Crafting a wholesome meal from scratch can be an exhilarating endeavor. Yet, who relishes the thought of laboring over a stove after a taxing day at the office, only to discover that the fresh produce you meticulously selected has succumbed to spoilage?
This predicament has propelled consumers toward the frozen food aisle in unprecedented numbers.
The global frozen food market has experienced remarkable expansion as individuals increasingly opt for frozen alternatives for their meals, snacks, entrees, and beyond. The trifecta of convenience, extended shelf life, and effortless accessibility creates an irresistible allure.
With burgeoning opportunities to introduce innovative products that cater to the consumer’s craving for convenient and delectable frozen foods, it is imperative to contemplate these five essential elements for optimal frozen food packaging.
Preserve Freshness
A triumphant frozen food package must ensure the product remains pristine, from the production line to retail shelves, and ultimately to the consumer's freezer. Opt for premium packaging materials endowed with superior barrier properties. Your packaging should incorporate appropriate films and barriers that safeguard the contents from dehydration and oxidation, both of which can lead to the dreaded freezer burn. A report from Grandview Research emphasizes that “material selection for frozen food packaging plays a pivotal role… the chosen material should be robust, moisture-resistant, and leak-proof, while also preserving the color, texture, nutritional integrity, and flavor of the frozen fare.”
Embrace Flexibility
Flexible packaging reigns supreme among materials utilized for frozen foods, encompassing everything from frozen vegetable bags to stand-up pouches for chicken nuggets, meatballs, appetizers, and more. The reasons for this popularity are manifold. Plastic film boasts a plethora of advantageous characteristics, including heat resistance, heat sealing capabilities, and exceptional barrier properties. Additionally, these materials are lightweight and shatter-proof. Flexible bags and pouches also provide significant space savings on store shelves and within consumers' kitchens.
Prioritize Convenience
A Deloitte study reveals that 45% of consumers select a product primarily for its ability to simplify food preparation, while 35% are drawn to products due to their convenient packaging. Within the frozen food sector, convenience features encompass resealable zippers for multiple uses, tear notches for effortless opening, and microwave-in-bag options that allow for cooking without the necessity of a separate container. In the realm of frozen foods, the convenience of meal preparation serves as a crucial driving force, and the right packaging can make all the difference.
Champion Sustainability
In response to the escalating demand for sustainable frozen food packaging, consider the incorporation of post-consumer recycled (PCR) films. PCR significantly mitigates greenhouse gas emissions and diverts plastic from landfills by transforming discarded materials into usable resin. These PCR films can be fashioned into pouches of various shapes and sizes, including stand-up, lay-flat, and rollstock. Remarkably, PCR film performs identically to its non-PCR counterparts, providing the same level of protection, barrier performance, and durability. This means that the film effectively obstructs light, oxygen, and other gases from infiltrating the package. Utilizing PCR can empower your company to diminish its carbon footprint, lessen its landfill impact, and achieve sustainability objectives.
Opt for Customization
Whether you are packaging frozen vegetables, meats, prepared meals, or desserts, bear in mind that the triumph of your brand hinges on the functionality and visual appeal of your packaging. With custom-printed flexible pouches, you can transform every inch of your packaging into a vibrant advertisement for your frozen product. Moreover, collaborating with a digital printer ensures that each package showcases high-quality graphics and colors, allowing your product to shine amidst the competition.
Select the Right Packaging Partner
It is crucial to align with a packaging supplier that can fulfill all your requirements for frozen food packaging, including resealable zippers, high-barrier films, photorealistic imagery, and PCR options.
At Polysmarts, we provide all of this, complemented by a team of local experts dedicated to crafting the ideal frozen food package for your brand. Have you contemplated how custom flexible packaging for frozen foods can elevate your presence in the marketplace? Reach out to us today and discover what Polysmarts can accomplish for you.