Food Manufacturers Can Unlock Growth in Food Service with Flexible Packaging
The flexible packaging market is projected to grow significantly in the coming years with estimates suggesting a compound annual growth rate of around five to seven percent through 2025-2030. This growth is outpacing traditional rigid packaging in many food sectors.
In food service, flexible packaging is increasingly favored for its space-saving benefits, ease of use, and safety enhancements. Many brands are transitioning iconic products like sauces, condiments, and soups from cans and bottles to flexible pouches.
As ongoing innovations in flexible packaging technology and expanding recycling infrastructure make it easier and more economical for food service operators to make the switch, food processors and packagers can expand their businesses by better meeting evolving needs.
Supporting Your Food Service Customers
Food manufacturers and packagers looking to effectively support food service companies making the switch to flexible packaging should consider taking the following actions:
- Develop and Offer Compatible Packaging Formats
Create flexible packaging options such as pouches, stand-up bags, or resealable formats that align with the needs of food service operators. Features like easy-open tabs, portion-controlled sizes, and high barrier protection for freshness are essential. - Invest in Equipment
Expand your packaging equipment portfolio to include high-speed VFFS machines that can fill and seal a variety of pouch sizes and types. - Ensure Compatibility with Food Service Equipment
Test and adapt packaging to be compatible with common food service equipment like portion dispensers, pumps, or squeeze bottles. This facilitates seamless integration into kitchen workflows and helps reduce waste. - Provide Clear Labeling and Instructions
Include easy-to-understand labels, handling instructions, and storage guidance tailored to the food service environment. This helps operators comply with safety standards and increases efficiency. - Invest in Recycling and Sustainability Initiatives
Offer recyclable flexible packaging options that are compatible with local recycling streams. Educate food service customers about proper disposal and recycling practices to support sustainability efforts. - Train and Support Food Service Customers
Provide training, technical support, and educational resources on how to store, handle, open, and dispose of flexible packaging properly. Leverage resources from your packaging material and equipment suppliers for technical assistance. - Offer Customization and Flexibility
Work closely with food service clients to develop customized packaging solutions tailored to their specific menu needs, volume requirements, and operational preferences. - Collaborate for Innovation
Partner with packaging developers and equipment manufacturers to create new designs that further integrate flexible packaging into food service operations, ensuring reliability and convenience.
By taking these proactive steps, food manufacturers can better meet the evolving needs of food service companies, build stronger partnerships, and capitalize on the growing trend of flexible packaging solutions.
With one of the most robust offerings of VFFS equipment, materials, and service, the team at CRYOVAC® is ready to help. Call us today to get started.
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