The takeout cartons your restaurant uses may seem like a no-brainer, but pay attention to them. With more stores adding online ordering, pickup, and delivery options, today’s “on-the-go” lifestyle will only get busier. Plus, as more customers opt to take their meals to go, it’s essential to choose the perfect disposable for each item on the menu to ensure consistency in taste and texture and keep returning customers satisfied.
You may wonder what factors to consider while making the ideal choice for the takeout containers your business needs. In any case, there are dozens upon dozens of places throughout the world that supply containers fit for food storage.
Takeout packing is an area where newcomers can make mistakes, so here are some things to keep in mind.
Biggest Concerns with Takeout Containers
It’s a Material Thing
Choose your takeout containers’ material wisely; it can make a big difference. Because salads don’t need to be kept warm, their packaging will differ from that of a hot meal. There is also a parallel in the beverage world.
Foam Containers
This disposable container is solid and easy to transport, making it ideal for leftovers and takeaways. Foam containers are sturdy enough to hold clients’ meals without falling over and are excellent at keeping food at the appropriate temperature. Unfortunately, you can’t heat them in the microwave because they aren’t microwave-safe.
Foil Takeout Containers
The foil containers are widely used in restaurants that serve oily or fatty items because the foil can partially absorb the oil. While foil isn’t microwave-safe, it is oven safe, which is good news for your business.
Paper Food Containers
Takeout cartons made of paper are a sustainable and adaptable choice. One of the most popular options for Chinese takeout since they can be flattened and stored more easily. However, microwave-safe variants can be used in place of traditional foam or foil containers. If you choose a different choice, be sure the containers are grease-proof.
Plastic Food Containers
Plastic is one of the most flexible and long-lasting materials, making it an ideal option for takeout orders. It’s convenient for displaying food and can withstand both the microwave and the freezer. As a result, you should know that they are the least eco-friendly choice for packing.
The Importance of Appearance
Remember that the takeout containers should be attractive and appropriate for the food they hold. In other cases, such as baked goods like cookies and cakes, buyers may want to see the items still in their original packaging.
While the packaging for baked goods can be more ornate, simple containers are acceptable for leftovers. Personalized coffee sleeves and food packaging can be ordered as a promotional touch.
Leaks
If the customer’s dinner leaks in their car or onto their lap on the way home, you’ve failed miserably. Liquids (such as soups and condiments) should be packaged in individual, leak-proof containers. The quality and thickness of the disposable product should also be considered, as liquids from a dish (such as gravy) may leak through the product if it is left out for too long.
Protect the Quality of Your Food
As a chef, you work many hours to ensure your patrons leave satisfied. When a customer sits just feet from the kitchen, it’s much simpler to exert control over their experience. With the rise of takeout and delivery services, however, cooks must now factor in the possibility that a customer’s first taste will be consumed thousands of kilometers from the kitchen. You can be sure that the customer will hold you responsible if the food spoils because of inadequate packaging within that time. I’m talking to you.
Choosing the appropriate packaging for your product can ensure that your food will remain edible throughout its journey. Sealed containers that steam your potatoes, for instance, might turn nice, crispy French fries mushy. If you want your fries to maintain their crispiness, don’t use a large box to store them.
Eco-Friendly Supplies
More and more companies are adopting “green” practices because they are suitable for business, not just a modern trend. Using sustainable packaging for takeout orders like:
Compostable
In a professional composting facility, you can turn products derived from sugarcane, bamboo, and several types of bioplastics (such as PLA plastic) into the soil. How cool is that? Compostable products cause the least harmful environmental effects if used and composted correctly. Although using compostable disposables rather than no biodegradable ones reduces waste sent to landfills, this benefit is contingent on the availability of composting services in your area.
Recyclable
Most communities have recycling programmes that accept a variety of materials, including paper, aluminium, plastic, and more. You should always call ahead to a recycling centre to see what things they accept.
Post-Consumer Recycled Content
There is a widespread belief that anything labelled “post-consumer recycled content” may be recycled again. While using these items eases pressure on scarce natural resources, only a tiny fraction of communities have recycling facilities that can process them. Avoid using offensive and non biodegradable materials like Styrofoam that end up in landfills.
Conclusions about Takeout Containers
Be sure that the container you settle on complements your food and service style. Investing in the best takeout containers will help you save money and seem professional. Visit The Packaging Company immediately for all your container and packaging requirements if you’re prepared to begin the packaging process.
