In food service, packaging is one of the most important factors. Treating it like an afterthought or simply something to check off a supply list can lead to higher costs and lower efficiency. From operations and environmental footprint to brand identity and customer sentiment, food service packaging impacts every corner of your business. Read on to learn more about the costs of poor food service packaging choices.
Higher Costs
One of the first and most obvious consequences of poor packaging choices is higher costs. Many food service businesses choose packaging based solely on the upfront costs, and if the lowest cost option is the one you opt for, this can bring a host of issues. Improper packaging can leak, fail structurally or lack proper insulation. This can lead to waste, replacements and other issues that cost far more than the initial savings. Ill-fitting containers can also mean using more materials than necessary, which often leads to inconsistent ordering. This can cause rush orders, excess inventory or stockouts, all of which are costly.
Slower Operations
Poor packaging choices can cause disruptions to your team’s workflow throughout the day. Packaging that’s difficult to assemble can slow your team down, which can be detrimental during lunch and dinner rushes when customer patience is already low. Co-workers using ill-fitting containers may also have to improvise, which can mean re-wrapping and doubling up. This increases material costs and slows down production. Any type of inconsistency in food service packaging can drive operations to a halt, leading to unhappy customers and losses.
Falling Short on Sustainability
Sustainability has become a mainstream expectation among all businesses, and food service is no exception. Customers tend to consider a business’s environmental footprint when forming an opinion about the brand or when deciding whether to make a purchase. Failing to prioritize sustainability can drive customers away. Poor food service packaging decisions often mean missed opportunities to be more environmentally responsible, including using eco-friendly materials, reducing material waste and ensuring sustainable shipping operations. Eco-friendly packaging is often also more cost-effective in the long-run, so falling short on sustainability can also mean missing out on cost savings over time.
Missed Branding Opportunities
Beyond operational efficiency and costs, packaging is a consumer touchpoint, which means it’s a strong opportunity to reinforce your brand. Plain, unbranded packaging may cost less upfront, but it’s a missed opportunity for increased brand awareness and recognition. Even if you serve the most delicious food, packaging that feels low-quality or falls apart can reflect negatively on your brand. Customers will remember the experience they had eating your food, and the container it comes in plays a huge role in how they perceive your business.
Unhappy Customers
Leaky containers, inadequate insulation and flimsy materials all reflect on you, not your supplier. If the packaging you use causes your customer’s food to arrive cold or soggy, that makes for a not-so-positive customer experience. A single poor packaging experience can cost you repeat customers or prevent them from recommending your restaurant to their friends. Overall, customers associate the quality of your food and your packaging with the quality of your brand, and whether the experience they had was positive or negative.
How the Right Packaging Partner Can Make All the Difference
The good news is that most packaging problems are avoidable with the right solutions partner in your corner. With custom food service packaging solutions from Veritiv Pollock, your food is safe, your operations are efficient and your customers are happy. Learn about how we make SOLVED happen for food service businesses here or explore our custom packaging solutions here. Get started with Veritiv Pollock, a trusted single-source supplier, by contacting us online.
