If you’re a food industry professional, packaging is probably part of your life. Choosing the right packaging is important to the consumer experience. You want to make sure your food gets into your customers’ hands safely, and as fresh as possible. Limp lettuce could equate to a bad review of your business. If you’re new to actually ordering food containers, you might not know where to start. Nobody ever sat you down and told you how to order plastic food packaging. Is it complicated? What if something goes wrong? Who do you talk to?  

Step one: don’t panic.  

At Inline Plastics we’ve been helping businesses just like yours get the packaging solutions they need for over half a century. And today, we’re here to help you. This guide is packed full of helpful information to get you started on your journey. By the end, your worries about this process will be relieved, and you can focus on that irresistible new recipe your customers will absolutely crave and keep coming back for!  

Ordering Your Plastic Food Packaging: Let’s Get Started 

One of the most common fresh food packaging materials is plastic. It’s durable, versatile, light, and inexpensive to produce compared to other materials such as glass, aluminum, and paper.  

Before you make an order, you must know what you’re looking for. What purpose does the packaging need to serve? You’ll likely need multiple types and sizes for various applications. 

Double Check These Needs:

• Size, dimensions, and weight: How big must the package be to give your food the best presentation possible? How much does your food weigh? Your package needs to be sturdy enough to hold your food and support similar packages that may be stacked on top of it. Pro-tip: check how these products will be transported and stacked on the shelf to ensure you are getting the right shape and firmness.  

• Applications: Is your food going to be hot or cold? This could affect the type of materials needed for the package.  

• Leak-resistance: Does the packaging need to accommodate food that has liquid components like all those yummy sauces you invented?  

• Tamper Protection: Do you need to let your customers know that their food package has not been opened?  

• Sustainability: How much recycled content do you want in your package?  

• Clarity: Do you need the clearest package possible to display your gourmet works of art? Remember that high levels of recycled materials will have an effect on the clarity of your package.  

• Logistical Testing: Conduct comprehensive shipping tests by sending your product to a known destination and back. Package it with other items like beverages to simulate real shipping conditions. By adding other items along with your product, you will give it the appropriate testing to see if it can handle travel. The added items can fall on the package, apply pressure to it, and give a real-world idea of how your package stands up to transport. Evaluate the container’s durability, noting any damage or structural changes during transit. Repeat tests with different shipping methods to ensure packaging reliability. 

• Consumer Interactions: Will the product be placed in microwaves? What about freezers? Also, if your product is being shipped or sold in high altitudes, talk to a sales representative about your options.  

Getting In Contact 

You know what applications your packaging will be used for, you’re ready to make some calls (or send some emails -your choice).  

A good manufacturer will help guide you; if they do not have the solution you need, they should point you to someone who does. 

You can contact a manufacturer on their website. The manufacturer’s contact page should like something like ours, here, at Inline Plastics.  

You can request a sample, and/or speak to a sales representative. The sales representative will be your plastic food packaging expert throughout your journey. They will establish your needs and what specific products you will want to consider.  

Tips When Speaking with a Sales Representative 

The most important factor when working with a manufacturer is finding someone you can trust. You need to know that they care about your needs and want to provide you with what is best for your business. You need to know that you can trust your sales representative. And you need to know that their products meet your quality standards. Without trust, there is no business relationship.  Here are some things to ask yourself when speaking with a sales representative: 

• Are they actively listening to my needs? 

• Are they answering the questions that I have? 

• Are they explaining everything clearly? 

• Have they talked about the safety of their products? 

• Are they being transparent about pricing? 

• Have they demonstrated the value of their product?  

• Are they going to be there during every step in the process? 

• What do they say if they don’t carry I product I need? 

• Do they have samples available so you can test the package for look, feel, and shelf-life?  

If the sales manager listens to your needs and answers your questions clearly and with full transparency, you’re probably working with a trustworthy businessperson.  

Know The Methods of Purchasing   

The manufacturer will assist you in identifying the best purchasing path: buying directly from them or going through distribution. When you buy from the manufacturer, it’s like going to the farmer’s market—you’re dealing directly with the source. You might find better prices because there’s no middleman, but you may need to plan ahead, carry larger quantities of items from the same manufacturer, or accept limited availability. 

On the other hand, buying from a distributor is like shopping at a grocery store. Everything is conveniently in one place, pre-sorted, and ready when needed. You pay a bit more for convenience and variety, but it’s quicker and often easier for smaller, more frequent needs. 

Let’s look at little deeper into these two methods: 

Distribution 

Overall, most sales are made through distribution. There is tremendous value in working with a distributor who will store, ship, and deliver your products. Distribution centers are located nationwide and internationally, and the sales manager should be able to connect you with one near you.  

Many of these distribution centers act as warehouses for various popular products and can ensure you get the product you need quickly. These centers also offer other products such as cutlery, plates, and napkins. They’re like a one-stop shop for your packaging needs.  Keep in mind that many things can affect the length of time it takes to receive your product (known as “lead time”), such as: 

• Seasonality: Think of seasonal items like pie containers during Thanksgiving. Since everyone wants them at the same time, you’ll need to order or forecast earlier to ensure you get them when you need them. 

• Global events: Shipping can slow down when big things happen worldwide. Bad weather, closed ports, or events like COVID can delay your orders. Remember in 2021 when that ship got stuck in the Suez Canal? The blockage halted an estimated $9.6 billion worth of trade each day. Over the six days it was jammed, this amounted to nearly $60 billion dollars in trade disruption, causing port closings, delayed shipments, and chaos in supply chains…all from one ship having an incredibly rough week.  

• The product itself: Special products take longer to get. If you need items with unique features, they may not be readily stocked in a distribution center. The manufacturer will need extra time to make them, so you may need to wait longer. 

Direct  

There are unique, high-volume customers who may be able to buy directly from the manufacturer. In this instance, the products are being delivered directly from the manufacturer. Because there is no distributor in place, these customers will be responsible for their storage and shipping costs. Once you have decided on the product, quantity, and method of purchasing, you’re ready for the next steps.  

What Are the Next Steps? 

You’re doing great so far! Let’s keep going! The next steps in the process will vary depending on the distributor or manufacturer (yes, everyone has their own special way).  

Typically, you’ll move forward with setting up your account. This will usually require a credit check to ensure everything goes over without a hitch. Once your account has been established, you’re ready to begin placing your order. Welcome to the family! For larger companies with existing systems, the sales manager might request that you submit a purchase order through your established channels.  

In most cases, a customer experience expert will then reach out to address any questions about your order, serving as your guide through the process. And here’s a pro tip: consider discussing strategic ordering and proper forecasting with your sales manager or customer service expert to maintain a consistent supply. After all, nobody wants to be caught without packaging when they need it most. 

Ready to Order Your Food Packaging? 

See, that wasn’t so bad! You’ve learned the necessary steps to order the plastic food packaging right for you and your business. Before entering the process, the most important thing to remember is knowing exactly what you’re looking for. You should know the size, shape, and applications of the products you’re looking to purchase. 

If you happen to choose Inline Plastics, we will walk you through our ordering process. If you’re ready to start on your ordering journey, contact us,