Aug 20, 2025
How Your Food Packaging Survives the Commercial Freezer Challenge
At a Glance 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 […]
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Aug 06, 2025
The Sustainability Dilemma That’s Keeping Food Industry Leaders Up at Night
At a Glance Sustainable packaging terms are often misused, and each one requires different disposal systems. Infrastructure is the real barrier, not the materials themselves. Bio-based doesn’t mean biodegradable — and many don’t break down at all. No one-size-fits-all — your best option depends on product needs and local systems. You’re standing in your office, […]
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Jul 30, 2025
The Easy Way to Eliminate Condensation in Cold Food Packaging
At a Glance Condensation in food packaging makes fresh food look soggy and unappetizing, leading to lost sales and frustrated customers. It forms when warm food is sealed in cool containers — moisture builds up and drips onto the product, damaging appearance and quality. Condensation drives up waste, damages brand perception, and can trigger food […]
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Jul 28, 2025
Where is OPS Today, and Have Food Industry Pros Abandoned It?
At a Glance OPS packaging is disappearing from shelves due to limited recyclability, heat sensitivity, and shrinking supply — despite its clarity and low cost. PET took the lead with better durability, barrier properties, and widespread recyclability, making it the go-to for modern food packaging. Sustainability matters: OPS (#6) has little recycling support, while PET […]
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Jul 23, 2025
The Hidden Cost of Lost Days: Why Shelf-Life Extension is an Investment, Not an Expense
At a Glance Shelf-life extension is a profit lever — even one extra day reduces waste, saves labor, and protects margins across your operation. Oxygen, temperature swings, and poor packaging are silent killers of freshness — and they quietly drive up costs you can’t afford to ignore. Smart operators shift their mindset — the question […]
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Jul 21, 2025
Does My Plastic Food Packaging Contain Phthalates?
At a Glance PET, HDPE, and PP plastics are phthalate-free and safe for food use. Phthalates are used in flexible PVC, not rigid food containers. FDA regulations and supplier documents help confirm packaging safety. Stick with proven materials and trusted suppliers to avoid phthalate concerns. You’re running a successful food business that focuses on delivering […]
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Jul 18, 2025
How UV Light Affects Fresh Food in Packaging
At a Glance UV light exposure can damage food quality, causing oxidation, nutrient loss, color fading, and flavor changes. UV-blocking films and coatings protect freshness and extend shelf life. Materials like PET offer partial protection, but additives improve UV defense. Choosing the right barrier means balancing protection, clarity, recyclability, and compliance. You just got a […]
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Jul 14, 2025
Why You Need to Understand the Carbon Footprint of Plastic Food Packaging
At a Glance The carbon footprint of plastic covers its full life cycle, from production to disposal. PP and PE emit less CO₂e than PET; bioplastics aren’t always greener. Plastic often beats glass and paper in carbon impact due to light weight. Scope 3 emissions are big — better recycling helps reduce them. Imagine holding […]
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Jul 09, 2025
Smooth-Walled vs. Ribbed-Walled Packaging: Which is Better?
At a Glance Ribbed walls = strength with less plastic, offering structural support and sustainability through material reduction. Smooth walls = premium look and clarity, boosting product visibility and shelf appeal. Switching to smooth may increase cost or thickness unless design is optimized for balance. Best choice depends on product and positioning: ribbed for value/bulk […]
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Jun 27, 2025
What Do Those RIC Symbols on the Bottom of Packaging Mean?
At a Glance RIC numbers (1–7) identify plastic types, not recyclability — e.g., “1” means PET, “2” means HDPE, “5” means PP. Symbols help sort plastics, so recyclers know what material they’re handling — not an assurance your local program recycles it. Consumer confusion is common — many mistake RIC for a recycling promise, leading […]
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