Food packaging plays a vital role in preserving food throughout the distribution chain. Without paperboard food packaging, the processing of food can become compromised as it is contaminated by direct contact with physical, chemical, and biological contaminants. Food packaging serves many purposes, from protecting the food to creating portion sizes to offer information on the product.

However, what is not well known about food packaging is the different types of packaging available. There are four types and are described below

Trays

This is mostly self-explanatory. Trays are what meats, plant seeds, and drinks can be carried in. They are mostly flat with raised edges to keep the product in place and are made of various materials such as paperboard.

Boxes

Boxes are used for the easiest form of transportation of a food product. Most common materials found in boxes are metal, corrugated fiberboard, and wood. Frozen pizzas, cereals, and snack crackers are examples of foods packaged in boxes.

Cartons

Boxes and cartons are oftentimes interchangeable. Like boxes, cartons are also made out of corrugated fiberboard and are used for transporting food. Within the food packaging type of cartons, there are four sub-categories. The most well-known is the egg carton which is molded to the shape of the egg to add protection while the food product is mobile. Aseptic cartons also lie in this category. Examples of this are milk, juice, and soup cartons. Another sub-category of cartons are the folding cartons, which begin as flat pieces of corrugated fiberboard and then assembled by the food manufacturer. Lastly, there are gable tops. These cartons usually hold milk or juice and require the gables at the top to be pinched then pulled in order to be opened.

Wrappers

Used for individual items, wrappers provide protection between the food and the environment or the food and a person’s hands. Candy bars are most commonly thought of.

As a product packaging manufacturer, we will do our best to meet all the needs of customers.