According to the National Association of Manufacturers, manufacturing accounts for $2.91 trillion of the U.S. economy. Yet finding and maintaining the right partnership with a plastic food packaging manufacturer and distributor can be confusing.  

Suppose you’re a new restaurant owner. Navigating the world of food packaging can feel like reading a menu in another language. There are so many options.  Who do you call? How do you buy?  

At Inline Plastics, we know how complicated and frustrating this process can seem. Don’t worry! We have been helping businesses like yours get the packaging solutions they need for over fifty years.  

In this article, we would like to share critical areas to be aware of when beginning your ordering journey, alleviating stress and confusion. We will also provide seven insider tips to help you make informed buying decisions because the only thing that should be complicated is how you make that signature sauce of yours.  

What You Really Need to Know  

When looking to buy plastic food packaging for the first time, you may be confused about where to start.  And that’s okay, we know it can be overwhelming. Here are seven tips to keep in mind when you begin the process of shopping and ordering.  

1. You’ve Got to Know Exactly What You’re Packaging 

What you’re putting into those little plastic containers will dictate what is right for you. You should know what foods will be going into the package. Some areas to consider when brainstorming: 

• Size, shape, and weight: How big is your product? Do you know what shape would best display your food? How much does the food weigh? 
• Appearance: How do you want your product displayed? Do you want multiple products to be stacked on top of each other?  
• Application: Will the package need to hold hot or cold food? Will the food be refrigerated? Will they need to be put under heat lamps?  
• Leak-resistance: Does your product have liquid components? 
• Tamper-evidence: Is it important that your customers take comfort in knowing their food hasn’t been opened? 
• Clarity: Is it important that your product is properly displayed in packaging without tints or dyes? Does the container need to be free of defects?
• Shipping: Will the food have to be shipped before it hits the shelf? If so, is there any additional packaging that will be designed around the primary food container? What route will it travel? How long will it take to get there?  
• Sustainability: Is ordering a product with a certain percentage of recycled materials important to you? Remember that a high percentage of these materials will have an effect on the clarity of the package. 

2. You Need to Order and Test Samples  

When you’re looking for a package, you can go to a manufacturer’s website and ask for samples. You wouldn’t order a wedding cake without trying out something from the bakery. We know ordering packaging isn’t as important as your “big day” …or is it? 

 Make sure to test these samples for your product’s application. There are multiple tests that you can run on a sample. You should make sure they meet your quality standards for what you have considered above.  

You can also see how the products handle in a “ship test.” Pack the product and ship it to a known location and back. Be sure to simulate the shipping environment as much as possible to see how the packaging can handle the various elements it will need to encounter. Did your product come back safe and sound? Or does it look like it was thrown down the stairs by an angry grizzly bear? 

Also, try testing the products for shelf life, leak-resistance, shelf appeal, and temperature application. It’s good to see how these packages stack up when they’re ready to hit the market with your gourmet treasures inside. 

3. Have A Sales Representative You Trust 

Did the packages pass your quality testing? If so, it’s time to move onto the next step. A sales representative should be in touch with you shortly after ordering your samples. It’s important to note that your sales representative will serve as your plastic food packaging expert to help you find exactly what you’re looking for.  

For example, let’s say your business is releasing a brand-new product, but you’re not seeing packages that can accommodate and make your food stand out.  Your sales representative should be able to direct you to proper solutions you may not have considered.  They should be able to think outside the box (and the package)! 

But why would you take advice from someone you don’t know has the right intentions for you and your business? When speaking with your sales representative, ask yourself questions like:  

• Are they actively listening to my needs? 
• 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? 

Nobody wants to work with an individual or company that they had a negative experience with in the past. You wouldn’t want to hire a mechanic who previously charged you for repairs they never made to your car.  

The value of trust, transparency, and a positive working relationship is a key factor when doing business with a sales representative. They should always try to find the right product for you and your business, even if that means recommending a solution that may not be a product that their company offers. This level of transparency will demonstrate that your needs are being met first.  

4. Know the Methods of Buying 

Your sales representative will walk you through the two sales modes: direct and working with a distributor. The representative should help you determine which is right for you and your business.  

Direct Purchasing 

Direct purchasing options are for high-volume customers who may be able to buy directly from the manufacturer. But just know that you will be responsible for paying for shipping and storage of the packages.  

Working With a Distributor 

This is the most common path for businesses using fresh food packaging. A distributor orders a variety of specific products from different manufacturers. They will hold and deliver the product to the proper location for the customer. The manufacturer or distributor’s sales rep should help guide you through your options. Distributors also work closely with their manufacturers to find solutions for customers. 

The distributor you are working with may already have the items you’re looking for in stock at their local warehouse. If so, “lead time” (the amount of time it takes for your product to be delivered) can be drastically reduced. A distributor may also be able to offer you additional products they have in stock, such as cutlery, napkins, paper towels, and plates.   

Distribution centers are located nationwide and internationally. If you are unable to locate a distributor near you, contact the manufacturer, and they will be able to get you in contact with them. Think of them as your personal matchmaker — they’ll find you the perfect distributor without any awkward first dates. 

5. It May Take Longer Than You Think 

Getting plastic packaging isn’t an overnight process. If you are ordering a popular off-the-shelf product, then your “lead time” will be much shorter (in some cases, as soon as the next day — in which case it kind of is an overnight process). The volume of your order can also affect the lead time. More products simply take more time to manufacture. Lead times can also be affected by: 

• Global Events: Shipping delays can be caused by unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather and closed ports. Remember in 2021 when that ship got stuck in the Suez Canal for six days? That single ship halted an estimated $9.6 billion worth of trade each day.
• Seasonality: Different types of packaging are in demand at specific times of the year. For example, the need for more beverage containers is increased during the summer months.  
• The Product Itself: Items with specific or unique features may not be readily stocked in a distribution center. The manufacturer will need extra time to make them, so they will take longer to get.  

6. You Need to Forecast Your Packaging Needs 

A common question customers have is, “When can I expect to receive my products?” That question can apply to virtually any industry. In plastic food packaging, you should have a ‘forecast’ or ‘prediction of needs’ ready to discuss with the manufacturer or distributor. With manufacturers, lead time is required to make and ship the product. Forecasting helps the manufacturer make sufficient inventory during production and distributors to hold enough product to meet customer demand. 

7. Mistakes Can Happen  

Suppose a product you or your customer received is mislabeled, incorrect, or does not meet the manufacturer’s quality standards. In that case, you should reach out to the customer service experts from where you purchased the items, who can work with you to solve any problem quickly. If a problem persists, you should also feel free to speak directly to the manufacturer. The entire team should be there to help you have the most positive experience possible. 

Sealing the Deal 

Now you have a greater understanding of working with a plastic food manufacturer. You should be able to gauge your expectations based on the size of your business and the product you are ordering. When you find the packaging, you can build a relationship with your supplier, whether it is the manufacturer or distributor. In turn, they should provide you with a product that suits the needs of your business and get it to you as quickly and safely as possible.  

Your success is what matters – even if that means pointing you in a different direction. Let’s talk through your options. Inline Plastics is here to help.