses to make reactive, optics-driven decisions instead of data-driven […]
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Apr 09, 2026

What On-the-Go Consumers Actually Need from Packaging

At a Glance  Consumer eating habits are shifting fast, and grab-and-go packaging now needs to match how people truly eat: In cars, between meetings, and on the move.  Economic pressure is driving shoppers toward smaller portions, lower-cost items, and prepared meals — creating new demand for convenient, high-quality packaged options.  Separate containers vs. multi-compartment trays both offer unique […]
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Mar 27, 2026

How Your Freezing Method Should Affect Your Packaging Choices

At a Glance  Faster freezing creates smaller ice crystals, which helps maintain texture, retain moisture, and protect overall product yield  Slower freezing leads to larger ice crystals, causing cell damage, excess purge, and lost sellable weight  Poor freezing forces you into heavier, more expensive packaging to manage moisture and protect appearance  Strong freezing gives you more flexibility with packaging, […]
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Mar 23, 2026

OPS vs. PET Food Packaging: Which One Actually Performs Better?

At a Glance  PET is more durable and supply-chain ready — it flexes before breaking, while OPS is rigid and more prone to cracking, especially under pressure or cold conditions.  Temperature performance favors PET — OPS struggles in cold and heat, while PET (and especially CPET) handles a wider range, even freezer-to-oven in some cases.  Shelf life is […]
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Mar 17, 2026

SB 343: An Intro to California’s New “Truth in Labeling” Law

DISCLAIMER: This document is designed as an introduction to California’s Truth in Labeling law and contains summary information. The information provided in this document does not constitute legal advice and is not a substitute for the advice of an attorney. All liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on the contents of […]
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