Tips from the Packaging Pros

College & Universities Are Playing A Huge Role in Sustainable Food Trends

Image Source: VegNews.com

Colleges and universities have always been the powerhouse of ever-changing food concepts. They are reflecting campus menus to meet the demand of students’ food preference across the nation. With a growing concern for healthy food choices and organic labels, the key trend in colleges and universities is an increase in locally sourced produce. According to Foodservice Director’s 2018 College & University Census, 59% of food operators stated that the biggest trends affecting operations are vegan menu items. Out of dairy, baked goods, meats, beverages, and seafood, produce is the number one ingredient sourced locally.

Many cafeterias have already taken the initiative to provide more sustainable campus dining. Duke University’s campus in Durham, North Carolina, offers 59 eateries which also includes organic produce. According to FoodTank.com, 25 percent of the food budget is invested in locally sourced items. Their dining program was awarded gold status for procurement practices in National Association of College and University Food Services’ 2017 Sustainability Awards in May. Providing the greatest demand for convenience, students have the option of getting their meals delivered to their dorms.

You can store your best organic food items in our Harvest Fiber Containers and our Clear Hinged Deli Containers. Offering strength and security, these containers have a secured button-lock closure system to keep snacks from spilling.

As a forerunner in manufacturing premium quality, single-use foodservice packaging products, we ensure top quality food packaging that is both sustainable and eco-friendly. Here, you can find the latest food trends, product spotlight, and additional tips from your packaging pros.

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Wholesome Delis are Trending – Plus More on Harvest Fiber Kraft!

Harvest Fiber Kraft hinged containers - 2 open and 1 closed

Harvest Fiber in Kraft will increase sales for consumers hungry for ethnic sandwiches and unique breads

Speaking of National Sandwich Month coming up next week, wholesome sandwiches are trending for today’s on-the-go consumer. Deli businesses are introducing cleaner labels, authentic food presentation, and ethnic flavors in their sandwich lineup as an alternative to fast food. Despite the classic BLT or the PB&J, ethnic flavors are topping them both as curious tasters think sandwiches with ethnic flavors are worth the switch-up. According to Technomic, 54% of consumers want restaurants to offer more sandwiches with new or unique flavors and ingredients.

Pair wholesome, ethnic sandwich combos with Genpak’s Harvest Fiber Kraft collection. These containers mark an organic print on the environment as it is compostable. Harvest Fiber in Kraft is comprised of a base fiber called bagasse, a by-product of the sugar industry. An exclusive snap-it closure system, moisture resistant technology, and stacking rims for multiple to-go meals are vital features that upgrade the Harvest Fiber Kraft collection’s on-the-go abilities for some of your best food choices. With a growing influence of recycling and environmental awareness, this product effortlessly meets the demand for compostable and eco-friendly packaging.

As a leading manufacturer in environmentally sustainable products, we strive to meet your eco-friendly goals. To learn more about our compostable Harvest Fiber Kraft products, click here.

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How Erik Waterkotte Carried His Industry Vision Forward at IDDBA 2018

Image by IDDBA

Erik Waterkotte, Chairman of IDDBA (International Dairy Deli Bakery Association) and Sr. Director of sales for Columbus Crafts Meats drove this year’s tradeshow with leading-edge research and technology. 10,000 attendees and many retail buyers, merchandisers, brokers, distributors, and manufacturers gathered at the New Orleans Ernest Morial Convention Center to hold one of the most important buying and educational events of 2018. In a world of evolving dynamics in the global food system, attendees and exhibitors were able to engage and exchange information on key industry insights that would drive business growth, while gaining an all-encompassing view of the newest merchandising concepts. There were also innovative products ready to be unveiled and released to the market.

Erik Waterkotte, IDDBA Chairman – Image by IDDBA

Among the large crowd of attendees were several key speakers like Daymond John, CEO & Founder of FUBU; Ginger Hardage, Former SVP of Culture & Communications for Southwest Airlines, and many more decision makers who shared their understandings of the business, the economy, the consumer, and current trends. Key presenter Mike Eardley, IDDBA President and CEO, also discussed six IDDBA influencers: People, consolidation, food safety, competition, technology and community.

Waterkotte has carried the vision of the industry in a changing market to help drive the deli and bakery industry forward by offering an interactive marketplace for this year’s attendees. He also presented the 2018 Chairman’s Award to Bill Klump, Chief Marketing Officer for Butterball, who demonstrated an important leadership role during a dramatic shift in the organization.

The International Dairy Deli Bakery Association is a nonprofit membership organization serving the dairy, deli, bakery, cheese and supermarket foodservice industries. For more information about the IDDBA go to www.iddba.org

As a forerunner in manufacturing premium quality, single-use foodservice packaging products, we ensure top quality food packaging that are both sustainable and eco-friendly. Here, you can find the latest food trends, product spotlight, and additional tips from your packaging pros.

Tags: Deli & Bakery Trends, Erik Waterkotte, IDDBA 18
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Creativity in a Container: The Perfect Match for A Vibrant Summer Menu

The Summer is fast approaching and consumers want more convenient packaging solutions with a vibrant, modern appearance. Good news: whether it’s for a bakery or deli establishment or anywhere in between, Genpak’s food service containers have several features and benefits that meet consumer needs. They offer a bright and modern appearance for some of your most innovative food trends, and are perfect for produce, natural snacks, confectionary items, salads, and so much more. These clear packaging solutions make all the difference as they are made of PET plastic and up to 30% post-consumer recycled content. Here’s a lineup of some of our clear packaging solutions that will make your menu items look more compelling:

Bringing your menu to life.

When it comes to today’s menu, it’s not just old-fashioned or black and white. 21st-century food trends are vibrant, as consumers are shaping 2018 with more interest in colorful menu styles and cleaner labels. This summer, vibrant natural foods are key contributions to menu items. As the saying goes, life can be a bowl of cherries, so why not take advantage with natural foods that promote good health and are delicious. Our PET serving bowls are great for an upscale presentation of salads, soups, or deserts. They are offered in a variety of popular sizes, ranging from 12 oz. to 64 oz.

Along with fruit bowls and multi-colored salads, there is a high demand for some creativity in your cup. Bright, clear cups are helpful when choosing beverages of bright, and vivid color. Our Crystal Clear Choice Cups are offered in 9 oz. to 24 oz. sizes., and are great for cold drinks when you want to cool down next season. They’re also great for colorful ice cream if you up for the unicorn ice cream dessert trend.

Dessert and confectionary trends always stay sweet and hardly ever die down. You can store your best treats and other snacks in our Clear Hinged Deli Containers. Offering strength and security, these containers have a secured button-lock closure system to keep snacks from spilling. Even if you want to brighten things up with “glonuts” (read my last blog post), our containers will make your snacks shine while delivering an environmentally friendly message.

Choose Genpak’s clear packaging solutions when an upscale presentation is needed. Check the latest video featuring our clear containers, where I walk you through the best options for food innovation.

Tags: Clear Packaging Solutions, crystal choice drink cups, deli and bakery containers, eco friendly, post consumer recycled content
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Next Generation of 21st Century Dining: Food Halls

Food halls, home to a mix of local artisan restaurants, butcher shops and other food-oriented boutiques, has officially become the next generation of 21st century dining. Flourishing in America, the emporium offers an open social environment and a new concept of cross meal-ordering for spontaneous eaters. It’s success in the states and expansion across the globe proves the potential longevity of a trend that won’t die down anytime soon. Since settling in America’s busiest cities, it’s been hit by urban consumers and a melting pot of inquisitive tasters. From Bourdain Market in New York to Grand Central Market in Los Angeles, here’s where you can find the most anticipated food halls in America:

Ponce City Market, Atlanta

Ponce City Market, newest food hall in Atlanta, quickly gained much recognition after it’s renovation last fall. It has since been open to several eateries like Marrakesh Mediterranean Market, second-floor restaurant The Mercury, and Jia restaurant with a Sichuan cuisine.

Latinicity Food Hall and Lounge, Chicago

Latinicity Food Hall and Lounge is a Latin-focused food hall introduced by celebrity chef and restaurateur, Richard Sandoval. Opened in April 2015 it offers 11 food stations with 350 seats, according to Eater Chicago.

4th Street Market, Los Angeles

Santa Ana developer Ryan Chase introduced this food emporium in February 2015. The 30,000 square-foot food hall has introduced a vibrant concept in the heart of Orange County. Current line includes popular Asian fusion food truck Dos Chinos, Latin-inspired seafood shack Mar, Ink Waffles, and Electric City Butcher.

St. Roch Market, New Orleans

This modern, upscale food hall began as a 19th century market and is now occupied with the most innovative eateries in the Bywater District. Lineup includes Tallulah’s, Coast Roast Coffee, Elysian Seafood, and more. According to Eater New Orleans, the food hall is making its expansion to another spot in Miami.

Genpak products do not back down from the competition when it comes to innovative dining spots like food halls. Our repuatable innovations like Smart Set Pro, Oven Ready Food Trays, Clear Hinged Foodservice Containers, and ProView are reliable for off-premise dining, food halls, grab n’ go, and even home delivery. We strive to deliver top quality packaging as your food packaging company.

Tags: 2018 Food Halls, Genpak Containers, Grab n' Go, innovative food trends, off-premise dining
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Food Packaging Has Changed At NRA 2018

hinged food containers filled with food

One of the largest restaurant shows was over the weekend in Chicago. National Restaurant Association Show (NRA) brings together everything you could possibly need for a restaurant, commercial kitchen, and startup. Walking the show you’re sure to get 10,000 steps in for the day, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.

During our walk of the nearly 2,500 vendors you could see the clear growth into technology. There’s an entire section now devoted to making restaurants more efficient. From foodservice orders of food packaging and disposables, to front of house ordering systems, there’s a digital solution for everything.

The food packaging sphere at the show has changed a bit. The industry has been transitioning away from polystyrene containers to more recyclable options with a better life cycle story. At Genpak we are working on broadening our microwave safe, reusable containers, as well as our compostable product offerings. With focus on better treatment of the environment all plastics manufacturers are looking to streamline processes to protect Mother Earth. Bamboo and molded fiber had a major presence at the show. Check out our Harvest Fiber containers to learn more about our compostable and biodegradable products. Our Green Room has great information highlighting our processes as well as end of life plans for the containers used in restaurants.

Tags: eco friendly, environment, food packaging, microwave-safe, recyclable
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Genpak Can Help Deliver the Goods. More on Amazon’s $14 billion Acquisition of Whole Foods

Who’s Whole Foods’ daddy now? Amazon. Delivery/pickup is not your average trend but a lifestyle that’s expected to reach exponential growth and become more modified. E-commerce giant Amazon has dominated the fresh territory of grocery retail after it’s nearly $14 billion acquisition of the high-end grocer back in 2017. The e-commerce giant has addressed the need of consumers who are accustomed to the old-fashioned brick-and-mortar stores. They have benefited customers in price, online shopping convenience, and engaging platforms that will drive its business forward. A new ad campaign with slogan, “Whatever Makes You Whole” targeted millions of shoppers who are seeking variety in the stale grocery market.

How are consumers adapting to the new trend?

Although it’s impact has reached several grocery stores across the market, deli and bakery items are not excluded from the adjustment. Progression is a noticeable factor for Amazon accounts, but not so easy for a grocery chain selling food with an expiration date. Because of this, Amazon hasn’t completely withdrawn Whole Foods shoppers from the brick and mortar scene, but they have provided consumers with another method of shopping for convenience. Grocery delivery services are recognized as need amongst shoppers with fast-paced lifestyles. Thus, Amazon has introduced technologies such as kiosks, tablets, and mobile devices to improve the grocery shopping experience.

Genpak products are still in the mix as you can spot our sustainable packaging across grocery chains, restaurant chains, supply stores, food trucks, and more! When it comes to the grocery retail market, our products offer market flexibility as a powerhouse to consumer needs. Genpak meets this demand with reputable innovations like Oven Ready Food Trays, Smart Set Pro, Clear Hinged Foodservice Containers, and ProView to propel foodservice industry growth.

What are your thoughts on grocery delivery?

Join us on our social media platforms for a chance to be featured on our page! You can find us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn and simply hashtag #GenpakAdvantage to your next post!

Tags: Amazon, clear hinged deli containers, Foodservice Industry Insights, Genpak Containers, innovative food trends, supermarket containers, Whole Foods
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Knowing Your Plastics: Recycling Symbols No. 1 to 7

Have you ever wondered what the number inside the arrowed triangle means at the bottom of a plastic product? That logo printed on your plastic is known as a Resin Identification Code or RIC, which a set of symbols used to identify the type of resin from which a plastic product is made. Created by The Society of the Plastics, the system was introduced to U.S. recycling facilities in the late 1980s as a method of reprocessing plastics for further use and manufacturing. Today, the resin code system has become a useful tool for consumers after an increased public awareness of recycling.

What is Resin?

Before plastic is transformed into a product, it starts out in the form of tiny pellets known as resin. Resin is the base of the manufacturing process and have various properties. The pellets undergo a molding method where the plastic is transformed; but the way a product is manufactured depends on the type of resin used. For example, the forming process from P.E.T. resin will be different from the forming process of polystyrene resin, which is why the RIC system is important.

Do Genpak products contain BPA (Bisphenol-A)?

BPA is not used either directly or indirectly with any Genpak products include polystyrene or foamed polystyrene products.

Genpak products can be broken down and reformed into more products.

Here are our recyclable plastics, which are safe and offer various features and benefits.

Polyethylene Terepthalate

P.E.T. plastic products are the most common type of curb-side recyclable plastic. Genpak’s containers made of this material also contain up to 30% post-consumer recycled content, in our conservational efforts to eliminate waste. Genpak’s P.E.T. products include , Clear Hinged Food Containers, Oven Ready Bakery and Food Containers, Hinged Bakery Containers, Supermarket Containers, Serving Bowls, Clear Cups as well as most of our clear Foodservice Lids.

Polypropylene

Another common, curb-side recycled plastic is polypropylene. This type of material is commonly used to produce microwave safe products and great for carrying heavy meals. At Genpak, we produce our Smart Set Pro, Harvest Pro and our new ProView products from polypropylene, which are microwavable and dishwasher-safe for convenience.

Polystyrene

Polystyrene is a common type of food packaging material with the #6 plastic identification symbol. It has been safely used for nearly 50 years. Genpak products made of polystyrene material include our Smart Set Foam, Foam Hinged Dinner Containers, Foam Hinged Snack Containers, Dinnerware, and our Food Serving Trays. For more information about polystyrene, click here. Need to know where to drop off a Genpak foam product to be recycled? Click here to search for a foam recycling facility nearest your location.

At Genpak, we’re passionate about engineering products that perfectly blend with immediate packaging needs. Our history has demonstrated a consistency in developing new products that are both sustainable and recyclable.

Tags: clear hinged deli containers, microwave-safe, Plastics, proview, recyclable, Resin Identification Codes, Smart Set Pro
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Enhance The Dining Experience Outside Your Restaurant

Eating is not a chore. Sometimes we may forget to eat because we are busy doing other things, but food helps us find nourishment every day. We are fortunate to have so many options at our fingertips. Restaurants have been seeing tons of changes these days. Not only are menus becoming more diverse in flavor profiles, but the introduction of off-premise dining has changed the way people eat. Where a person eats is now limitless. More consumers are ordering food for delivery than ever before.

Packaging plays a key role in safeguarding foods during transportation. The restaurant experience is no longer just inside those four walls. Dining experiences are happening at homes, offices, outdoors, and in cars. Food is on the move.

Let’s talk about specific takeout options.

Crispy foods are best served in a vented container. Vents allow steam to escape saving the food from moisture seeping back in.

Long delivery times plague everyone. Microwave-safe containers are great for items that need to be reheated.

People are busy so encourage grab and go applications with portion-controlled packaging and

Stackable containers, like our Harvest Fiber and ProView, keep foods from sliding around during transport.

Most consumers aren’t a fan of cross contamination. Keep foods separated with close-off containers.

Sustainability is high on everyone’s agenda. Items made from natural materials, like Harvest Fiber, and items that are recyclable, like AD Deli containers and Smart Set Pro send a message to consumers that you are thinking about the future.

Foam hinged containers are still have the best thermal properties to keep foods at optimum temperature longer.

Choosing the right packaging for your menu is hard. There are many options out there to pick from, from many different manufacturers. Genpak is a full-service packaging solution provider. Browse our website and contact us for more information. We are here to help you make the best choices for your customer.

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ProView on the Move

Casual dining is taking new shapes. Dining at a restaurant may soon be a thing of the past. Frequency of to-go orders are higher than its ever been. Technology changes how consumers order food. Whether it’s through a restaurant app, a third-party app, online, or voice-activated, making the consumer experience a positive one from start to finish should be a high priority.

ProView assists operators with order accuracy, sustainability, and deliverability. Designed with optional vents, anti-fog lids, and black bases to make menu items pop. Branding opportunities available on lids. Close-off sizes provide compartments that seal off to eliminate cross-contamination.

Developed with off-premise delivery and take-out in mind, ProView offers restaurants a sophisticated container with all the amenities customers are looking for. With the rise of takeout, more consumers are looking for restaurants to provide containers that can be reheated. ProView is safe for the microwave, meaning customers are able to enjoy menu items as intended at home or in the office.

Check out our newest video for more information on ProView & off-premise dining.