Tag Archives: Beverage packaging

Retort pouches

Retort Pouches – The Trend Setter In Packaging Industry

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Flexible Packaging Material

The fast-changing consumer preferences are paving the way for shelf-stable products. For working professionals who often struggle with time crunches the availability of Ready- to-Eat packs is no less than a blessing. Now, these processed meals or snacks need foolproof packaging to ensure no compromise is made with the hygiene or nutrition of the food.

Over the years the food and beverage packaging has undergone a sea change. As per the latest trend, retort packaging is gaining ground. Revolutionizing the concept of food packaging, retort pouches are hogging the limelight owing to the convenience and quality assurance they offer.

Diving Deeper To Understand Retort Packaging 

Retort pouches were initially introduced by US Army for storing military rations in the 1970s and have since transformed food & beverage packaging in the Ready-to-Eat packaged food segment. These are flexible plastic pouches packed with already cooked or semi-cooked food which are sealed and subsequently sterilized. The finally prepared food packs enjoy a shelf life of up to 18 months without any preservatives and refrigeration.

One of the major highlights of retorting ready-meal packages is that both food & package are thermally processed together, which allows the filled packages to be commercially sterile. This means the food can be eaten directly without further cooking. Additionally, they are environmentally-friendly packing options as they require less energy to manufacture, process, transport and store than other kinds of packs like cans or jars. This contributes in minimizing the carbon footprint.

Similar to frozen food packaging, retort packaging is making remarkable in-roads in India, finding application not only in homes and canteens but also in fast-food joints and restaurants. They are emerging as handy meal options for armed forces and paramilitary forces deployed in remote places. Easy to carry and convenient to consume, retort packs can be used for a wide range of products like vegetarian items, non-vegetarian items, sauces, delectable deserts and more.

Tracking Popularity of Retort Packaging

With growing customer acceptance of processed food, the scope for retort packaging looks bright. The foolproof multilayer-barrier packs/pouches promise higher safety and hygiene standards to the food processing industry.

Benefits for Consumers

  • Maximum nutritional value is retained.
  • Taste, flavour and texture (chewiness, firmness and hardness) do not alter.
  • Flexible container is easy to open, handle and store.
  • No injury risks from can lids or broken glass
  • Quick to prepare and consume.

Benefits for Manufacturers/Retailers

  • Greater shelf stability without the need for adding preservatives.
  • Easy to store as no freezing or refrigeration is required by packers, retailers and consumers.
  • Pouches and containers do not corrode externally and there is a minimum of product–container interaction.
  • large surface area and roto A gravure printed graphics are plus points for branding.
  • Smallest amount of packaging material is required to pack same volume of product.
  • Reduced weight, storage space and logistics cost are added benefits.

 

Retort pouches are being viewed as a packaging solution that can enhance the commercial viability of the product. The process and technology involved boost the acceptability of the product both in terms of physicochemical and sensory properties leading to increased value addition, product diversification and better export promotion. Be it ready-to-eat meals or snacks packaging, retort pouches are certainly here to stay!  For more details contact us!

5 Ways to Improve Customer Experience and Engagement with the Right Packaging

5 Ways to Improve Customer Experience and Engagement with the Right Packaging

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Have you ever tried a product just because you liked its packaging?

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Can you remember what elements made it noticeable and attractive?

Although an underrated factor, packaging is an opportunity for entrepreneurs who wish to offer a real experience to their customers. A packaging pouch is indeed the first interaction with your customer that speaks of your quality commitment and brand. Right packaging has the power to set you apart from the competition and help you stay in your customer's minds by making a positive mark.

Here are some interesting and time-tested tactics related to packaging that have helped big brands to leave a footprint in their respective industries. Skim through and see how you can capitalize on them.

Top Five Ways to Elevate Customer Engagement through Packaging:

1. Make it the face of your brand 
Optimising the packaging impact, both on the shelf and in the hand of the consumer, is crucial to generate a positive product experience. With this thought in mind, work on the packaging design such that it’s not only easily identifiable, but also conveys your brand message perfectly.

Maintaining consistency is paramount. Choose design elements that go with your brand - colour, graphics, selling points, etc. Inconsistencies in any of these elements can raise doubts and cause your potential customers to question your authenticity or quality standards.

2. Add an element of personalisation
Personalisation is the key to keeping customers happy. So, how do you do this with the right kind of packaging? Well, there are many ways to do it. Just make sure it is relevant to the product and complements your customer’s journey to the final purchase.

For instance, adding some tips and tricks on how to use and store the product, or including sales promos and coupons can do the magic. Try to gauge how you can attract your customers’ attention and win their loyalty through personalisation tactics.

3. Do not miss out on the ease factor
According to the findings published in Business Wire, nearly 20% of consumers prefer not to repeat their purchase of a product of the same brand or company if they found the packaging difficult to handle. This makes it clear that if your packaging is not convenient to handle, then you’re likely to lose out on your potential customers.

Whether you’re dealing with paper packs or laminated pouches, it is advisable to work closely with the brand’s quality-control team to ensure that customer convenience and safety are at the forefront of the manufacturing process.

4. Utilise the space prudently
The size of your packaging is an important factor to consider. While larger packs are more prominent, they can make the packaging bulkier and result in more wasted space. To have a judicious-size packaging, take into account all the vital factors, such as the size and quantity of your product, to arrive at a practical packaging solution that’ll help you stand out.

It also helps to consider ways to use the available space optimally. For instance, keeping sufficient empty space in liquid packaging ensures safe transit of the product. Similarly, packages of products like flour and sugar intentionally have space at the top to help customers to hold, carry, and eventually open the packaging without much hassle or wastage.

5. Go beyond branding; touch hearts with your message
No matter what kind of packaging you choose, it eventually all boils down to how your target audience view your products and your brand. Establishing a personal connect with them by appealing to their emotions and sensitivities goes a long way in making your mark in the ever-competitive market.

The leading hygiene brand, Dettol, recently replaced the logo on its packages as a part of its campaign #DettolSalutes. The logo was replaced with the images of COVID ‘protectors’, along with their stories. The campaign reflects how Dettol values brave people and leaves a strong social message on humanity. Incorporating such stories on the packaging pouch humanises your brand appeal and helps people to connect with your cause.

Ready to Woo Your Customers with Packaging? Partner with Dot Packtech Industries!

We help businesses create impactful first impressions with their customers through smart packaging solutions. Our customised printed pouches and packaging materials can help generate more sales and build a diverse, happy clientele. Contact us to get started and learn more about how we can help your business tell your brand story!

It also helps to consider ways to use the available space optimally. For instance, keeping sufficient empty space in liquid packaging ensures safe transit of the product. Similarly, packages of products like flour and sugar intentionally have space at the top to help customers to hold, carry, and eventually open the packaging without much hassle or wastage. To know more, contact us !