There are many types of food packaging materials and here at Charlotte Packaging we stock everything from cellophane bags to axed paper sheets. So, how do you know which material and types of food packaging are right for your food?
Here’s a simple guide to different types of food packaging materials and what they are best used for:
Paper Packaging
Paper packaging is favourable for containing dry and light food products, and is especially popular among those looking for an eco-friendly, recyclable packaging solution. It is easily customised to display a brand logo or slogan too!
Our paper bags and sheets are ideal for sandwich shops, bakeries and market stalls, and come in a variety of different options.
Paper PE or PP Coated Paper Bags – These microwavable bags, are brilliant when warming sandwiches. They’re extra strong with sealed bottoms for durability.
Flat Stock Bags – Unbranded and plain in colour, choose these bags if you’re looking for affordable packaging that comes in numerous sizes. Think old-school confectionary bags.
Waxed Paper Sheets – For greaseproof paper sheets, they don’t come better than these waxed wonders. Available in numerous sizes and prints, these prevent the leakage of grease or liquids and keep your hands nice and clean. Check out some more hot food packaging options here.
Tissue – Soft and thin, tissue paper is a simple and cost-effective paper packaging solution for both food wrapping and as an added protective layer within a more robust solution.
Metal Packaging
Yes, metal is used in food packaging! Foil-lined bags and paper are durable, greaseproof and waterproof, but don’t offer the transparency that cellophane offers. Foil paper is commonly used within the fast-food and takeaway industries to keep food warm.
Plastic Packaging
Plastics are a favourite among the food industry for their affordability, malleability and waterproof characteristics. However, not all plastic packaging is recyclable.
Cellophane Bags – Whether flat, gusseted, film fronted or strip windowed, cellophane helps make the ideal sandwich bags. Cellophane bags are a great way of professionally presenting food and tempting customers into purchasing.
Cellophane Wrap – Cellophane wrapping food is an effective way of preserving freshness, while clearly displaying the contents inside. Liquid proof and easily branded, cellophane wrap is a flexible packaging option.
Platter Covers – All of our platter covers here at Charlotte Packaging are made of food-grade polypropylene and will fit around a number of different sized platters to keep food fresh. Whether you opt for perforated or non-perforated covers, they’ll have resealable strips so you can retrieve some of the contents without spoiling what’s left. And they’re much more flexible than the classic rigid platter lid.
Biodegradable Packaging Materials
For a ‘green’ option that we’re sure will grow in popularity over the next few years, choose to package your food with biodegradable packaging materials, such as Natureflex and PLA film.
Film based and renewable wood pulp, Natureflex, is a great biodegradable solution that can be utilised for varying packaging needs. Completely compostable, Natureflex is static-free, comes in a range of moisture permeability levels and some can even be microwaved.
PLA on the other hand is an environmentally-friendly polymer made of renewable starch. When disposed of it is converted into carbon dioxide and water within just a month and half, making it a non-toxic favourite among green food companies.
If you’d like to learn more about these biodegradable options or any of our packaging materials here at Charlotte Packaging, please call us on 01495 741589 or contact us here to speak to one of our experienced packaging specialists.
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