Storage boxes have many advantages besides keeping food fresh and safe. Their simple design makes them a convenient helper in any kitchen. Food packaged in open packaging lacks protection from moisture and germs, causing food to lose its freshness and flavor. However, storage boxes provide full protection against the elements and keep cooked and dry foods fresher longer.
Corrugated Cardboard
There are several types of corrugated cardboard packages. Single-wall boards have two liners and one layer of the corrugated medium in between them. Double-wall boards have three liners and two coatings of corrugated medium. Triple-wall boards have three layers between them and are usually used for shipping heavy consumer goods and industrial parts. The ECT rating indicates how well a corrugated package will withstand stacking pressure.
Another advantage of corrugated cardboard is its high-temperature resistance. When stored in a refrigerator, corrugated cardboard keeps food products fresher than other materials. Cardboard has a much lower cross-contamination risk than plastic. This makes it ideal for the fruit and vegetable industry. As long as proper hygiene and low humidity are maintained, it will keep food products fresher for longer. However, there are other benefits of custom packaging boxes as well.
Airtight Plastic Containers
Researchers have found that food packaged in airtight plastic containers stays fresher than foods packed in conventional packaging for up to seven days. When placed inside plastic fruit boxes, strawberries remained fresher for four days. Moreover, the protective packaging only protects the food when needed, preserving the nutrients and composition of the food. The researchers report their findings in the ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces journal published last October.
Researchers have long suspected that plastic containers can transfer chemicals into foods. The rate of migration depends on the type of plastic, the amount of time it is exposed to food, and the area where it comes in contact with food. Fortunately, there are many environmentally friendly alternatives to plastic containers. For example, polylactic acid (PLA) plastics are made from sugarcane, corn, and cassava. These eco-friendly containers are also food safe and contain recycled content.
Mylar Bags
You can use Mylar bags when you want to keep the food in your packaging fresh for a long time. These bags help to keep oxygen out. Without oxygen, fats and table salt quickly go rancid. They’ll even become stones if stored in an oxygen-free environment. Then, you can use a food-grade plastic bucket to store the food. This way, your food will have an indefinite shelf life.
Mylar bags are used in many different types of food packaging. They can last up to 40 years when properly stored. That means you can still eat the food in them as late as 2061. In reality, most food is only stored for between 20 and 30 years. Mylar bags stay fresh because they provide excellent protection against oxygen and moisture, two ingredients that encourage the growth of bacteria and other small critters.
Clamshells
Clamshells can significantly increase the lifespan of produce. As the demand for food packaging continues to rise, clamshells are gaining popularity. According to a study by Freedonia Group, the demand for clamshells is expected to reach $1.6 billion by 2025. But despite their increasing use, clamshells are facing increased competition from other packaging types, including two-piece plastic containers and pouches.
The environmental impact of plastic clamshells is also a major concern. The material is single-use and is difficult to recycle. Plus, the packaging does not have enough space for branding, so recycling is impossible. Many companies are switching to recycled materials to reduce the environmental impact of plastic clamshells. Some companies have even designed their clamshells to be completely recyclable, thanks to the new materials.
Rice Husk Boxes
These boxes are made from rice husk, a renewable material highly resistant to moisture penetration and a great insulator. In addition to preventing deterioration from sunlight, heat, and moisture, these boxes are also eco-friendly, helping to reduce the use of single-use plastic containers. Disposable food packaging is a leading source of pollution and litter, increasing landfill overcrowding. Rice husk lunch boxes are fully biodegradable, meaning they are also a great way to preserve the quality of the food.
These eco-friendly containers are made of recyclable and compostable materials, a zero-waste and environmentally friendly alternative to plastic lunch boxes. Designed for two compartments, these boxes keep food fresh even if left in the sun for hours. They are dishwasher-safe and also feature a handle for easy carrying. Rice husk is a renewable, biodegradable material that absorbs pollutants from the soil and is ideal for lunch boxes and other food packaging.
Bamboo
Bamboo can be molded into virtually any shape or size as an environmentally friendly material. Because bamboo is biodegradable and renewable, it is an excellent choice for packaging products that need to be fresh and free from contaminants. Bamboo can be grown in a number of countries and is highly reusable. Bamboo fibers are naturally antibacterial, so no harmful chemicals are used during their production. This means that bamboo products stay fresher for longer. It is also highly effective at ensuring hygienic food packaging.
While bamboo cannot be frozen, it is great for keeping leftovers or taking them on picnics. Bamboo boxes can also be used for lunchboxes. Small Kraft boxes have become increasingly popular in recent years. The material is made from a combination of bamboo fiber and corn powder. As a result, these boxes are lightweight, dishwasher safe, and highly eco-friendly. And because they can be reused for so many different products, bamboo boxes help food packaging stay fresher for longer.
