Choice of Packaging - More than Just a Container

The waste problem has been laid at the door of packaging but at the same time packaging, especially food packaging, has also been viewed as playing a crucial functional role. Does food packaging serve only a functional role or should it be viewed by businesses as part of an overall supply chain?

It is true that food packaging serves a fundamental functional role. It preserves the food product by protecting it and extending its shelf life on their journey from production to consumption. Thus it prevents waste and also enables food to be kept fresher for longer at home with re-sealable packs, dispensing systems.

But a smart and innovative business can choose packaging that goes beyond the functional role; that connects to the consumer in an innovative and engaging way.

Brand Identity and Equity

Packaging can be used to effectively portray a product positioning as it is often the first point-of-contact with the consumer.  Packaging can be used to clearly communicate the company philosophy and brand message.  Packaging design needs to be consistent with the company/product positioning and brand identity in terms of its colours, size, shape and materials.  The Millennials - the new consumers – are less patient with brand and building brand loyalty. They need the brand message to be clear in terms of what it promises the consumer.

Sustainable packaging

There is increasing demand for sustainable packaging from regulators as well as consumers. Consumers are more aware of what biodegradable and recyclable packaging is and what is simply ‘greenwashing’. Packaging needs to be genuinely produced in a sustainable way.

There are many ways of showing support for sustainability through packaging:

• Promoting and encouraging the use of more plant-based packaging material.More and more plant-based materials which are biodegradable and easily disposed off are used for packaging.
• Minimizing packaging and hence waste.
• Making sure we dispose of our packaging out carefully for collection for recycling or other treatment. We must also be mindful of the fact that recycling has its limits. Resources such as energy, water and other costs are involved to collect, sort and clean the waste. Recycling should only be an option when it saves more resources than it uses.

Design

• Engaging design.
  Packaging can be decorative with clever use of colours and shapes, thus engaging consumers beyond a functional way.

• Simplicity
  The packaging design of the future lies in simplicity and getting the brand message across in a simple form – by words, typeface, shapes, colours or patterns – to rise above the advertising and commercial clutter that consumers are bombarded with continuously.

Size Matters

Packaging can be used to avoid waste offering a wider range of appropriately-sized portions hence enabling smaller portions to be served.  Brand loyalty can be promoted by offering packaging that is the right size for the consumer and the occasions.

Element Tableware  

What can element food packaging do for your business?

1. Brand Identity and Equity

Element 100% biodegradable tableware demonstrates a business that advocates and supports sustainability. Element tableware can be customised to raise your company profile, increase your brand visibility and let your customer know you are truly green. There are over 70 products - including plates, cutlery, cold cups, lunch boxes, bowls, trays and bags - in varying shapes, sizes and colours  to choose from to adapt and create your own range of biodegradable disposables.

2.   Sustainable Packaging

Element tableware  - Element is made from cornstarch and yam. It is 100% biodegradable and hence one does not have to worry about which recycling bin to put it in. It is disposed off into your normal waste heading for the landfill.
It meets the ASTMD6400 D6866 and EN13432 standards. The amount of carbon dioxide released in the creation of Element is 72% less than conventional plastics. In fact, 95kg of carbon dioxide is released in the creation of the material granulate of Element compared to 3.45 kg released in the creation of polystyrene.

3. Design with function

Element 100% biodegradable tableware range brings a breath of fresh air to the highly commoditised and mundane disposable tableware market, thus raising it to a whole new level of chicness and modernity. The Element range is a vanguard of contemporary chic, offering twelve vibrant colours - pale lemon hues to canary brights and buttery tones.  With its range of twelve vibrant colours namely - forest green, midnight black, tangerine orange, glacier blue, ocean blue, rose red, violet, lavender, coral pink, pearl white, lime green and citron yellow to suit any occasion and purpose, Element offers a whole world of fashionable and practical options to choose from. Being durable, leak proof and heat resistant, it delivers high quality at a low price.