Fort Knox your packaging: How to Choose the Right Materials for Delivery Success
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In the world of food delivery, packaging isn't just to put your food – it's a crucial part of the customer experience. The right packaging keeps your food intact, hot (or cold), and looking its best, even after the 20 minute bike journey from your restaurant to your customer’s door. But with so many options, choosing the right materials can be overwhelming.
Let's break down the key considerations for choosing the perfect takeaway packaging.
Materials Matter
Paper and Cardboard: Eco-friendly and versatile options. Look for coated cardboard to resist grease and moisture.
Aluminum: Excellent for heat retention and ideal for baked dishes. Choose recycled and recyclable aluminum whenever possible.
Plastic: Often the most affordable, but consider the environmental impact. Opt for food-grade, leak-proof containers and recyclable options wherever available.
Bioplastics: Made from plant-based materials, compostable options are increasingly available. These will likely be margetted as Bagasse, a bioplastic derived from sugar cane
Sustainability: Going Green and Staying Clean
Sustainability isn't a trend; it's a core value for many customers. Opting for eco-friendly materials shows you care about the environment. Here's how to incorporate it into your branding:
Highlight your choices: Update your menus and delivery platform pages to showcase your sustainable packaging.
Tell the story: Use social media to explain the environmental benefits of your chosen materials.
Comply with regulations: Stay updated on UK regulations regarding single-use plastics and ensure your packaging choices adhere to them.
Practicality: Form and Function
Leak-proof: The gold standard! Choose containers with snug lids and reinforced seams.
Stackability: Make delivery (and your kitchen!) more efficient with containers designed to stack neatly.
Ease of Use: Customers shouldn't need a toolkit to get into their meal. Consider easy-open lids and tear-off sections where necessary.
Jamie Oliver’s Pasta Dreams - packaging by Otherway
Visual Appeal: It's All in the Details
They say you only get one first impression. Well, think of your delivery packaging as that first impression. Simple touches like custom-printed paper, branded stickers, and clear labeling instantly elevate the overall customer experience. No need to spend a fortune – Even a few stickers added to your bag can show you care. Don't underestimate the importance of clear labeling either, especially for larger orders. No one enjoys playing the "what did I order?" game!
For maximum impact, consider the "unboxing" experience. Just like influencers unwrapping the latest gadgets, that moment of opening your delivery can be thrilling. Think neatly packed meals, a surprise garnish, or even a handwritten note. For inspiration, check out Jamie Oliver's Pasta Dreams packaging!
Sourcing Solutions: Partnering with the Platforms
Major delivery platforms like Just Eat, Uber Eats, and Deliveroo often offer their own packaging solutions. This can be a convenient way to streamline your supply chain:
Just Eat Packaging Solutions: https://shop.just-eat.com/en-GB/home
Uber Eats Merchant Store: https://merchants.ubereats.com/
Deliveroo Packaging: https://deliveroo-packaging.com/
The Perfect Package: Striking the Balance
Finding the right packaging is all about balancing aesthetics, sustainability, practicality, and cost. Don't be afraid to experiment and gather customer feedback to refine your choices. Remember, with a little planning, you can make sure your dishes arrive as delicious as they were when they left your kitchen!
