Food Packaging Material Guide: Matching the Pack to the Product
How to specify food packaging material so the pack protects the product, meets your market's requirements and arrives at a predictable cost.
Which packaging job are you solving?
Select the packaging job you need to solve. The guidance below lists the details to confirm before you compare quotes.
Confirm barrier layer, seal strength, print method and whether the format is supplied as roll stock or finished pouches.
Send this requirementWhat to verify before you compare packaging quotes
- Material specificationRequest the exact material and construction, including any barrier layer, dimensions and tolerance.
- Food-contact confirmationConfirm food-contact suitability for the specific product and use you are packing.
- Print and artwork reviewConfirm print method, colour count, file specification and who approves the final proof.
- Commercial termsConfirm minimum order quantity, lead time, Incoterm and inspection arrangement in writing.
Food packaging is bought alongside the food itself, and it is usually the part of the order that gets the least attention until something goes wrong. This page sets out how to specify packaging material so that the pack protects the product, meets your market's requirements and arrives at a predictable cost.
Start from the product, not the material
The right packaging material follows from what is inside it. A dry snack, a sauce and a frozen product have different barrier and strength requirements. Before choosing a material, describe the product: its moisture, its fat content, whether it is frozen, and how long it needs to sit on a shelf.
Match the material to the job
| Material | Typical job | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Printed film and pouches | Snack and dry food packs | Barrier layer, seal strength, print method and roll or pouch format. |
| Paper-based wrap | Wrapping, interleaving and carton liners | Food-contact suitability, grease resistance and print method. |
| Rigid containers | Retail and foodservice portions | Material, lid fit, stacking strength and closure type. |
| Cartons and shippers | Outer packing and transport | Board grade, stacking strength and the pallet configuration. |
Artwork and print
Print method affects both the look and the cost. Confirm the print method, the number of colours, whether the artwork is supplied as print-ready files, and who is responsible for colour approval. If you are supplying artwork, agree the file specification and the proofing step before production.
What to confirm in writing
- The exact material and construction, including any barrier layer.
- The dimensions, thickness or board grade, and the tolerance.
- The print method, colour count and artwork responsibility.
- Food-contact suitability for the intended product and use.
- Minimum order quantity, production lead time, Incoterm and inspection arrangement.
Questions buyers ask before ordering
Can you print our own artwork?
Confirm the print method, the file specification, the number of colours and who approves the final proof. Artwork responsibility should be agreed in writing.
How do I know the material suits my product?
Describe the product and its storage conditions, then confirm the material and construction against those requirements. Food-contact suitability applies to the exact specification.
Can I order a small trial run?
This depends on the minimum order quantity for the specific material and print method. Ask for the minimum in writing and confirm whether a smaller trial is possible.
What affects the delivered cost most?
Material and construction, print method, order quantity and shipping volume. Compare quotes on the same specification before comparing price.
Send your packaging requirement
Tell us the product to be packed, the pack format, the print requirement and your destination market. We will review the requirement and confirm what we can supply for your program.
Request a packaging quote