Sustainable Takeaway Packaging Ideas for Hot and Cold Food
Nav Heir
Sustainable Takeaway Packaging Ideas for Hot and Cold Food
As takeaway customer preferences change takeaway packaging ideas are having to evolve to meet them, particular in the area of sustainability. They also need to evolve in the types of packaging available for different needs as needs as people now order everything from ice cream to to soup to steak for delivery.
In this guide, we’re going to tell you about the different packaging types available for the food industry, especially eco-friendly options which customers are demanding more and more today. We’ll look at packaging for cold food and hot food, and which packaging types are best for different types so you can make the best decision for your food and beverage business.
Why Does Your Takeaway Packaging Matter?
You might think your customers are perfectly content with the way you package your food because you’ve been doing it that way for a long time, and no one has complained. But customers’ tastes are changing, or rather, they are starting to express what they value with where they spend their dollars.
It’s no longer enough to simply package your food in any takeaway container and expect that you will get business from that person again. From the functionality of the box to how environmentally-friendly the material of the takeaway box is, customers are judging their takeaway experience on a lot more than food and drinks.
So, how do you get the competitive edge in this climate? Let’s get into it.
The Best Eco-Friendly Takeaway Containers
One of the biggest trends across industries is utilizing sustainable materials in place of traditional one-use materials. In the case of the food and beverage industry, there are many disposable elements, but takeaway containers can be made environmentally friendly by using takeaway containers made out of sustainable or recycled materials.
Expect sustainable packaging to become the norm within the next decade as rules and regulations change on what is allowable. However, customers are not waiting for rules and regulations to come into place to implement sustainable choices in their lives. Consumers today are actively choosing to spend their money with businesses that align with their values. And for some customers, protecting the environment is a big part of what they believe in, and they want to frequent businesses that believe in the same things they do.
That means if you want to attract customers in this growing segment of the market, you’re going to have to provide sustainable packaging. Luckily for you, there are many more choices for sustainable packaging on the market today than there have ever been.
Paper Containers with PFAS-Free Water or Bio Coatings
Traditional paper containers are made with coatings to act as barriers against grease and moisture. Those barriers are made with materials like plastic that make the containers non-recyclable in traditional recycling systems. To address this, a new category is emerging in the sustainable takeaway container category, and these containers are made with PFAS-free coatings. This allows the containers to be recyclable in more and more facilities as more facilities begin to accept them.
Best For
- Sandwiches
- Salads
- Burgers
- Greasy foods
- Baked goods
Bagasse Takeaway Containers
Bagasse takeaway containers are made out of sugarcane. Sugarcane is processed to remove all of the juice from it, leaving long fibers. After all of the juice has been extracted. The fibers are then pressed into containers, which are compostable. The containers can be used for both hot and cold foods, and thanks to their leak resistance, they can be used for foods containing sauces and greases.
Best for
- Hot foods
- Saucy dishes
- Greasy foods
- Soups
Recycled Kraft Paper Containers
Because food-grade packaging is often made with layers and liners, it can be difficult to recycle. In theory kraft paper and paperboard packaging should be recyclable, but when a lining is added, most established recycling programs for the public cannot separate and recycle the containers. So, a truly sustainable alternative is using packaging made out of recycled materials.
Kraft paper containers are made out of tree fibers, and oftentimes those tree fibers are mixed with recycled materials. Together, the two materials make for a sturdy container type that is suitable for a variety of uses, including sandwiches and salads.
Best For
- Sandwiches
- Burgers
- Salads with dressing on the side
- Baked goods
Reusable Packaging
The next step in truly earth-friendly packaging for the food and beverage industry is reusable packaging. This is one of the most difficult to implement because the initial cost can be high, and getting your customers used to reusing their packaging.
If you implement reusable packaging in-store, eventually your costs will go down as customers bring in their containers to be refilled, or when you are delivering, you can drop off a new container and pick up the old container. This works well if you have repeat customers, but if you are in an area where there is a lot of new traffic, then the costs could add up.
Benefits For
- Customer engagement
- Cost-effective
- Zero Waste
Bamboo Packaging
Beautiful and sustainable, bamboo takeaway containers are a premium and forward-thinking approach to takeaway packaging ideas. The packaging is made out of bamboo fibers, which are then molded into shapes for clamshell containers, plates, cutlery, and more. Because bamboo grows quickly, it is considered a great sustainable material for takeaway packaging needs. The material is very strong and heat-resistant, which makes it a good choice for a variety of food needs.
Bests For
- Hot food
- Soups
- Greasy foods
- Salads
- Cold food
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Insulated Takeaway Packaging
Insulated takeaway packaging is necessary for temperature control whether you need packaging to keep food cold or to keep it hot. Custom insulated cooler bags are made out of several layers of material. They typically include an outer layer made out of a fabric like nylon and then a layer that provides insulation, like an aluminum foil layer. And then you have a waterproof layer which keeps the food inside at the temperature it is supposed to be.
Insulated takeaway packaging is a good choice for businesses that provide meal prep services, catering services, or any other type of service where they need to take their food products to the client themselves. They can be used to keep
Best For
- Temperature regulation
- Catering
- Meal prep service
- Delivery
Grocery Waterproof Tote Bags
If you need to carry multiple takeaway boxes for food delivery services or catering, and a meal prep service, then grocery waterproof tote bags are also a good option. They provide ample space to place multiple containers in one package, and the tote layers ensure that your containers do not get affected by the elements. These types of bags are made by using several layers, including a laminated plastic layer as well as a coated canvas layer, to ensure the contents inside the bag stay dry.
Best For
- Room temperature food
- Catering
- Meal prep service
- Delivery
- High-end grocery
Both of the above bags provide you with an eco-friendly way to transport your takeout containers. The difference between the two is that the insulated cooler bag helps to regulate temperature, while the waterproof bags help to protect from moisture.
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Traditional Takeaway Packaging Ideas for Hot and Cold Food
Takeaway packaging comes in a variety of shapes and forms. There are certain types of packaging that are, in theory, recyclable, like paperboard and cardboard, but when they are lined with plastic barriers, traditional recycling methods may not be effective.
Moving forward, more and more recycling facilities will need to put practices in place where they can separate different types of material, and when that happens, your traditional packaging will also be a sustainable choice.
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Paperboard Boxes
A paperboard box is lightweight, made from a paper pulp that is bleached and pressed for a smooth finish. They are usually good for light food items, like baked goods, or if you want to present your food item in a more premium way.
For example, tacos are usually wrapped up or delivered in a thick board box, but if you wanted to create an elegant presentation, you might put two per paperboard box. It is a more expensive solution, but it might be worth it if you are trying to establish your products as premium. You do have to be careful about the weight of your products, however, and might have to use several paperboard boxes where you only need one made of Kraft.
Best For
- Light, somewhat dry foods
- Baked goods
- Noodles, rice
Considerations
As the material is fairly lightweight, when moisture is significant, it can affect the structure of the box.
Cardboard boxes
These boxes are made out of the same thing you would be using for moving boxes. You have two kraft paper pieces, and in between them is a fluted layer, which is what makes them strong. These types of takeaway boxes are ideal for heavier food items or if you sell your products in bulk.
Best for
- Pizza
- Bulk foods
- Family meals
- Wraps
- Baked goods
- Dry/Semi-dry meal
Kraft boxes
These are the favorites of artisan, local, vegan, and vegetarian restaurants and cafes everywhere. They are made out of kraft paper, and since it is not bleached, the paper is naturally brown, providing that earth-friendly tone. Kraft boxes are stronger than paperboard boxes, but still have that nice, clean look. While they are heavily favored by eco-forward food businesses, they can be utilized in any restaurant wanting a polished look to their takeaway.
Best For
- Burgers
- Sandwiches
- Rice, noodles
- Wraps
- Baked goods
- Dry/Semi-dry meals
Clamshell Takeaway Containers
Clamshell takeaway containers are hinged boxes that are usually made out of foam, sugarcane, or molded fiber.
Best For
- Burgers
- Sandwiches
- Dry, hot, and cold food
Considerations
The boxes trap moisture, softening crisp food.
Tip
If you want to use these types of boxes for fried food like fries, it is a good idea to purchase one with a ventilation system built in.
Compartment Meal Containers
Compartmentalized containers are a good option if you sell meals that have elements that need to be separated. These types of compartmentalized containers are made out of a variety of materials, including plastic, aluminium, and fiber.
Best For
- Home-style meals
- Meal prep
- Protein + Carb + Veg
Plastic Takeaway Containers
While all of the above options are best for food items that don’t contain significant amounts of moisture, plastic takeaway containers can handle the moisture. They are typically made out of PET or PP and provide a leak-proof packaging choice.
Best For
- Pasta and Sauce
- Salads
- Soups
Aluminium Containers
If you are serving very hot meals or prepared meals that are meant to be cooked by the customer at home, then aluminium is a good packaging choice.
Best For
- Baked dishes
- Roasted food
- Oven-prepared foods
- Soups
Window Takeaway Packaging
This type of packaging is typically made with paperboard and a plastic window. It is a step up from typical paperboard packaging for display purposes, as customers can see the product in the box. It can also be attractive to customers who are taking baked goods to an event and want the contents inside to show through. Since it is made from paperboard, it is best for lightweight items.
Best For
- Sandwiches
- Baked Goods
- Desserts
- Wraps
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Takeaway Packaging By Distance
Short Travel Distance
Any type of takeaway container is going to work if the takeaway distance requires no more than 10 minutes of travel.
Medium Travel Distance
If your takeaway is going to be traveling over 10 minutes, you need to think about insulation levels for hot food. You will also need to think about how condensation is going to affect your food during that travel time. For example, fried foods that are packaged in a takeaway container without ventilation will lose their crispiness by the time they reach their destination.
Long Distance
Any distance that is going to require over 20 minutes of travel is going to require some more serious travel preparation. The takeaway will need to travel in an insulated bag. And you will want to use a takeaway container that can maintain its structure with food inside for a longer period.
The Best Takeaway Packaging Approach
The takeaway packaging that is best for your business is completely dependent on the type of food you serve. Each type of packaging is best for certain types of food. Lightweight containers with minimal insulation or ventilation are best for lightweight, non-saucy foods.
Heavy-duty cardboard or molded takeaway packaging is best for saucy, heavy foods. And even within those guidelines, you need to think about moisture, length of travel time, and protection. The best way to choose the best packaging is to order a few samples and test out the container that works the best for you.
FAQ
What is the best takeaway packaging for hot food?
The best takeaway packaging for hot food depends on the type of hot food it is as foods with sauces require different protection than greasy hot foods. Packaging for hot, saucy foods includes bagasse takeaway packaging, PP plastic packaging, and bamboo takeaway packaging. If you’re looking for packaging for greasy, fried foods like French fries and fried chicken, you can use kraft board packaging.
How to keep fries crispy in delivery.
If you want to keep fries crispy during delivery, you need to use packaging with ventilation. Ventilated packaging will allow the moisture to escape and prevent your fries from becoming soggy. You also need to remember that the heat needs to stay in at the same time, so a double-layer of packaging. Packaging that works includes boxes and clamshells that have holes for ventilation as well as containers made of paper which have breathable walls.
What is the difference between recyclable and compostable packaging?
Recycled packaging can be mechanically or chemically broken down and reconstituted into new usable material. Compostable packaging is packaging that returns to the earth, so it is made out of material that can break down into soil.
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