Product packaging is a crucial aspect of any business. No matter what kinds of goods are being sold, the packaging communicates crucial information about a brand to the consumer—especially when it comes to packaging food.
As far as food packaging goes, there are countless types to choose from. With plenty of materials and design options available, companies can truly make their packaging their own to stand out above the competition.
At Milk & Bull, we're dedicated to helping companies design packaging that will highlight the unique benefits of their products. Read on to learn more about the types of packaging for consumer goods, and find out how to pick the right materials for your business.
Consumer Goods Packaging: Material Matters
One of the most important decisions when it comes to product packaging is choosing the right material for the job.
The material you choose to showcase your goods can have a major impact on how they are viewed by consumers. From environmentally conscious to luxury, the right packaging can convey any message you wish to send.
There are several types of materials that food products are often packaged in. These include:
Plastic
Metal
Cardboard
Glass
Paper
Depending on what goods your business produces, some materials may be a better fit than others. Read on for a breakdown of each type to find out which one is right for you.
Plastic
Food-grade plastic packaging is often made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or high-density polyethylene (HPDE) plastics. Plastic packaging is tough, rigid and clear, making it a popular choice for many different types of food products.
If you're looking for packaging that can be specially constructed to fit the shape and size of your products, a plastic-based design may be right for you.
Metal
Metal food packaging is widely used throughout the food industry. From tinned foods to aluminum beverage cans, metal packaging is sturdy and ideal for products that contain liquids.
Metal packaging is a great choice for companies that take pride in every detail. Whether it's a canned beverage or a tin of luxury caviar, metal packaging provides the perfect canvas for labels and other designs. Plus, this material also has the benefit of being environmentally friendly, as it can be recycled and made anew after each use.
At Milk & Bull, we'll help you design the perfect label for any can or tin, to ensure your products stand out from the others on the shelf.
Cardboard
Cardboard is another commonly used packing material, though it may not ever be seen by the consumer. Cardboard is often used as a vessel to transport goods within their primary packaging to other stores, where they may finally make their way into the hands of a customer.
However, cardboard may be used as a primary packaging material, depending on your company's needs. If you're in need of sturdy packaging that can be cut to fit any size, cardboard could be the perfect choice for you.
Glass
Glass is one packaging material that continues to grow in popularity. In an effort to be more environmentally conscious, many companies are moving away from plastic packaging to more sustainable methods—this is where glass comes in. Glass is recyclable and can even be reused in countless ways, making it a popular replacement for things like cartons or cans.
Additionally, glass also features a sense of luxury that other materials simply don't have, communicating to the consumer that they're about to purchase a high-quality product. Plus, glass is also a popular choice thanks to its stylistic properties. Any beverage becomes deliciously enticing when housed in an attractive glass bottle, as opposed to an ordinary carton.
Paper
While paper may not make up the outer workings of your packaging, it can provide critical enhancements to your design. For example, using paper to separate units within each product box can be a great way to add an extra layer of detail to an otherwise standard packaging method.
Additionally, paperboard is a popular choice of packaging for many companies. This material is sturdier than paper, but not quite as thick as cardboard. This makes it an ideal choice for packing items such as cereal, cookies, crackers and more.
Finding the Right Packaging for Your Business
There is a lot that goes into choosing the right packaging material for your products, and the first step is assessing your needs as a business.
One of the most important things to consider is the budget you'll be working with. Packaging contributes to an estimated 8 to 10% of overall product costs; with this in mind, it's important to select a packaging type that will fit your budget while conveying the right message to consumers. Luckily, with help from a professional team like those at Milk & Bull, you can gain insight into designing the perfect packaging at the best price.
Additionally, it's crucial to take industry trends into account when choosing your packaging. For example, many companies are making a shift toward eco-friendly materials in an effort to be kind to the planet. Because of this, choosing a packaging type that can be reused or recycled will likely give you an edge over your competitors.
MiLK&BULL: The Packaging Partner Your Business Needs
The importance of packaging when it comes to consumer goods cannot be overstated. As a company, it's essential that you choose the right materials and designs for the job.
Fortunately, you don't have to do it alone. At MiLK&BULL, we're dedicated to helping you design packaging that will connect you with the right consumers and set you apart from the competition.
Visit MiLK&BULL to get started on your journey to perfect packaging today.