Choosing materials and custom packaging is important in the food industry. This is due to the complexity of the industry. It is also necessary to align with your brand values.

1. Elevate Food Types First Before Customizing Packaging

The first thing to consider about custom packaging is food types and their characteristics. The right packaging materials help with food storage time, transportation, and shelf life. Next, let's list popular packaging materials on the market and learn about the suitable packaging.

1.1 Takeout Food

You can divide food takeout packaging into 2 categories: meals and beverages.

For beverages like bubble tea and coffee, the traditional packaging includes plastic clear cups. In recent years, more people have focused on being eco-friendly and sustainable. This shift has led to a ban on plastic. As a result, brands are moving from traditional plastic cups to eco-friendly packaging. They are now using materials like PE-coated, PLA-coated, and water-based coated paperboard.

For takeout meals, paper bowls, wrapping paper, boxes for Chinese food, burgers or pizzas are common types. Kraft paper and cardboard paper are main materials for these takeout packaging.

Image Source: Freepik
 

2. Dairy Products

For dairy products like milk, common packaging options include cartons, plastics, or glass.

Image Source: Freepik
 

Glass provides the most eco-friendly packaging solution when people correctly recycle the glass bottles. They are durable, strong and can be rinsed and returned. Technically, you can recycle them forever as long as you don't break them. However, glass remains the most expensive packaging option for milk.

Cartons are currently the most popular choice for milk due to their lightweight nature and cost-effectiveness.

3. Frozen Food

Packaging for frozen food, like pizza, ice cream, frozen curry, and vegetables, must be strong and able to handle extreme cold.

Frozen Food Material Requirements: Packaging materials, especially paperboard, must be designed for long-term storage at -18°C

Packaging Structure: Selectable materials include specialized cardboard, paper, and plastics. The inner product often uses vacuum-sealed plastic films or strong PE pouches. This helps stop oxidation and keeps the product safe.

4. Fruits and Produce

Fruits and vegetables should balance product production, visual appeal, and ventilation. People usually use clamshells and boxes as packaging for fruits. Fruits need careful transport, especially berry types.

For example, you cannot squash or touch fragile strawberries and blueberries multiple times. A closed clamshell can effectively extend their state on shelf life. Remember to choose packaging that ensures the berries' safety and freshness. Transparent plastic clamshells are able to showcase the products and give customers more confidence in their selection.

Fruit boxes made from recycled paper are the most eco-friendly fruit and produce packaging solution.

Another key factor is good ventilation. Make sure there are holes for oxygen circulation to regulate humidity and slow down the natural ripening process.

5. Meat and Seafood

Flexible packaging is frequently utilized in the packaging of meat and seafood. Plastic is still the mainstream packaging material because of its superior seal capability. There are often high-barrier films in the inner packaging to maintain food safety and extend shelf life.

Think About Your Customer Experience & Preference

Another factor about food packaging you cannot ignore is convenience, which decides your customers' consumption experience.

Here are basic characteristics you should think about:

1. Temperature

Make sure the food stays warm when it is delivered to your customers. That requires sealability of bowls or boxes to maintain the food temperature to a great extent. Also, heat insulation performance plays an important role in takeout food packaging. For example, a double-walled paper coffee cup can effectively avoid high temperatures.

2. Easy to Open and Close

Choose food packaging that's easy to open and close. During busy hours, quick-closing boxes help staff pack takeout orders fast. This makes dining easier and better for customers.

3. Detail Matters

• Greaseproof coating is important for oily or fried foods. It helps prevent leaks and keeps things clean.
• Microwave safe - Not all packaging is suitable for reheating. Add clear labels to remind customers whether it's microwave safe.
• Ventilation holes - For items like nuggets or fries, include ventilation holes to keep them crispy and fresh during delivery.

4. Aesthetics

Packaging design reflects your brand's identity - it's the first impression customers get of your business. A well-designed package not only protects the food but also communicates with customers.

Choose Food Packaging Aligned With Your Brand Values

Branded packaging is a powerful tool to present your logos, graphics and values. Packaging is a powerful marketing tool that communicates your brand identity and ethics.

Brand Storytelling: Use design elements like colors, logos, and messages to share a strong story. Show your commitment to quality, sustainability, and other important values.

Zidan Packaging PLA Custom Cups

Design Elements: Make sure the packaging design matches the brand identity. It should help the product stand out on the shelf.

Materials for Food Packaging

References

1. McKinsey & Company, Sustainability in Packaging 2025: Inside the Minds of Global Consumers, Nov. 20, 2025 (https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/packaging-and-paper/our-insights/sustainability-in-packaging-2025-inside-the-minds-of-global-consumers) show that Gen Z is willing to pay a bit more for eco-friendly packaging.
2. City of Fort Collins Environmental Services, Road to Zero Waste Report, Mar. 1, 2025 https://www.fcgov.com/recycling/pdf/RoadtoZeroWasteReport_FINAL.pdf