From plastic containers and pouch bags in boxes to glass jars and tin-coated steel cans, the packaging options for food products are almost as varied as the items themselves.

How does a manufacturer determine the best package for their product?

Their considerations include the type of food product, the shelf life and the shipping considerations of the product. Additionally, they must ensure that the food is safe for the customer; all food-contact packaging materials must pass the FDA’s strict approval process before entering the marketplace. The packaging choice also needs to be cost-effective, as it impacts the manufacturer’s return on investment.

Influenced by these factors, many manufacturers are choosing plastic packaging, especially as an alternative to glass.

While still getting the same great benefits of superior taste with no preservatives, here are four key reasons manufacturers are switching from glass to plastic:

1. Reduced packaging and freight costs
   Plastic is cheaper than glass — benefiting the overall production cost, as well as the cost to ship the product.
2. Increased efficiencies
   Plastic allows for faster production line speeds, which results in efficient manufacturing practices.
3. Decreased safety concerns
   By moving to plastic packaging, the manufacturer eliminates potential hazard of “chipped” particles (glass) in the product or the possibility of shattered glass in shipping or retail.
4. Greater customer convenience
   Glass is banned in many venues, and plastic containers microwave more easily than glass.

The selected packaging also impacts the filling process, or how food and the packaging are combined to ensure food safety.

With retort packaging, which commonly uses glass, food is filled, sealed, and then heated to extremely high temperatures, to sterilize the product.

AFP advanced food products llc, however, is proud to specialize in FDA-approved aseptic technology in which our food product and packaging are sterilized separately, then combined and sealed to preserve freshness and nutrition.

There are several benefits of aseptic packaging, including:

• Shelf-stable product
• Superior flavor quality
• Reduced freight and packaging costs
• No refrigeration required
• Safety—no shattered glass in production, shipping or retail
• Eco-friendly packaging
• Production efficiency—faster line speeds, up to 600 cups per minute

Packaging is not just a receptacle for food; it can impact quality and production methods, as well as the manufacturer’s bottom line. With these considerations in mind, it’s easy to see why more manufacturers are choosing plastic.