One of the great mysteries of our modern age is “why hot dog and hamburger buns are always produced in packs of eight?” – unlike the products they are intended to hold. Truth is, when these products began mass production, and standards developed, there was no assumed link between buns and the meat that fills them.   

The saying goes, “a clean machine is a happy machine, and a happy machine is one that is operating effectively and efficiently.” Sometimes that’s easier said than done, especially when it comes to your production line team’s ability to work together cohesively. 

It’s the same in packaging as it is in fashion: What’s currently in vogue in Europe will make its way across the Atlantic in a few short years.

Meal kits are quickly gaining popularity due to Covid-19 with more consumers staying home to cook; by 2027, the industry is expected to reach 20 billion dollars. There are many opportunities for you to earn contracts from meal kit companies because they change their offerings frequently and require many different types of packaging. The amount and variety of packaging is what affords you the opportunities, but also may be a barrier to earning a contract. Your packaging lines must meet volume requirements and be flexible to handle multiple products and serving sizes. Your packaging needs to be leak proof, flexible, compact, and provide sufficient shelf life. 

Specifically, proteins need special packaging attention because they can spoil and have liquids that can leak.  

Snacking today is as popular as ever. The fast moving, timed crunched society we live in demands packaging be convenient for eating on the go. While there are ways to eat a meal, such as sandwich, on the go, more consumers are opting to snack throughout the day to satisfy their hunger. Moreover, consumers are becoming more health conscious. Consumers want snacks that reflect their on-the-go lifestyle that offer convenience and are healthy.

Sustainability, technology, and classic design headline packaging trends in 2020

As consumer habits, needs and demands evolve and develop, the packaging industry must innovate and stay up to date with new trends in packaging. According to a report by McKinsey & Company, as of 2019 the packaging industry creates $900 billion in annual revenues throughout the world. The report also states the industry is projected to grow at a rate of 3.1% each year through 2022.[1]