Making business operations sustainable and environment-friendly is not just an option but a necessity. With the growing concern of global warming, it is essential that every industry, especially hospitality, adopt sustainable practices to minimize its environmental footprint. Restaurants generate waste in many different ways, and this indicates that there are equal opportunities to implement the 3Rs: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.
One such opportunity is by replacing your non-biodegradable packaging material with eco-friednly material, like cardboard. Cardboard food containers are perfect takeaway containers for your restaurant as they keep food fresh and secure during transit, reduce the amount of microplastics, and are sturdy. It conveys to the customer about your sustainable choices and attracts eco-friendly practices and health-conscious customers.
However, what type of cardboard container should you choose that meets your and your customers' needs? It is essential to choose the right takeaway container because everything related to your restaurant matters in building up your image.
Factors to Consider to Buy the Perfect Cardboard Takeaway Boxes
When it comes to choosing cardboard food boxes for your restaurant, here are some factors that you can consider:
1. Choose the Packaging Design As Per Food Items and Customer’s Convenience.
First of all, you need to consider the items in your menu. Different food items require different packing materials. For instance:
- For sushi, you would require a compartment cardboard box to keep each piece intact and prevent sauces from mixing. A round or rectangular cardboard box is the perfect choice for noodles and stir-fries.
- Similarly, if you are serving pasta, then a round poly-coated cardboard box will be better. For pizza, a large rectangular cardboard box with custom prints will be best.
- To keep foods like burgers, fries, sandwiches, and wraps warm and crisp, you require biodegradable food packaging. Hence, to prevent sogginess, it is best to use paper wraps, sturdy takeaway bags, boxes, or compartment containers.
- For hot beverages like coffee, you need to ensure the food packaging supplies are heat resistant.
So, when choosing the design of the cardboard takeaway packaging, the customer’s convenience, food safety, and integrity must be considered.
2. Packaging Should be Strong, Durable, and Rigid.
A reliable cardboard takeaway box must endure the stresses of transit meanwhile maintaining food security and visual appeal. Select durable, heavy-duty cardboard food boxes for meals with sauces or more weight to prevent spills and structural failure.
You can choose a cardboard box coated with a thin layer of polyethylene or plant-based materials to get leak-proof packaging suitable for liquids. Such containers are also moisture—and grease-resistant, ideal for packing hot foods and food with gravy.
The borders and closures must be resilient enough to resist movement without compromising the form and the structure. Ensure that the lids are tight enough to prevent spills and protect the food.
3. Pick the Ideal Dimension and Shape
Properly sized cardboard takeaway boxes ensure the best presentation and reduce waste. Containers that are too big make portions appear lesser, while those that are too small can jeopardize the food’s presentation and safety.
So, choose containers that match the portion sizes for the best fit. If there are side dishes to complement the main dish, select cardboard food box containers with divisions to preserve the freshness and separation of meal components. Consider stacking functionality if packing multiple dishes. Food packing supplies with stacking functionality make it easy for customers or the delivery person to carry the food.
4. Choose Packaging Boxes that can be Customized.
Your branding can help you get recognized, so make sure that you choose biodegradable food packaging supplies that are easy to print on for boxes, slogans, or designs to enhance brand visibility. With customized packaging options, you can distinguish your restaurant from competitors in the neighborhood.
You can even convey your restaurant’s values and idealogy using vibrant colors, unique fonts, and compelling designs. You can mention your contact information and social media handles and add QR codes to encourage engagement.
5. Consider Storage and Delivery Needs
Another important aspect to consider while choosing cardboard food containers is whether you like them to be pre-assembled or flat-pack. Flat-pack options save storage space, but you will have to assemble them in-house, taking up time and energy. On the other hand, pre-assembled reduce setup time, but they will take up considerate space. Also, you will have to store them safely such that the boxes can withstand stacking and movement without crushing.
The Bottom Line
While choosing a cardboard food container is a sustainable choice, prioritize biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable materials. If necessary, opt for boxes with plant-based alternatives instead of plastic coating.
Also, opting for biodegradable food packaging options means increasing the operational costs because these packaging materials are more expensive than non-biodegradable ones. However, you can get a considerable discount when you make bulk purchases, which ensures quality and quantity.
For instance, Food Packaging Direct offers 100% environment-friendly and disposable packaging options at wholesale rates. Browse through their sustainable food packaging options and have your order delivered within the next day if it is placed before 1 p.m.