Food bags have proven to be a quick, inexpensive, and durable packaging and storage solution. However, with so many types of food bags to choose from, each with its own capabilities, it can be difficult to decide which option is best for your application. Especially when keeping food safe is essential.
When it comes to bags for food storage, there are some specific considerations that need to be taken into account. Below are a few key characteristics to look for before buying if you find the right food bag.
How To Find The Right Food Bag?
If you are part of the food industry, you know that food safety and freshness are top priorities when it comes to attracting and retaining loyal customers. Therefore, it’s important to find a packaging and storage solution that guarantees these things. Here are four features to look for in food takeaway bags.
1. Made Of Food-Grade Plastic
Food-grade plastic, as the name suggests, is a plastic material known to be safe for use with food. To be considered food-grade plastic, it must meet various safety standards the Food and Drug Administration and other regulatory bodies set. These standards ensure that materials meet three criteria:
- Protection – keeps out moisture and contamination
- Durability – protects food throughout the manufacturing, packaging, storage, and transportation process
- Chemically Safe – No “leaching” potential when chemicals are mixed into food
2. Thin But Durable Plastic Bags For Food Storage
In general, when storing groceries, you want flexible, lightweight, moisture-proof, and transparent takeaway bags so that your customers can see what’s inside. Luckily, various food bags offer these benefits.
However, depending on the type of food, food size, food shape, and/or amount of food you store, you may need to invest in something heavier. This is where the difference between HDPE poly bags and LDPE poly bags comes into play.
- High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) polybags are more durable and tear-resistant due to their higher density but may be less flexible and less transparent than other options. Therefore, it is ideal for heavy, sharp, or lose foods.
- Low-density polyethene (LDPE) poly bags are low-density, flexible, clear, and easy to open. Perfect for small snacks.
3. Can Withstand Extreme Temperatures
You may need to freeze your groceries or plan to sell your groceries at an outdoor market in the summer. These high-temperature poly bags usually contain additives that prevent the plastic from becoming brittle, decomposing or melting.
4. Sustainable Plastic Bags
As your business grows, you may have noticed how many plastic bags you use daily. The store provides a separate single-use plastic bag for each grocery item sold. This might make you think about your store’s impact on the environment.
But food needs to be appropriately stored, and many sustainable packaging and storage options available are not within your budget.
Conclusion
Selecting the accurate food packaging for your product is important. There are many types of food packaging, and the type used depends on the product. When choosing food packaging for your products, consider the type of product you sell, product expiration date, size, and budget.