How to Select Packaging For Your New Product

When you’re developing a new food product, choosing the right packaging is essential for its success. The packaging you select can greatly impact the quality of your product, how it’s shipped, and how it looks on the shelves. If you get it wrong, your product might not stay fresh, could be damaged during transport, or might not attract customers effectively.

Here’s a simple guide to help you choose the best packaging:

What does your packaging need to do?

• Think about what you need the packaging to accomplish: Does it need to keep your product fresh? Does it just need to hold everything together? Does it need to protect your product during shipping? Does it need to prevent your product from drying out? Does it need to show off your product and attract buyers? If you’re unsure, try storing your product in different types of packaging—like paper bags, or plastic containers—and see how it holds up. This can help you understand your product’s needs.

How will consumers use your product?

• Consider how people will interact with your product: Will they pour it, spread it, or scoop it? Make sure the packaging fits these uses. For instance, if people will use a scoop, ensure there’s enough space. Keep in mind that people might expect familiar packaging for certain products, so think about whether sticking with tradition or trying something new is better for your audience.

What should your packaging withstand?

Make sure your packaging can handle:

• Moisture Freezing or microwaving Pressure or squeezing

For example, if your product is used in a microwave, choose microwave-safe packaging. If it’s wet, avoid paper packaging.

Sustainability

• Sustainable packaging is important, not just for the environment but also for reducing food waste. The right packaging can extend shelf life and decrease waste. Look into options like multi-layered foils, which offer various types of protection in one package, but be sure to choose materials that are both effective and environmentally friendly.

Practical considerations

• When choosing the right packaging for your product, there are several practical things to think about. You need to find a balance that keeps your product fresh and easy for customers to use while also being kind to the environment and affordable. This means considering how well the packaging protects your product, how it fits into people’s daily lives, and whether it meets your budget and sustainability goals. Taking all these factors into account will help you find packaging that works well for both your product and your customers.