Grains are a critical part of the global food supply. Taken together, rice, wheat and corn or maize account for over half of the global energy intake from food. These staple foods have unique packaging requirements to prevent contamination and exposure to oxygen or moisture. Discover three trends that are changing how grain products are packaged in 2023 and beyond.
Power of Mylar Bag Packaging
Mylar was invented in the early 1950s. Seventy years later, the latest versions of this material are still trending for product packaging. A high-barrier, flexible plastic material excels in terms of durability and odor resistance. Brands can choose to package grains in any size of flexible stand-up or lay-flat pouches made out of Mylar.
Beyond the protective properties of this material, affordable options for designing custom Mylar bags are trending in 2023. This flexible film is suitable for digital package printing with polymer-based inks that do not emit hazardous air pollutants. Digitally printed designs on Mylar enable even small brands of grain products to develop professional-grade packaging with high-definition text and photo-quality graphics.
Digital package printing allows for data features such as serial or identical Quick Response codes, short runs and variable designs. Custom design options also make it possible for brands to inform consumers about serving suggestions, recycling methods or provide information about the cultivation and sourcing of grains.
Need For Resealability
The technology behind reclosable bags also dates back to the mid-20th century, but the option to include this feature on flexible product packaging continues to become more mainstream. Grain products are sensitive to air, moisture and pests, and long required storage inside airtight containers to protect against these hazards.
Resealable packaging enables consumers to store grain products in the original packaging. This mode of storage can preserve freshness, especially when brands use suitable high-barrier packaging films. This can reduce the need for consumers to buy containers or use additional layers of plastic to seal open packages for storage.
Zipper closures are available for stand-up or lie-flat pouches that contain more than a single serving of grains. For single servings, food sachet packaging can be a smart choice. A box of grain products can also contain multiple sachets to make it easier to determine serving sizes and maintain freshness.
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Recyclable Grain Packaging
Store drop-off recycling programs can accept certain flexible plastic materials, such as Mylar. Environmentally-conscious grain brands can select a recyclable pouch design that meets these requirements or consider using post-consumer recycled materials in product packaging.
Recyclable packaging materials can make grain products more sustainable. From the type of packaging materials a brand chooses for products to the information that package designs provide, there are many ways to demonstrate a company’s commitment to the environment.
Mylar and other flexible plastic films are among the best options for packaging grain products. These materials provide a protective barrier to preserve the quality of these food staples from processing through distribution, sale and use. These three trends are likely to impact the market for grain products in 2023 and for years to come.