Jul 14, 2025
Why You Need to Understand the Carbon Footprint of Plastic Food Packaging
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 a plastic food […]
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Jul 09, 2025
Smooth-Walled vs. Ribbed-Walled Packaging: Which is Better?
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 items, smooth for […]
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Jun 27, 2025
What Do Those RIC Symbols on the Bottom of Packaging Mean?
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 to sorting mistakes. […]
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Jun 20, 2025
Do PET Post-Consumer Recycled Materials Contain PFAS? What Our Testing Revealed
Post-consumer recycled content can be PFAS‑free — lab tests on PET with 10–100% PCR showed no detectable PFAS, easing health concerns. PFAS fears may be overstated, as contamination didn’t appear despite theoretical worries. Ongoing testing and supplier checks are key to maintaining safety as recycling processes evolve. Sustainable + safe = possible — brands can […]
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Jun 16, 2025
Molded Fiber Food Containers: Promise or Problem?
Molded fiber food containers offer compostable benefits, but often need barrier coatings that may include PFAS or plastic. They lack clarity and durability, making them better for quick-turn items than long shelf-life products. Production is slower and more expensive than plastic due to complex forming and drying steps. Innovation is underway, but molded fiber isn’t […]
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Jun 13, 2025
Do You Know How Quality Plastic Packaging Reduces Food Waste?
Quality packaging fights food waste in America by extending freshness and preventing spoilage through barrier protection and smart design. Sealing, portion control, and durability cut down on damage and over-consumption. Lightweight plastic reduces transport losses, lowering breakage and carbon impact versus heavy packaging. Investing in packaging pays off, balancing cost and sustainability while supporting fresher […]
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Jun 11, 2025
The Reality of Post-Consumer Recycled Materials in Plastic Packaging
Post-consumer recycled materials vary in quality, depending on source, sorting, and contamination — real-world PCR isn’t always consistent. PCR adds color/odor challenges, meaning branding, clarity, and food safety must be carefully managed. Regulatory compliance is non-negotiable, requiring PCR materials to meet FDA/food-contact standards before use. Transparent testing and supplier partnerships are essential to harness PCR […]
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Jun 09, 2025
Trust at First Sight: The Strategic Value of Consumer Confidence Through Tamper-Protected Food Packaging
Tamper-protected food packaging builds consumer trust, signaling safety and care from shelf to home. Clear tamper evidence deters theft and tampering, keeping products intact and brands protected. Implementation costs and design impact usability, so balance security with consumer friendliness. Success hinges on seamless integration — educate consumers, streamline production, and ensure reliable performance. Food industry […]
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Jun 02, 2025
The Way Nitrogen Affects Food Freshness May Surprise You
Nitrogen flushing extends freshness by replacing oxygen in packages — slowing browning in produce and oxidation in meats and cheeses. Fresh produce gets a head start: reducing oxygen to 5–8% right away helps maintain color and quality. High-barrier packaging and MAP work for proteins: aiming for near-zero oxygen to preserve flavor and safety. Easy to […]
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May 30, 2025
How Controlling Fruit Purge Can Save Your Fresh-Cut Products Today
Fruit purge control is essential — managing expelled juices prevents soggy packaging, microbial growth, and product damage. Drainage systems (pads, trays, mesh) wick away excess liquid, keeping fruit fresh and appealing. Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) reduces respiration and purge by adjusting gas levels around the fruit. Temperature control and rapid sealing are key — keeping […]
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