5 Packaging Trends Affecting the Food Service Industry

Don’t fall behind the competition and ignore these emerging packaging trends affecting the food service industry. Have an active solution in place to ensure your brand stands out among the crowd.

#1: Food Delivery Packaging

The days of limited delivery options like pizza and Chinese food are long gone. With smartphone apps like GrubHub, UberEats, Caviar, Doordash and Eat24, customers can get their favorite restaurant items delivered right to their front door. From steak and hamburgers, to pasta and salad, and sushi and tikka masala, nothing is off limits in the food delivery world.

This trend is only going to continue growing. According to investment bank UBS, the food delivery service will continue to rise, predicting an annual average increase of 20 percent to $365 billion worldwide by 2030. To keep up with demand, restaurants must prioritize their to-go and catering packaging to ensure customers receive hot, fresh and safe meals.

#2: Eco-Friendly Packaging

A 2015 Nielson Global Corporate Sustainability Report found that 66 percent of consumers and 73 percent of millennials are willing to spend more on a product if it comes from a sustainable brand. This surge in consumer demand for sustainable products is impacting the food industry. Luckily, plenty of options are available when it comes to sustainable food packaging. PlanglowUSA’s compostable packaging solutions are eco-friendly and constructed from compostable, plant-based materials that never contain any oil-based plastics.

Restaurants can purchase quality to-go packaging in all shapes and sizes.

Choose from:

You can also work with one of PlanglowUSA’s expert graphic designers to customize your restaurant packaging boxes with your very own branding.

#3: Grab-and-Go Meals

PlanglowUSA’s compostable packaging is not only ideal for to-go and catering packaging, but it’s also perfect for convenience and grocery stores that offer grab-and-go meals. As we have become a more on-the-go society, grab-and-go meals have surged as people look for healthy and quick prepared meals. And since consumers purchase with their eyes first, allowing customers to see the product they are purchasing through the package helps to sell the product.

#4: Tamper-Resistant Labeling

Especially in instances of catering or food delivery, customers want to know now more than ever that the food they purchased hasn't been tampered with. SecureIt™ labels are tamper-resistant for to-go packaging that helps keep your food safe and untouched. Having a tamper-resistant label on the product gives peace of mind to the consumer.

And with customizable packaging and branding options, you can engage your customers in new and exciting ways, making your to-go packaging an extension of the restaurant dining experience.

#5: Using Digital Printing for Packaging

Digital printing refers to a method of printing where the image is digital-based and then applied directly to the product. Digital printing allows brands much more flexibility on branding and design than manual typesetting. It is a much less time consuming method than offset printing which requires setup and plates. Most packaging companies have already switched to digital printing within the last decade. According to a market research study done by LPC, "new digital press installations in North America are growing at 11.9% per year while conventional press installations are contracting at an annual rate of 8-9%." If you haven't switched to digital printing for your packaging, contact print experts for a free quote or consultation.

Need Help Updating Your Packaging?

Have a solution in place for these emerging packaging trends? If not, consult one of our packaging experts to see how your brand can rise above the competition. Call 800-642-3687 or email sales@dotit.com to learn more.