What stops so many businesses from going green? Quite simply, it can be overwhelming. We’ve spoken with so many restaurant and café owners who say that making the switch to eco-friendly packaging can be a daunting task, and they often times don’t know where to start. They have this notion that if one piece of their takeout packaging is earth-friendly, then all pieces need to be. But that’s not the case. Making just one or two simple swaps will make a big difference on your carbon footprint, and your customers will notice.
Swap Plastic clamshells for Bio-Plus takeout boxes
Clear, plastic takeout boxes are one way to go. But if you’re looking to go green, opt for something that isn’t plastic, like the Bio-Plus EARTH carry out boxes, made of 100% recycled paperboard. Or try the Bio-Plus TERRA version, which is fully compostable. And if you want to have something eco-friendly while still being able to show off prepared meals, use the Bio-Pak VIEW takeout boxes. The top window provides a good look at what you have to offer.
Swap Styrofoam for compostable or double wall coffee cups
There are few things we hate more than Styrofoam. That’s why we don’t stock it and instead offer things like Planet Plus coffee cups. They are 100% biodegradable and compostable and can be used for how or cold drinks. Another option is custom printed double wall hot cups. Because their insulation means there’s no need for a sleeve, your carbon footprint is reduced. Plus there is the added bonus of having your coffee cups printed with your logo.
From plastic bags to recycled paper ones
Perhaps this is one of the most noticeable changes a business can make. Customers often take note of what type of bag their delivery is made in, or what’s used to carry their leftovers out of a restaurant. Show off your commitment to being green with recycled natural kraft paper bags. Of course, if you want to stick with plastic, there are options. You can feel good about making the switch to biodegradable plastic takeout bags.
Remember that no matter what changes you make, big or small, they are all a step in the right direction. And if you need some guidance, or if you’re ready to put your company logo on one of those earth-friendly items, give our experts a call!
There’s a famous scene from the 1967 movie, The Graduate in which the young lead, Benjamin played by Dustin Hoffman is enlightened by his father’s friend, Mr. McGuire:
“I just want to say one word to you. Just one word.”
“Are you listening?”
“Plastics.”
“There’s a great future in plastics. Think about it. Will you think about it?”
Plastics have been in the news quite a bit lately.
In the food packaging business, we think about plastics quite a bit. And the word plastic (sometimes called “poly”) can mean a lot of different things. It can be referenced with a lot of different names and haunted by a whole list of acronyms.
So let’s take a look at some of the most common plastic / poly acronyms and some of the products that are made out of those compounds.
High-Density PolyEthylene
High-Density PolyEthylene (HDPE) has a high strength-to-density ratio, HDPE is commonly recycled, and the products produced from HDPE are often reusable. It is also harder and more opaque and can withstand somewhat higher temperatures than LDPE, Low-Density PolyEthylene.
LDPE is an acronym for Low-Density PolyEthylene. This type of plastic is weaker and has less tensile strength than HDPE. BUT — its resilience is higher, and its density is lower – so it can actually “stretch” and “flex” better than HDPE without cracking. LDPE is also more transparent than HDPE.
LLDPE
LLDPE is an acronym for Linear Low Density PolyEthylene. It is the most flexible of the plastic sheeting films. LLDPE is blended form of LDPE where the film has much more flexibility, is more pliable, and softer than HDPE. LLDPE is used for films that need a tremendous amount of strength to absorb impacts while not tearing or puncturing. In the event that a tear or puncture should occur, LLDPE is far less likely for the hole to run than tears or punctures in other polys. LLDPE bags provide extra strength and impact resistance that allows a lighter gauge bag to do the same job as a heavier gauge HDPE bag.
PETe
Polyethylene terephthalate is commonly abbreviated PET, PETE. It is the most common thermoplastic polymer resin of the polyester family. PET is the number one recyclable plastic. It’s safe, non-toxic, strong and lightweight. PET is used to produce food trays that can be used for frozen dinners, since they withstand both freezing and (in some cases) moderate oven baking temperatures.
Some of the products that are made from PET include:
Polypropylene (PP), also known as polypropene, is a thermoplasticpolymer used in a wide variety of applications. It’s also sometimes referred to as “cello”
Poly(lactic acid) or polylactic acid or polylactide (PLA) is a biodegradable and bioactive thermoplastic aliphatic polyester derived from renewable resources, such as corn starch (in the United States and Canada), cassava roots, chips or starch (mostly in Asia), or sugarcane (in the rest of the world).
Some of our products that are manufactured using PLA include:
In most cases, you won’t need to know what all of the types of plastics and polys are. The Packaging Experts at MrTakeOutBags.com are always here to guide you toward the product that will best suit your needs. But, at least now, you’ll know what all of those acronyms stand for.
Have a question about plastic food packaging products? Let our Packaging Advisors guide you through the process of selecting the right solution for you. Give them a call at 888-321-2248 Monday through Friday; 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST.
We work with a variety of talented and bright business owners and entrepreneurs. There’s no doubt that they’re rock stars at what they do. But they can’t be expected to know everything, right? That’s why we frequently run into customers who struggle to understand what we mean when we say we need “vector artwork” in order to print their logo. We wanted to put together an easy guide to help better understand what it is and why it matters in the printing world.
What is it?
In the simplest terms, vector artwork is clean artwork. When a logo is vectorized, it means that it’s created with specific software (often Adobe Illustrator) to produce high-quality images. To make vector art, the software uses some pretty complicated algorithms, resulting in artwork that is outlined precisely. This outline makes it possible out rework the art as needed for printing.
What does it look like?
It’s easy to spot non-vector, or raster, artwork. Those files will make an image turn blurry when resized. Lines aren’t smooth and details are all but washed away.
Another easy way to tell if you’ve got raster artwork is to take a look at the file type. Files that are .jpg, .gif, .png, .tif will be raster files. Those saved as .ai, .eps, or .svg will be vector art. Note that most PDF’s are vector files, but not all of them are.
Why is it important?
For starters, it allows our art department to alter your logo to the exact right size for printing – all without getting a fuzzy image. If you’re going to put in all the time, energy, and money to have your logo printed on your packaging (or on anything, for that matter) then you definitely don’t want it to look blurry.
So when you’re working with your graphic designer on your company logo, be sure to ask for vector art files. It will save you so much hassle in the long run! Only have raster files? That’s alright, we can still help you out. We can convert nearly any file into print-ready artwork.
Give our Packaging Advisors a call now to chat about getting your business name printed on your company’s most-used packaging.
888-321-2248 Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST
Mother’s Day is around the corner. First of all, don’t panic. There’s still time to pick up the perfect gift for Mom. Second, start preparing for hordes of Mother’s Day brunch-goers to flood restaurants and cafes. Don’t be caught that Sunday understocked or with the wrong type of bags or boxes for your customers. Come on, your mama taught you better than that!
Bakeries Beware
Tons of sons and daughters will head to their local bake shop to pick up something sweet for Mom. And none of them want to hand over perfect little confections in a crumpled bag. Make sure you’re fully stocked in pastry boxes – especially in the sizes you use the most.
Want to up the ante for Mother’s Day? Switch from white or brown boxes over to eye-catching strawberry pink ones. Already use pink? Try window boxes and transform a regular box of your cookies into a bright, cheerful presentation.
Bonus: For an added touch, keep ribbon on hand for wrapping boxes. Those small details can make a huge difference in presentation.
Wine Not Make it Special?
There will likely be just as many Mother’s Day shoppers purchasing nice bottles of wine for Mom, too. While there’s nothing wrong with slipping a bottle of wine into a standard, brown sleeve, there’s something special about putting the same bottle into a brightly color or tastefully printed bag. A wine bag with a fitting grape design, for example, makes more of an impact than a plain bag.
For those who want to really wow their mom, give them the option of some elegant wine gift boxes and carriers. Available in a wide variety of colors, textures, and prints, these holders take a gift from ordinary to extraordinary.
Turn Packaging into Gifting
Don’t forget that successful branding is one of the most effective ways to impress a customer. The right type of custom printing – paired with good marketing – adds value to whatever item is inside the package. And when your branding is that good, the packaging itself can work as a gift presentation. No one sees a Tiffany’s jewelry box and thinks it needs paper gift wrap around it. The same is true for a box of Godiva chocolates.
Great branding is easier said than done, we understand that. That’s why we have expert Packaging Advisors here to help walk you through the process of finding the right packaging for your needs and getting your custom logo printed on it.
Get started with your customized packaging today. Call our experts at 888-321-2248. They’re here Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST.
Whether you’re a grilled cheese purist, or you prefer to fill your hot sandwich with far-out ingredients, this upcoming food holiday is a day for everyone. National Grilled Cheese Day is on April 12 and we’ve found the best places to celebrate, recipes to try, and of course, we’ve got the ideal way to present that delicious, golden brown sandwich.
Grilled cheese enthusiasts travel from all over to get their hands on one of the famously large melty sandwiches from Melt Bar & Grilled. Many have even tried to tackle the restaurant’s 5 pound grilled cheese challenge. Made up of 13 different cheese and three slices of bread – served with fries and coleslaw – many have tried, but few have succeeded. Do you think you could do it?
What started as a food truck has grown into an equally popular brick-and-mortar destination spot for cheese lovers. There’s an option to make your own concoction, but you can’t go wrong with any of their expertly paired ingredients.
Now this is a shop that takes cheese seriously. Artisan ingredients result in stellar sandwiches with exquisite flavor combinations. Oh, and they come to you with the option to cater events.
Presentation is Everything
from the American Grilled Cheese Kitchen @theamericansf
Just ask our friends over at Cheezen – presenting with branded basket liners is the way to go. That gooey sandwich looks amazing as is, but when it’s properly displayed on customized wax paper it reaches new heights. Show your customers that you’re dedicated to the grilled cheese cause with a perfectly presented grilled cheese. And don’t forget the snack bags for your side order of fries!
Give our experts a call and let them help you enhance the way customers see your food.
Recently we’ve seen a big shift in the way drinks are served. It’s the straws that are changing. There’s a cultural shift happening that’s leaving plastic straws in the dust in favor of compostable straws. Take a look at Walt Disney locations, which plan to no longer have plastic straws or stirrers by the middle of 2019. And Starbucks plans to phase out plastic straws from their shops by 2020. The coffee giant will instead introduce a sippy cup-style lid that eliminates the need for straws altogether. Taking it a step further, the entire city of Seattle put a ban on plastic straws and any other non-recyclable forms of cups and utensils in the food service industry.
soon to be gone: Starbucks to remove all plastic straws from their stores
Why the Change?
The intention of this global shift is to reduce waste – especially waste that is ending up in the ocean. With viral videos like one that shows a sea turtle having a straw removed from its nose, there’s no question that straws are detrimental to wildlife as well as their environment.
If you’re thinking of making the switch from plastic to more eco-friendly straws, let us first say, good for you! Not sure where to begin when it comes to compostable straws? That’s no problem, we got you covered. Currently, we stock drinking straws that are 100% compostable and biodegradable. But stay tuned. We have several paper options coming this fall! Make sure you’re in the know by signing up to receive our monthly newsletter, or give our experts a ring at 888-321-2248 for more information.
With St. Patrick’s Day right around the corner, we’re seeing a huge influx in the need for festive, green packaging. We rounded up some of our most popular emerald sellers along with some of the very best eco-friendly items. Because being green can be more than just one thing!
The name says it all. These insulated coffee cups were made with the Earth in mind. Their double wall construction means that a sleeve, or java jacket, isn’t required. That’s one less thing to have to make and buy. The cups are also constructed from plant material; and when you’re done you can recycle or compost them.
Meal prep has never looked fresher! Use these microwave-safe meal containers come in a bright lime green to help elevate the presentation of your product.
What’s greener than a bag that can be used over and over? Available in a variety of sizes and colors – including green – our reusable tote bags offer a great way to show your customers that you’re committed to reducing your carbon footprint. And to help ensure that your customers remember exactly where that nice, reusable bag came from, simply get your logo printed on them. (Psst, we can help with that!)
These are one of our newest items, and it’s also one of the best-selling items. For good reason, too. Customers love that the bowls are convenient for fast causal meals, but they’re also made from plant material and can be composted after using.
Give our Packaging Advisors a call and see what they can do for you today.
Branded packaging is more about credibility and perception than it is about providing something to carry your product. Having your company name, logo, slogan or graphics added to your packaging represents so much more.
The pricier the product is, the greater impact will come from branding the packaging. No customer wants to walk away with an expensive purchase, carrying a cheap looking package. Customers want to be proud of their purchases. And a well-developed brand enhances that perceived value.
Marketing Dollars Hard at Work
You could be offering the best coffee in the city, but if it’s in a Styrofoam cup, nobody will take you seriously. But, serve that same beverage in an environmentally-friendly paper cup with your shop’s logo on it? People will remember it and identify with your brand.
You could serve the best sandwich in the state, but nobody will remember it if it’s sitting on a plain sheet of tissue when its photo is posted to Instagram. Showcase that same delicious sandwich on a branded tissue, and everyone will know where to go the next time they’ve got a craving.
Create a Buzz
You could be selling the best wine in the region. If you’re giving customers their bottle in a plain bag, though, nobody will recognize your product when they pass your customers on the street. Present your wine bottles to the customer in a shopping bag with your brand’s name showing and people will take notice.
You could make the best pastries in the land, and nobody will know they’re yours if they’re in a plain box. But, pack those same pastries in a nice bakery box that has your bakery’s name on it, and suddenly everyone knows that it was made with pride.
Boost Brand Awareness and Company Credibility
Branding is about more than slapping a name on a cup, a bag, a box, or a basket liner. Branding is about credibility, awareness, satisfaction, and desire. It’s about the emotional bonding that takes place with your customers. And it’s an intangible value that can’t be denied.
Not sure where to begin? Not a problem! Let our Packaging Advisors guide you through the process of going from boring to branded. Give them a call at 888-321-2248 Monday through Friday; 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST.
It seems like ages since takeout was limited to two options: pizza and Chinese food. With a growing variety of delivery services popping up (think GrubHub, Seamless, Postmates, and even UberEats) the options have expanded exponentially. With more people opting for prepared meals rather than homemade ones, it seems a natural progression to see virtual restaurants. Also known as ghost or digital restaurants, virtual restaurants function in commissary kitchens and make food exclusively for delivery. There’s no dine-in option, just a hot meal delivered right to your door. Virtual restaurants exist to inflate dinner options while simplifying the process of getting the food from kitchen to customer.
HOW THEY WORK
The genius of this business design is its simplicity. A small, efficient kitchen works to create top-notch meals. Then, food delivery services are brought in to do what they do best: bring you your meals as quickly as possible.
HOW THEY SAVE RESTAURATEURS MONEY
For starters, there’s no front-of-house. No wait staff, no bartenders, no liquor license required.
Secondly, there is less space required and no need to worry about being located in a trendy neighborhood. This lowers the cost of rent, which can often break a new restaurant.
Perhaps most importantly; the kitchens operate efficiently. In some cases they’re set up like assembly lines to maximize speed when producing a great number of lunches and dinners. Several owners figured out that they can use one kitchen to create multiple menus. Now customers can order dinner from a burger joint, a vegetarian spot, and a trendy poke bowl place. And it might all come from the same kitchen, made by the same people.
WHERE CUSTOM PRINTING COMES IN
Let’s say a restaurant owner has created three different virtual restaurants that all operate out of the same kitchen. Each entity requires its own menu and its own identity. But how can that be accomplished when customers don’t have a physical restaurant to relate to the food? That’s where the right packaging comes in. Just consider the benefits of sending food out in the appropriate, on-trend packaging that bears the company logo. There’s also the option to cross-promote all the “restaurants” that use the same kitchen. So a customer who orders poke will get dinner in a paper bag that also promotes your burger joint. Without the physical restaurant for the customer to associate with the food, they will rely heavily on the branding.
Whether you run several virtual restaurants or one physical spot or food truck, never miss an opportunity to get your company logo out there. Don’t know where to begin? Let us help. Call our experts at 888-321-2248 for assistance.
We love what we do. Each day we get to speak with a variety of different food industry folks. Each one has their own flavorful product to add to the market, and we get to hear about each one. These daily conversations also give us an early taste of some of the hottest up-and-coming food trends. One thing we see popping up in more places – especially trendy fast casual joints – is printed tray liners.
From @blueribbonfc – Blue Ribbon Fried Chicken in NYC Photo by @artsandfood_nyc
The New Cafeteria Tray
For many, the thought of a cafeteria will conjure up images of lunch ladies in hairnets, dolling out mounds of indistinguishable slop. But there’s the smallest sparkle of nostalgia there, too. That nostalgia for the past is what’s driving trends in all industries, especially food. That’s why we’re seeing so many of our favorite fast casual restaurants serving up lunch on trays. But there’s more than a longing for the past, here. The trays obviously hold more food – ideal for any restaurant that sells side dishes. (And honestly, who doesn’t?) Trays make the food’s trip from the kitchen to the customer a breeze.
From The Sandwich Society in Santa Ana
The Social Media Marketing Opportunities
When orders get to the table, expertly displayed, it’s perfect for customers to snap a pic for social media. Now just imagine your company logo splashed across the background of that photo. It’s easy to do when you invest in custom printed tray liners. You don’t need us to tell you that social media is the fastest word-of-mouth advertising a company can hope for.
Boost those Marketing Dollars
Not sure you want to put the money into food packaging? Well keep in mind that this is more than just packaging – it’s your marketing budget hard at work. It’s brand recognition through social media posts. It’s the chance to elevate not only your food presentation, but to also raise the perceived value of the entire meal. Branded paper allows customers (and potential customers) get a real feel for your business, its products, and the overall quality they can expect to see. Still think it’s better to just use plain, off-the-shelf tray liners?
Give our Packaging Advisors a call to discuss getting your logo onto tray liners.
888-321-2248 – Monday through Friday – 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST
