How to choose food packaging?

Food storage is more critical than we realize, and using the wrong packaging can seriously impact health. First and foremost, packaging serves as a comprehensive shield for food against moisture, temperature fluctuations, and solar radiation. Every manufacturer carefully considers not only how to present a product effectively through original design but also its functional integrity. Food containers must ensure safe storage and convenient transportation while preserving all the food’s natural properties.

Optipak offers consumers a wide range of packaging solutions, utilizing high-quality and safe polystyrene materials in its production. Our packaging is airtight and resistant to mechanical stress. Furthermore, our food-grade plastic has no harmful effects on the product itself.

Choosing the Right Packaging for Your Product

Food storage packaging must be adapted to the specific type of goods being stored. Containers are developed based on product characteristics—shape, durability, size, and consistency all influence the choice of the necessary container.

• For Irregular Shapes: For items with disproportionate shapes or sharp edges (such as roasted chicken, bone-in steak, or deep-frozen fish), you should choose containers with high material strength that resist mechanical damage and punctures.
• For Delicate Goods: Storing and transporting delicate products and desserts requires dense packaging with reinforced walls and bottoms. This ensures the product remains intact during transit.
• For Berries and Small Items: Lightweight berry packaging or plastic cups are the ideal solution for fragile raspberries or blackberries, allowing the customer to bring their delicious purchase home with every berry perfectly preserved.

Universal Rules for Smart Packaging

When choosing a container, following a few universal rules will make usage much more efficient:

1. Ergonomics: Square or rectangular containers are the most practical, as they take up the least amount of space in the refrigerator.
2. Visibility: Containers with transparent walls allow you to see the contents without opening them.
3. Airtightness: Packaging intended for liquids must be hermetically sealed.
4. Storage: Choose containers that are stackable (nesting) to save space in kitchen cabinets.

Special Properties of Packaging Materials

Plastic containers are specifically designed for various food types. However, containers for perishable goods require extra attention and meet additional requirements:

• Moisture Control: Products that release liquid are often placed in packaging with high-absorbency liners.
• Ventilation: Salads, sliced vegetables, and fruits are packed in containers with special holes to ensure oxygen flow.
• Protection from Bacteria: Fish, meat, and cheese should be stored in food containers with tight-fitting lids. This prevents air and bacteria from entering, minimizing spoilage.
• Grease Resistance: Semi-finished products, snacks, and desserts containing fats should be placed in airtight, grease-proof containers.

Hot & Cold: Thermal Resistance Control

High-quality PET plastic used in container production must be resistant to various temperature regimes. The packaging should easily withstand temperatures during microwave heating, freezing, or refrigeration. Additionally, a simple opening and closing mechanism ensures consumer convenience. Our materials are also highly recyclable, significantly reducing the risk of environmental pollution.

Choosing the right food packaging is a complex process. The specialists at Optipak are here to help you dot all the “i’s” and cross all the “t’s” regarding proper container selection. We offer an individual approach to every client, considering all requirements for specific products—whether they be plastic cups, egg packaging, plastic lids, or food containers. Everything is executed at the highest level in accordance with global standards. You can order containers at excellent prices, whether for a small batch or a wholesale shipment.