Top Questions about Custom Food Packaging - Arrow Systems

11 Aug.,2025

 

Top Questions about Custom Food Packaging - Arrow Systems

Top Questions about Custom Food Packaging

As stores adopt new policies on how customers shop within them, it is more important now than ever to create food packaging that allows customers to understand your product at a glance. Wearing masks while shopping makes customers want to get in and out of the store as quickly as possible.

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Having a custom packaging for your food product may be the difference between a customer choosing your product or the competitors.

Here are some of the top questions in relation to creating a custom label or packaging for your food products:

What are the benefits of custom food packaging boxes?

Utilizing custom packaging and boxes allows you to convey to your customer what your product is all about. It is more important than ever to show potential customers in stores exactly what is in your product with just a glance the label or packaging.

Use key nutrition facts as a way to get customers to choose your product over the competition by listing calories and nutrient values on the front (assuming you want customers to see this information!), or by showcasing how much dietary fiber your product has. Now more than ever, people are choosing foods that are healthier, and having that information stand out right away will help you stand above the competition!

What materials may be used to package food products?

While there are a number of different substrates that can be used to create food safe labels, it is important to understand the requirements for your packaging. Is the packaging coming in direct contact with the food? If so, it will be important to use a material, adhesive, and ink chemistry that is food safe.

Pigment inks are generally the best option to create food safe labels. Digital printers such as the ArrowJet Aqua 330R can be utilized to digitally print direct contact safe food labels in full color. This printer uses the latest technology to print with pigment inks at speeds up to 150 feet per minute!

How to make my packaging food more attractive?

Some of the best ways to make your product more attractive on the shelf are to use specialty materials like silver foils or holographic foils. These shiny labels will automatically draw the eye to your product among all of the competition.

Other ways to draw attention to your product is to use bright colored labels to create a differentiating factor that will make your product stand out among the rest.

Adding a foil or varnish to your product name will really give it the pop that customers are looking for when roaming through the stores. Varnish will add a raised effect to the desired parts of your labels, and adding a foil will give it the shiny look that conveys that your product is a step above the competition. These items typically denote that the product is a higher quality than the others around it with flat black and white labels.

Where can I get good custom food packaging products?

The best way to start utilizing custom Food packaging is to bring a digital printer in-house to print your own packaging on demand! Having your own color printer will give you unlimited flexibility and allow you to do really unique things with your packaging.

By bringing your food packaging printing in-house you can crate really cool initiatives like QR codes that can be scanned for nutritional values, or sequential numbers for limited time products. With a digital printer the possibilities of your food packaging are truly endless.

5 Things to Consider When Ordering Custom Packaging - LeKAC

Packaging is more than just cardboard and plastic. It’s your customer’s first experience with your brand. Inadequate and generic packaging can be very detrimental to your company’s image if it leads to damaged products and fails to appeal to your customers. With custom packaging, you can make a positive impact, improve your reputation and stand out from your competitors.

If you’re a business in need of custom packaging, you must already know it takes longer to receive than something you can buy readymade. Have you thought of the different factors to achieve successful results before placing an order?

There are 5 factors you must consider such as:

  1. Packaging Type
  2. Printing & Finishing Options
  3. Quantity
  4. Dimensions
  5. Lead Time

Packaging Types

With many options to choose from, it’s important to select packaging which would be the ideal match for your products.

To put it simply, there are two categories you can choose from: boxes and bags.

If you’re looking for a box, you can choose between a folding carton, corrugated box and rigid box. Likewise, if you’re considering bags, you can choose between Kraft paper, white cardboard and reusable options.

Cost-effectiveness is an important factor – people tend to lean towards Kraft paper bags and corrugated boxes. However, at the same time it’s important to consider the purpose of your packaging.

For example, are you looking for packaging that can be used to hold gifts? In that case, white cardboard bags or rigid boxes are excellent choices because they both provide a refined look. They’re ideal for luxurious brands and to package gift sets.

Will your products go through an extensive distribution channel and require extra protection?

Corrugated boxes are made of thick paper with air columns inside which increases the strength of the material, making it more durable than the average cardboard. The air also acts as a cushion for the contents of the box. As a result, they’re perfect for protection.

Lastly, are you looking to reinforce a greener brand through custom packaging? Corrugated boxes, folding cartons and Kraft paper bags are recyclable; however you can take it a step further when you opt for reusable bags.

You will get efficient and thoughtful service from ARTISANS.

Reusable bags are primarily made from non-woven polypropylene (technically plastic), but there are specialty options such as cotton, hemp, and bamboo that can be customized.

Overall, all packaging options can be further customized with accessories, and the addition of custom inserts.

Printing and Finishing Options

In addition to selecting a type of packaging, it’s good to consider the various printing and finishing options available before placing an order.

There are 5 main types of printing techniques that are used in the packaging industry. They include;

  1. Offset Lithography Printing: the most prominent technique in packaging today due to its versatility in printing and high image quality. However, it’s not feasible for low volume projects.
  2. Flexography: very versatile because it is compatible with a variety of print surfaces. Examples include corrugated paper, folding cartons, paper sacks, plastic bags, and food wrappers. In comparison to offset, print quality is lower.
  3. Digital Printing (Inkjet Printing): a very popular option due to its precision and efficiency. It’s perfect for all business sizes, but does not offer many coating or colour options.
  4. Rotogravure: Ideal for printing magazines and newspapers.
  5. Silkscreen Printing: Reusable bags use this technique because it offers long lasting results, but can be a time-consuming process.

Printing techniques can directly impact how your final package looks and can limit colour options.

There are 2 types of printing options available: 1 colour and multi colour logo print.

Multi colour logo print is more expensive than 1 colour logo print but can substantially improve the appearance of a box or bag.

In addition to printing options, consider adding a custom finishing, such as:

  • Lamination: glossy, matte or soft touch
  • Oil Varnish: looks very similar to glossy lamination, however is 100% recyclable
  • Spot UV: adds an overall depth and unique look to the final package
  • Embossing/Debossing: results in either raised or recessed images and designs on paper materials.

Quantity

Quantity of packaging units can have a major impact over costs. In this case, it’s important to think of your current usage to forecast the quantity you demand.

Most suppliers have a minimum order requirement such as 1,000 units. This may seem like a lot especially if you’re a small business and consume as low as 200 boxes or bags a month.

However, ordering in bulk is actually more cost-effective in the long run because you are able to save time and additional shipping costs. As a result, it’s good to consider how often you plan on ordering packaging as well. It is also worth noting that the more units you order at once, the cheaper each unit will be.

With that being said, if you’re currently only consuming about 200 units a month, when you purchase in bulk for units, you’re actually covered for 5 months. During this time, you don’t have to worry about any shortages and can save a lot of in tracking your order and monthly delivery fees.

Dimensions

By using custom packaging, you don’t have to worry about fitting your products in a box. Your packaging units are designed specifically to suit your items, and our custom packaging specialists can actually help you measure everything. However, it’s important to have a general idea of how big you need your packaging units to be.

Of course, dielines are always adjustable as per customer requirements before going into production. However, there is not much that we can do once all details are approved. Unsure of how to get proper measurements for your packaging units? Click here to get more information on this topic!

Lead Time

Lead time to receive your order can vary on the time of year, and depends on how long it takes to process.

When it comes to custom packaging, customer satisfaction is a high priority. We want to ensure that you’re content with the artwork, materials, dimensions and any samples we provide.

Moreover, shipping time can vary due to slower business activity during holidays.

It’s always good to place an order 3-4 months before expected arrival date to account for production, overseas shipping, customs clearance and local deliveries made by third-party logistics companies.

Ordering in advance can also ensure that your products can successfully arrive in time for the holidays.

Be sure to stay tuned for our blog post on holiday shipping schedules!

Next Steps

Now that you’ve familiarized yourself with the 5 key components, you can easily place an order for custom packaging!

If you have questions, concerns and would like additional information, you can always reach out to us!

Our design specialists have been providing custom packaging solutions for the past 14 years and will happily assist you in ensuring all 5 pieces of information are covered before placing any order. We can suggest additional packaging options, finishes, and accessories that will not only accentuate your brand and meet your product requirements, but will keep your wallet happy as well!

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Custom Food Bags.