Having good food packaging increases your product’s quality and shelf life, protects your product from microorganisms, reduces waste, and improves the overall consumer experience. This article outlines the benefits of good packaging in consumer markets.
Improves product quality
Besides providing functional benefits for food products, packaging offers convenience, containment, and protection. It can prolong the shelf life of food by reducing contact with deteriorating agents. It can provide consumers with convenience attributes like easy opening and re-closing and convenient quantities of food. The active packaging concept is an excellent example of how to increase food safety. This approach requires functional materials and processes to protect the environment.
In addition to improving product quality, intelligent packaging also has an emotional impact on consumers. The objective of these products is to create a sense of confidence in consumers and increase their confidence. Good packaging enhances consumer confidence and enables them to control their products. The emotional impact of intelligent packaging is one of its ancillary benefits. When designed to provide information, intelligent packaging improves food safety.
Protects the product from microorganisms
Biological protection is necessary for food safety, and good food packaging helps prevent the spread of disease and spoilage by protecting the product from the growth of microorganisms. It also prevents the transfer of odours and controls the internal environment of the package. The following are five reasons why good food packaging is essential. These are not limited to the types of packaging used in the food industry, and they also apply to other types of products, including beverages and other household items.
Good food packaging protects the product from environmental factors such as water vapour, oxygen, and odorous substances. It can also help delay the deterioration process of the food product by preventing it from absorbing moisture. Good food packaging is crucial for food safety and marketing purposes.
Reduces waste
A growing body of literature identifies the functions of good food packaging and explores the technologies available to address the problem of food waste. Many of these technologies are biodegradable and are aimed at reducing food waste. But despite the benefits of these technologies, many consumers still harbour a widespread suspicion of their effectiveness. These misgivings may hamper the development of more innovative solutions. But there is still hope.
The next generation of food packaging must reduce food waste and adverse environmental impacts by 2050, according to the ReFED Insights Engine. The study identifies several food waste solutions and maps them to demonstrate how they will improve food security and nutrition. By 2050, direct packaging solutions could divert more than six hundred million tons of food from landfills and save 120 billion gallons of water.
More packaging can help companies address the needs of new household trends and changing consumer purchasing habits. For example, providing smaller portion packs can help reduce food waste from over-eating, food spoiling after being opened, and overcooked food.
Research on packaging technologies can help influence consumers’ perceptions regarding food waste. Some studies have demonstrated that packaging that incorporates information about storage and date of expiration can impact consumer behaviour. Consumers may not even be aware that their purchases contain plastic. They may also feel uncomfortable asking their loved ones to give up convenience. However, they may find the concept of good packaging attractive, but it’s hard to convince them to switch.
Zero-waste stores are one significant strand of development. The Unpackaged grocery store, created by Catherine Conway, encourages consumers to consider the items they throw away before purchasing them. Customers are encouraged to weigh themselves before buying products, which is possible with hundreds of loose goods. The store also offers unprocessed fruits, vegetables, pulses, grains, nuts, and liquids. These stores aim to increase the volume of food available in a sustainable way.
Enhances consumer experience
A recent report by Shorr, a research and consulting firm, shows that good food packaging enhances the consumer experience. The study, which surveyed 1,100 U.S. consumers, also highlights how the appearance of food packaging influences the consumer’s decision-making process. For example, consumers aged 18-44 are more likely to buy a specific food product based on its packaging, while those aged 45-60 are less likely to purchase it.
While some consumers may be hesitant to buy a product due to its packaging, others may feel strongly about a product after experiencing a great first impression. In addition, good food packaging helps food retailers communicate brand messages and product claims. A case-ready package allows printed messages that entice consumers to buy, while plain tray overwrapping doesn’t. Providing a positive experience to consumers leads to repeat purchases and loyalty.
