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People trying to understand custom bakery packaging have to go through basic understanding of different aspects that come into it. For instance, the materials that work best for this kind of box is one of the basic points you can never skip in this regard. On the other hand, you also need to understand how to oil proof your boxes to make sure there is no bad impression delivered to your customers as they receive your product. Also, the need for the right sizing and keeping the boxes according to your product’s requirement can never be overlooked.
In this blog, we will try to solve these problems by providing you with the basic information you need to get help and solve them effectively. Let’s dive into it, and read the deep strategies and bring in the understanding that matters for such boxes.
The Core Materials to Use
Among the core materials that you can utilize for bakery packaging includes Kraft paper, solid bleached sulfate, corrugated E fluid, and rigid board. So, we will discuss these 4 to give you a deep understanding of what you should utilize for your bakery products.
Kraft Paperboard
Kraft paper has the features that make them a perfect use for a rustic and organic look and they are quite unique with highly sustainable results. Also, they are quite useful to make your brand look artisanal, while there are several card stroke thicknesses that you can use according to what you might have in mind. The use of 14 P 16 PT, or 18 PT cardstock thicknesses, is the most unusual one, while there are other features you can get with it. The main reason behind the use of kraft paperboard is its recyclability and eco-friendliness, while it is also biodegradable. On the other hand, it may not be the best option if you have a product heavy in moisture content, as they can easily absorb moisture.
White SBS Board
The SBS board is another material option that has a range of benefits and features that go with the requirements of bakery products. They are considered to be the best option and gold standard if you are looking to have vibrant and high-end printing while also getting a perfect pop in the colors, as they deliver a great, clean look. You have to make your brand and the product look different and clean. At the same time, the use of CMYK colors will lose everything to give better crispness in the colors in comparison to the brown fibers of Kraft paper.
Corrugated E-Flute
Corrugated E-flute is a great option due to its heavy, multi-tiered custom strength. One of the key factors and facts that you need to keep in mind when using these is that they will have a 1/16th inch profile that offers perfectly high structural strength without having to compromise on a clean retail appearance.
Rigid Board
A rigid board is a perfect option if you are looking for a luxury upgrade while also offering a higher look for things like premium custom gift boxes. At the same time, they are of perfect use for luxury macarons and work perfectly for any kind of premium holiday chocolate assortments. This option is useful if you are looking for a material that has immense thickness and cannot be easily folded flat. It is dense and high end with structural packaging that gives a perfect unboxing premium look.
Making Your Boxes Grease-Resistant
We all know that grease resistance is one of the main points of focus whenever we talk about bakery boxes. That is why you need to have a complete understanding of what to ask for from your box provider before things go into production. Here is a breakdown of what you need to keep in mind:
- The used interior coating is quite thin, ranging from 0.5.5 to 1 minute thickness. Although it is quite thin, it can completely change the reaction of the greasy content inside boxes without increasing the weight.
- Another thing that you think you can never compromise on is being 100% FDA compliant and food-safe for these boxes, as they will come in direct food contact. This also ensures that you do not have to worry about chemical leakage or any kind of bad taste or aroma in your products.
- Another key thing and point that changes the whole statement and equation is that the Kraft box would work for dry cookies or lean artisan sourdough. But if you also have delicious, fried confections, or heavy buttercream piping the interior coating can never be compromised on.
Another thing that you need to keep in mind is that a 14 to 18 PT paperboard will start showing oil migration in no more than 15 minutes when in contact with high-fat products. The use of interior PE coating would enhance it up to 48 hours while also making sure that the outer custom print stays 100% clean.
Avoiding Box Sogginess
Box sogginess is one of the biggest headaches a bakery owner would have to face. For this purpose, the use of die-cut vent holes gives a perfect result, as you can strategically place small, clean-cut vent holes to avoid this issue. Make sure that there are no more than 1 to 2.25 inches in diameter 1 to 2.25 inches. You also need to understand that keeping them small and placing them close to the top will make sure to avoid excess moisture. While also getting rid of structural heat would be safely trapped inside.
Apart from that, if you’re looking for visible holes in your design, the material can be useful. What you can do is to use uncoated high-caliber Kraft paperboard, which will be breathable in comparison to synthetic materials, getting rid of moisture buildup while also making sure to maintain the insulated environment inside.
The Rule of Thumb for Thermal Conditions
Also, a rule of thumb you can use for the thermal conditions of the boxes is that menu items that have high motion should never be put in boxes that would be 100% sealed and have double sided plastic coating. Keep in mind that if you pack items with more than 140 foreign height, the boxes must have an uncoated interior base, while the use of a minimum of 2 to 4 built in vent holes is also quite useful.
Pre-Order Checklist
Before you order your boxes, there are some important things that you need to check. We have a list that you need to keep in mind.
The Checklist
- One of the most important things to keep in mind in this regard is to ensure that your provider complies with the FDA in terms of food safety.
- Also, you should know what the minimum order quantity is that your providers can offer you.
- You should also ask your provider what the production turnaround is, or in other words, how many days they will take to provide the required boxes.
- Also, you should ask them the total amount of time it would take you to assemble the box during busy hours.
- Another thing that you need to keep in mind is to ask if they provide you with any inserts so that your products can be snagged in the proper place.
- You also need to confirm if they provide any physical sample of the product before they start producing the bulk batch.
Conclusion
The main purpose of this blog was to help you learn about custom bakery boxes and the most essential components that make them functional for your products. We covered the importance of making sure to get rid of the greasy content in the boxes that would come into play during the packaging and delivery. On the other hand, the need for a basic understanding of the best material options for this regard and how to avoid sogginess in these boxes is essential. We also covered a pre-order checklist that would be super essential before you order from any of such providers, as it will help you keep all of the features that your boxes require to stand out and work for you.
