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Custom take-away bags are one of the latest trends in packaging.
They can be used in various sectors, but it is especially the food industry that holds many opportunities, driven by the boom in home food delivery.
The pandemic years, in fact, have transformed people's habits: many rediscovered delivery, highlighting the need for more sustainable packaging that respects the environment.
But what are the best solutions for packaging food? In this article, we discuss some ways to reduce environmental impact.
Main functions of custom take-away bags
Materials for food packaging must:
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guarantee the integrity of the food;
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avoid accelerating food spoilage;
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ensure no bacterial contamination.
It is therefore necessary to consider solutions that contain the food without damaging it, that are durable, and that protect it during transport.
Packaging is also a communication tool for the brand (which in this case is a restaurant, pizzeria, or pub): therefore, it is advisable to choose boxes and bags that are easy to personalise.
Finally, the ecological aspect should not be underestimated. Italians want more sustainable packaging and are more likely to buy from brands that meet this criterion. It is therefore better to consider green bags.
Which sustainable materials are preferable for food packaging?
One of the most common sustainable materials for food packaging is bioplastic, which has biodegradable properties.
Ideally, choose compostable and biodegradable materials, such as paper, which is easy to recycle. Edible packaging is also gaining popularity (made, for example, from algae or biological substances like soy) suitable for direct food contact.
Fabric bags are also an excellent alternative, especially suitable for stores and shops selling wine, cured meats and typical products, or for containing bread, breadsticks, vegetables and fruit. These bags are made of natural cotton drill or jute, are ecological, washable, durable, reusable, and easy to personalise with a logo or print.
Finally, if you sell food products that need to breathe, you can also consider a net bag, natural and breathable. Made in Italy with Oeko-Tex® certified fabric, it is ideal for increasing the strength of the shopper under weight.
Advantages and disadvantages of sustainable materials
Each sustainable material has its pros and cons. For example, paper is recyclable, but it is not always durable enough for home delivery of particularly heavy foods.
Bioplastic, while having a lower environmental impact than single-use plastic bags, is not always properly sorted for recycling, which reduces its benefits.
Fabric bags, on the other hand, are durable and washable. They can also be reused daily, for example for shopping. They are often used for transporting food as an alternative to traditional paper bags or single-use plastic bags.
Regarding investment, the ideal is to find eco-friendly solutions to reduce cost without compromising sustainability.
Why choose sustainable packaging? Benefits for the company (as well as the environment)
A brand that uses sustainable packaging for food delivery makes a choice that positively influences its reputation.
Using sustainable packaging demonstrates the company's commitment to the environment. Consumers, increasingly attentive and aware of these issues, tend to reward the brand that promotes these values.
This topic was also addressed in the Nomisma Packaging Observatory, where it emerged that choosing sustainable packaging is driven by the need to protect the organoleptic properties of products (60% of respondents) and define product sustainability (47%), taking into account full recyclability (56%), low CO2 emissions (46%) and the absence of overpackaging (58%).
Custom take-away bags with prints and logos: how a brand can advertise itself
Beyond the choice of green, sustainable materials, a company operating in the food or catering sector must consider the potential for packaging customisation to support its business.
What are the advantages of customising a fabric bag, such as cotton or jute, and using it for home delivery? First, it communicates the company’s ethos (including attention to green issues), a topic that, as anticipated, is increasingly important to many consumers.
Secondly, adding a logo on a bag, such as the ecological cotton bread bag (also often used as a container for fruit and vegetables) or a natural cotton pouch (for containing various grocery products) is important to spread brand awareness.
These bags are usually reusable many times, and a printed message can arouse curiosity in people who may ask for information and search for the brand online. Prints and logos are effective marketing tools to promote a business to a wider audience at a moderate cost.
Why it is important to choose the right custom take-away bags for home delivery
As we have seen, many factors are crucial in selecting the right packaging for take-away and home delivery.
First of all, you must consider your business and choose bags suitable both for the type of food offered and for conveying the values you want to communicate to your customers. At Sacchetti di Tessuto we offer sustainable, ecological bags, made with Made in Italy materials, ideal for conveying a corporate sustainability message but also customisable according to your needs.
Choosing the right packaging is essential to promote a more sustainable lifestyle and engage customers in the sustainability challenge.
Discover in the our catalogue all the sustainable materials and the best combinations for your business!
