5 Modern Innovative Packaging Concepts

Flexible packaging can now been seen in nearly all consumer products across the board because it provides the durability, transportability, and convenience that buyers are seeking out. Pouches, bags, and tubes come in an endless variety of shapes, sizes, and features such as stand up capabilities and resealable options. In fact, demand for pouches in the US is projected to increase 4.6 percent per year to 9.4 billion dollars in 2018, according to a new study from The Freedonia Group. By incorporating flexible packaging materials for their products, brands will be able to differentiate themselves from the rest of the market and cut transportation costs and material usage in hopes of increasing operating profits. Aluminum plays a vital role in the flexible packaging sector because it is light weight, strong, and has the ability to keep contents fresher for longer. We took a deeper look into 5 clever concepts in modern packaging: 

This two part beer crate consists of a carrying case with classic plastic handles and an aluminum base with a separate 12 bottles beer holder. The aluminum used is lightweight enough to not add much added mass and the sturdy handles allow customers to carry the case more easily.

Boring milk containers can be replaced by this innovative packaging idea. The visually appealing jug is lined with aluminum to keep the milk cold and fresher for longer. The packaging is the same dimensions as a 2 liter milk carton making it a smooth transition for customers.

Delhaize soup brings to life the principle ingredient through photo-realistic images. The packaging is not only eye-catching but allows consumers to indulge even for those with an on-the-go lifestyle. The aluminum lining creates a barrier between the contents and outside label making it safe for people to hold even when the soup is extremely hot.

Affordability and convenience were the main ideas behind offering wine by the glass in tubes. Research showed that 88% of experts acknowledge that consumers are demanding more interesting wine by the glass and are willing to spend more to have a glass of wine, rather than a bottle.

Shepherd’s Purse artisan cheeses are kept fresh in aluminum foil that can easily be resealed and disposed of once finished making it a great appetizer to bring to parties. The brand was able to cut costs by reducing the packaging material used by sticking to aluminum foil.

Shanghai Metal Corporation understands the potential in the packaging industry and offers a wide array of aluminum foil for flexible packaging. We are committed to providing value-added quality products with competitive pricing and prompt delivery. View more information on this product and more at our website here. Be sure to join the conversation in our LinkedIn Group, Facebook, and Twitter. 

Sources: The Freedobia Group and Packaging World

By: Kristie K. // SMC Editor

Food Trucks Industry Switching from Cheeseburgers and Fries to Lettuce Wraps and Kale Chips

Food truck vendors started to gain popularity in the United States around 2008, when citizens had to cut back on spending due to the economic downturn. Entrepreneurs saw this change in consumer preferences as a way to provide unique cuisine options to people at their convenience. Fast-forward five years, now there are many vendors in the marketplace and capturing the audience’s attention is becoming tougher than ever before. Now-a-days consumers are more cautious about the health benefits of the food they are putting in their body and, at the same time, are spending more and more time using technology to interact with the world around them. That is where unique marketing strategies by vendors come into play.

Many cities around in the US host a weekly event where food truck vendors gather at one location from lunch until early dinner. The event, called Food Truck Roundup, takes place at different lots across the city each week to attract customers from different areas.

It is not difficult to get started in the food truck industry but differentiating yourself from the masses of other trucks lined up downtown during peak lunch hours is a different story. Many food trucks are pertaining to healthy eating lifestyles by offering food catered to those who are vegan or vegetarian. Imaner Consultants, an ethical organization who specialize in vegan website involvement, calculated that 95 percent of vegans go out of their way to buy foods from ethical companies. The group also discovered that 96 percent of vegans use the internet as a way of locating vegan products. Some food trucks have taken these statistics into consideration and work to enhance the social responsibility of their trucks and portraying their vision on social media sites. When catering to vegans, vendors consider not only the type of produce they use when preparing each dish but also the type of fuel used in their trucks and the types of packaging and utensils used to eat the organic dishes.

The Cinnamon Snail, based out of New York, New York, won Mobile Cuisine’s 2013 Vegetarian/Vegan Food Truck of the Year. The truck is known for its assorted pastries and desserts, soups, salads, and burgers.

Aluminum foil is used by many trucks as a way to serve hand held meals like sandwiches and wraps. The foil is not only an easy clean up for guests but its recyclable capabilities cater to those concerned with preserving the earth. Vendors see it as a way to get the food to customers quicker and using foil doesn’t require any extra packaging material. It is a cost effective way to ensure the food inside stays the same temperature from the time it comes off the grill to the time the consumer opens it up to enjoy. Shanghai Metal Corporation offers a wide array of aluminum foil for packaging. To read more detail on the types of foil we offer be sure to check out our website here. Be sure to join the conversation in our LinkedIn Group, Facebook, and Twitter.

Sources: IBISWorld, Imaner Consultants, mobile-cuisine.com

When Did Aluminum Foil Replaced Tin Foil?

Aluminum foil, beginning of industrial production which falls on the first decade of the twentieth century, replaced the tin foil – popular in the late XIX century packaging material. The unique combination of aluminum foil – impermeability, lightness, strength, food safety and environmental – have allowed it to replace tin foil and become one of the most popular packaging materials in the world market.