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REUSABLES: Going Beyond Recyclable into Something More Sustainable

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There was a time once when being recyclable was good enough. Whether it was recyclable food packaging or carryout bags, people were happy knowing that the item would skip the landfill and be recycled back into something new. In 2019, however, that’s not always good enough. We’re all doing our part to reduce our carbon footprint, and often times that means searching for reusable before recyclable. NPR recently shared a story about a Canadian grocer who tried to shame people into bringing reusable bags. (Spoiler: that planned backfired, but it was a creative and humorous attempt.)

We understand that people – especially young people who are buying the most takeout – are looking for sustainable packaging. Make sure you don’t get left in the dust by failing to offer what your best customers are asking for.

 

Cube

For fitness junkies and overbooked professionals, meal prep is a life saver. And when there isn’t time to plan out the meals, it’s prepared foods to the rescue. But many people are skipping the fast food drive thru and opting for healthier options found in cafes, grocery stores, and even gyms.

There are two types of meal prep containers out there: CuBE and everything else. They’re a better quality than others like it, which means they can be used over and over more times without losing their shape.

 

Reusable totes

photo by Bon Appetit

If you follow our blog (or our Instagram, hint, hint) then you know we always explain custom printed packaging as a walking billboard for your company. Every coffee cup or takeout bag that leaves your café or restaurant is a little advocate for your company. But at the end of the day, it is almost always a single use item, right? Well, when you have canvas tote bags with your logo printed on them, those puppies will make the rounds all over town while showing off your brand.

We’ve seen this become a more popular trend among progressive restaurants. Bon Appetit Magazine has a couple of great examples, including a few of our personal favorites like Middle Child in Philly, Momofuku in New York, and Rolf & Daughters in Nashville.

 

Not sure where to begin when it comes to more eco-friendly packaging? That’s okay, we can help. Give our experts a call at 888-321-2248. They’ll be happy to chat with you about all the ways you can work sustainable packaging into your business.

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In Branding

Brand Awareness with Cohesive Packaging

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If you follow our Instagram, or if you like us on Facebook, then you’ve probably heard us talk about cohesive packaging before. But what exactly is that – and why is it such a game-changer for food industry business owners?

What it is

Quite simply, it’s packaging that has a consistent looking and feel across a variety of items. So for a fast food company, for example, it would mean French fry bags that match the look and feel of the burger wrapper, which match the look and feel of the soda cups and paper bags.

How it looks

There are two ways this can go. First, it could be using the same color scheme and graphic style across all printed items.

Another way to do it is to use the same logo and vary the color across each item.

Choosing the right one depends on several different factors, but at the end of the day it comes down to personal preference. What’s the best way to get customers to recognize your brand? Is it through the colors you use or is it your logo?

Why it matters

You want people to recognize your brand, right? If you have food or coffee going out your door, you want to make sure it’s properly branded. You’ve heard us say so many times that it’s like a walking billboard. Well, make sure all those little billboards sync up and make sense with your company’s aesthetic.

We like the way Ignite 2X puts it in a piece they wrote about brand awareness and packaging:

“Packaging is the only form of branding that you invite home.” It’s an opportunity for customers to bring a little piece of your shop home or to the office with them. Make sure that packaging feels it comes from your restaurant, rather than a generic, could-be-from-anywhere item.

Where to start

That’s easy – just give us a call! Our Packaging Advisors will spend some time with you to learn what you envision for your cohesive packaging. Since we offer a wide array of food service items (like hot cups, cold cups, deli wraps, takeout boxes, and napkins, to name a few) we can be your one-stop shop.

Get started today by calling 888-321-2248.

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In Branding

The DOs and DON’Ts of Custom Printing

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Now that you’ve given some serious thought to getting your logo printed on your packaging, you probably want to know how to get the most bang for your buck. We get that. We’ve been helping company’s boost brand awareness through custom packaging for years, and we’ve learned a lot about what works and what doesn’t.

DO keep your logo art simple. Printing onto a cup or a bag is much different than printing on to a piece of printer paper. When a logo has too many fine details it can complicate the printing process and cause roadblocks for your project.

DON’T muddy your logo by using many different colors. Often times, the best logos are one or two colors. Close your eyes and try to image the Starbucks logo, or the target logo. How many colors? Right, just one. The single color makes it much easier for customers to recognize and remember.

DO take the highest quantity you can handle. For nearly every item, the price per piece is reduced as the quantity goes up. For example, printing 5,000 coffee cups vs. 25,000 coffee cups. The price per cup will be significantly less when purchasing 25,000 cups.

DON’T take on more than you can store. We always remind our customers to consider how much storage space they have when ordering a custom run line of packaging. If you have questions about how many cases will come in an order, just ask our Packaging Advisors!

DO take the time to work with an advisor to make sure you’re getting the absolute right product to fit your needs. Your business is your baby and the packaging is a reflection of all the painstaking care you’ve taken. When you’re using the correct bakery box or drink cup or takeout bag – or whatever! – for what you’re selling, then you enhance the overall customer experience.

DON’T settle for the wrong item, or the wrong size item, simply because it’s easy or it’s cheap. Your customers will pick up on your decision to cut corners. Trust us, we’ve seen it happen hundreds of times.

 

DON’T wait any longer!

DO give our Packaging Advisors a call to learn more about getting your food service packaging printed with your logo.

888-321-2248 – Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST

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In Products

The Cups Make all the Difference

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A cup may seem like an insignificant little thing, but if you’re in the business of selling coffee (or any beverage for that matter) then you know just how important the cup can be. Having the wrong cup can be a problem. Having a bad cup can be an even bigger one. Getting a good cup is only the first step in ensuring a company’s success. For the most bang for your buck, branded drink cups is the best solution.

Branding

The most obvious reason to “go custom” is to boost brand recognition. You’ve worked so hard on creating a business that has a certain look to it, right? Making sure your coffee cups reflect that aesthetic is a no-brainer for any café and most bakeries. Whether you sell hot coffee, boba tea, milkshakes, or fresh juice – if there are cups going out the door, they really should have your logo on them. Imagine each beverage that leaves your shop as a marketing opportunity. Just imagine the number of potential customers that will cross paths with that cup.

Quality

In addition to giving your marketing efforts more reach, you can also expect branded cups to be top quality. For anyone who has had a customer complain about a leaky cup, you know this is so important. Help improve your overall customer experience by stocking hot cups that won’t leak and cold cups that won’t warp.

Low Minimums

But you knew all of this, didn’t you? You’re a savvy business owner, so you were already aware of the benefits of branding. And you must have figured that we would use the best quality cups for printing. But here’s something you may not have known: the minimum required to brand your own cups is only 5,000 units. Did you also know that it’s super simple to get started? Call our Packaging Advisors today and you could have your own branded cups in just a matter of weeks.

Our Packaging Advisors are ready to help! You can reach them at 888-321-2248 – Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6p.m. EST.

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In Industry

Unboxing: Creating a Great Customer Experience

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If you’re a business owner, chances are you’ve noticed a boom in online sales recently. E-commerce has seen exponential growth, and it shows no signs of slowing down. According to estimates from Internet Retailer, consumers spent over $500 billion dollars in 2018 alone. And that’s about 15% more than what they spent in 2017.

What That Means For You

Even if you have a brick-and-mortar shop, chances are you might still be selling some items online. You want to make sure the entire package is thoughtfully assembled for a well-rounded experience for your customer. In many cases, they do not have the opportunity to stroll through your brick-and-mortar shop, or interact with your sales team. This is your chance to really allow them the full experience of working with your company, so make it a memorable one.

How a product is packaged will greatly affect how valuable a customer finds that product. For instance, imagine unboxing a high-quality shirt. Does the same shirt seem more valuable when it’s stuffed into a plain, clear bag, or when it’s wrapped nicely in custom tissue paper that bears the company’s logo? The choice is clear. The packaging will enhance your product’s perceived value as well as your customers’ experience. This helps your customer develop an idea of your company, even when you can’t interact with her face-to-face.

Helpful Items

Stickers can be both helpful and fun. Use them to seal the tissue paper wrapping, or apply them to the outside of the mailer or shipping box. Want to score some bonus branding points? Toss in a couple logoed stickers with the order and allow the customer to advertise for you either on their car, laptop, or water bottle.

Branded merchandise bags are another surefire way to set your company apart from the competition. This simple touch is what your customers will remember. Of course, if it suits your products better, opt for a custom printed wine or bread sleeve as a way to leave a lasting impression.

In the world of online retailers, it’s so important to provide your customers with an outstanding unboxing experience. Whether you’re ready to print your logo on some key items, or need help with an item, we can help! Give our Packaging Advisors a call at 888-321-2248 to learn more about what we can do to enhance your customers’ experience.

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In Industry

A Surge in Drop-Off Catering Leads to More Custom Branding

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Here at MrTakeOutBags we can’t help but pay close attention to the changing trends in the food industry. Lately we’ve noticed a surge in catering – specifically drop-off catering. Think: offices that have lunch delivered, or prepared meals made for individual customers. There’s a large demographic of busy, hungry folks who want meals brought to their doorstep. Catering companies are popping up all over, which is why branded packaging is more important than ever.

Labels

When packaging has a company’s logo on it, each delivery becomes a walking billboard. It’s marketing that stretches well beyond the kitchen where the meals are made. Putting something as simple as a custom sticker onto a bag or container can help current and potential customers remember your name. Labels have the added bonus of being the easiest and most cost-effective ways to brand.

To Go Bags

Step up your delivery game with printed carry out bags. Just imagine dropping off a large order for an office lunch, and all your printed bags lined up in the break room. Paper takeout bags add a level of sophistication to any order, while plastic bags work as a smart, economical option.

Disposable Cups

Don’t forget about the cups! Whether you’re bringing carafes of hot coffee or iced tea, printed hot paper cups and printed plastic cups are a must. These powerhouse marketers get around, from break room to desk to the commute home, they are sure to be seen.

Meal Prep Containers

For meal preppers there is the ultimate branding option: reusable plastic containers with custom-etched lids. This shows your clients that you mean business. The great thing about having your logo etched onto the clear plastic lids is that the containers can be used over and over again. This adds lots of longevity to that whole “walking billboard” idea.

Whatever you choose to customize, we can help. We’ve got you covered when it comes to non-printed stock supplies as well. Give our Packaging Advisors a call at 888-321-2248 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST.

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In Food

America’s Most Outrageous Doughnuts

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You know us, we like to indulge a little. So naturally we are celebrating one of our favorite holidays in style. Friday, June 7 is National Doughnut Day and we are ready to party! We took a look into some of the most outrageous doughnuts offered around the country. How many of these would you try?

Honestly not even sure there’s a doughnut under all that. || from Yelp

Gourdough’s Big Fat Doughnuts

Gourdough’s in Austin specializes in off the wall doughnuts, so it’s hard to pick just one. But if we had to pick a favorite, it would probably be the Porkey’s doughnut. It’s got a healthy dose of Canadian bacon, cream cheese, and then it gets its heat from jalapeno jelly. But honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of the doughnuts on their menu.

Instagram: @hi_lo_diner

Hi-Lo Diner

If you’re more of a fried chicken fiend, check out the incomparable Hi-Lo Diner in Minneapolis. The menu includes several Hi-Tops (fried dough piled high with additional goodies), including the Gary Cooper. It’s a fried doughnut topped with fried chicken, maple bourbon syrup, and country gravy. If you’re lucky, you’ll get there in time to try out one of their rotating specials, like their Croque Madame Hi-Top.

 

Instagram: @glamdolldonuts

Glam Doll Donuts

Who here doesn’t love comfort food? That’s what we thought. It’s the perfect combination. That’s why the mac ‘n cheese doughnut (aka the Belly Bomb) from Glam Doll Donuts caught our eye. A deep fried ring of melty, mac ‘n cheesy goodness is the probably the epitome of comfort food. We’re ready to dive right in.

 

Does your bakery sell an outrageous doughnut? Tell us all about it! We love to learn about new, unexpected doughnut flavors.

 

And if you’re ready to step up your bakery’s marketing game, consider printing your logo on the doughnut boxes. Give our experts a call and get started today.

888-321-2248

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In Branding

Let Your Products Be Seen!

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Here at MrTakeOutBags, we obsess over packaging. We’re constantly thinking about how to improve packaging, and often times it all comes down to custom printing. When a company adds their logo to a bakery box or a takeout bag, it leaves a lasting impression. But what about customers who choose not to print their packaging? There has to be some way they can get their products noticed, right?

That’s where the power of the window comes into play. It allows your quality products to be immediately viewed by potential customers. Whether it’s delightfully decorated cupcakes, artisan sandwiches, or high-end olive oil bottles – there’s packaging designed to help you flaunt your wares! It’s a creative and inexpensive way for you to set yourself apart from your competition.

Bakery Boxes

Cakes, pies, and cupcake – they should all be on display! What better way to entice would-be customers than by showing off the goodies you offer? We have windowed bakery boxes fit to hold a single cupcake, all the way up to window boxes big enough for a dozen. Find the right color box that plays well off your products and you’ve just enhanced the presentation substantially.

Takeout and Catering Boxes

People love to see what they’re buying before they make a decision – especially when it comes to meal prep. A perfectly prepared salad may go unnoticed unless it’s packaged in a Bio-Pak View takeout box. One simple little window can be the difference that helps you make a sale. Selling sandwiches? No problem, we carry clamshells with a built-in window so customers can get a view of the food before purchasing.

For catering or for large carryout orders, use windowed catering squares. Rigid and sturdy, these handy squares allow your clients to see exactly what they’re about to dig into.

Bottle and Jar Carriers

If your product is often purchased as a gift (think jams, spread, oils, and wines) then your customers will all but demand you have windowed packaging. Of course, you could sell your fancy, infused olive oil without special packaging. But why would you? Increase the overall value of what you sell by presenting it in a window gift box. The same holds true for jams, spreads, and mustards. Put them in a window box and you’ll elevate their look, and increase their worth.

Still not sure how you can use packaging to improve your products’ value? That’s alright, we’ve got experts for that. Remember, we do obsess over it, after all. Give us a call at 888-321-2248 to learn more!

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In Products

Top 3 Packaging Items for Summer Foods

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Summer is officially here, which means some of our favorite eateries are adding barbecue-inspired dishes to their menu. Others are opening up their patios for outdoor dining. And of course, summer is the season for food trucks and festivals. With summer in full swing, it’s important for all of these restaurants, food trucks, and cafes to have the right disposable, fast casual type of packaging for their meals. Make sure you’ve got everything on your list.

Paper soup cups for side dishes

Whether you’re dishing up sides that are hot or cold, sweet or savory, a paper soup cup makes an ideal container. Luckily, there is a container for each type of business. For those who want something eco-friendly, reach for the compostable soup containers. Places with a rustic or American grill feel may want to use cups made from kraft paper. Of course, there is always classic white, too.

Paper food trays for handhelds

Few things scream “summer festival” more than eating cheese fries out of paper food boat. There’s a reason you see so many vendors using these. They’re inexpensive but durable, easy to dispose of, and make it a breeze for customers to hold in their hand and eat from. Convenience is king when it comes to food trays.

Custom printed basket and tray liners

Even though those paper food trays are durable, a messy order of nachos will always benefit from a sheet of waxed food tissue paper. Additionally, barbecue joints that are serving racks of ribs on metal food trays (with all the fixings on the side, of course) are using food tissue. For some restaurants it’s a necessity. It also happens to be one of the easiest, most affordable items to brand. Then every Instagram-worthy snapshot your customers take will automatically have your logo front and center.

When you’re ready to get serious about branding your takeout and food packaging, give us a call! Our Packaging Advisors are happy to go over all the details of your project with you to see how we can best assist.

Give us a call today at 888-321-2248.

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In Industry

What Plastic Bag Bans Means for Businesses

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California, New York, and Hawaii – what do these states all have in common? All three have a ban on plastic bags. In addition to those, some US cities – such as Boston, Chicago, and Washington, DC – have also put a ban on plastic bags.

To say “plastic bag ban” is a bit of a catchall term. Hawaii, for instance, enacts this ban within its most populated counties, but not statewide. The ruling in Washington, DC is that customers buying food or alcohol must pay a 5 cent fee per bag used – paper or plastic. And when New York enacts their ban in 2020, it will exclude restaurant takeout bags. It will focus more on retailers and grocers instead.

However the specifics may vary, the overarching goal remains the same: drastically reduce the amount of one-time use plastic. Like most eco-friendly efforts, it’s a great idea. How exactly a business carries it out, though, can be a bit challenging.

Paper Bags

Replacing plastic bags with paper ones is a good first step for business owners effected by these rulings. Just make sure you understand your area’s regulations on paper bags before you make the switch. While this swap works in some areas, others places need paper bags to be made up of at least 40% recycled material. In California there is a 10 cent fee even for recycled single use paper bags.

Reusable Totes

When both paper and plastic bags prevent a problem, spring for reusable totes. If this makes the most sense for your business, then the best way to capitalize on these is to have your logo printed on them. When your customers reuse these all over town, they’re showing off your brand. It’s like a walking billboard. Also, when you make such a nice bag available to customers, you can do so at a premium.

Reusable Plastic Wave Bags

We know what you’re thinking – these are plastic bags. So how can they be acceptable in places with a plastic bag ban? If a bag is made of at least 2.25 mil plastic and created from a minimum of 25% post-consumer recycled material, it’s considered reusable. You’ll want to check what the specific regulations are in your area, but in many cases a reusable plastic bag is exempt from the ban. Because of their low price point, they make a great alternative to the non-woven reusable totes. And since they can be used over and over again, you can feel good about stocking them at your business. Colorful, frosty wave bags are a great way to get people to notice your business.

 

Let our team of experienced Packaging Advisors get you the right bag for your business. Give them a call at 888-321-2248 and see how they can help!

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