Bakery goods need protective packaging that keeps them fresh for as long as possible. While clamshell packaging has traditionally been a popular choice, tray sealing film is airtight to lock in freshness and acts as a strong barrier against outside contaminants. Learn more about the advantages of tray film as your go-to bakery packaging.
Tray Film Packaging Benefits
Switching to tray film packaging benefits baked goods brands in the following key ways.
Enhanced Freshness and Shelf Life
Made from polyethylene, polypropylene, or other flexible material, tray sealing films are airtight barriers that keep bakery goods fresh while protecting it from external dust and debris. Exposure to oxygen and moisture can drastically shorten the lifespan of consumable goods, but tray films block out these factors to extend the product’s shelf life. The films also act as tamper-evident packaging so consumers have more peace of mind about the freshness and safety of ready-to-eat foods.
Improved Convenience and Portability
By providing a secure seal that prevents spills and leaks, tray films enhance portability and convenience for end consumers. Processing centers, retailers, and any other party involved in transporting and storing the bakery goods also benefit from the security of tray film packaging.
Customizable Packaging Solutions
Businesses can customize the tray sealing film to include visual elements like branding, images, descriptions, and nutritional facts to comply with FDA requirements and stand out from competitors. Customizing tray films can increase brand awareness and visual appeal to entice new customers.
Clamshell Packaging Issues
The benefits of tray film packaging stand out even more sharply when compared to the common drawbacks of clamshell packaging, which include:
- Lack of flexibility. The options for clamshell packaging designs are limited. Manufacturers are increasingly favoring tray sealing, corrugated cardboard containers, rPET-based packaging film, and other options with more flexible designs.
- Product security. Clamshells aren’t tamper-evident, so it is not obvious when the containers have sustained damage or tampering. Tray seals have an inherently tamper-evident design that protects baked goods and makes it obvious if the film has been tampered with or damaged. This guarantees better product security and quality at every stage of the supply chain.
- Sustainability. Rigid clamshells generate a lot of waste. Tray film packaging is more sustainable and uses up to 25% less material, thereby generating less consumer waste. It also reduces material costs for producers and simplifies transportation logistics, contributing to larger sustainability goals.
Why Tray Film Is Better
The best packaging solutions for bakery goods are those that provide the best product protection, shelf life, and branding opportunities. Consider these key advantages of choosing tray film and tray sealers over other options.
Product Protection
Tray films indicate to retailers and consumers if products have been tampered with, providing greater peace of mind. The film also adds a layer of critical protection against moisture, debris, and handling.
Improved Shelf Life
With modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), the tray film preserves product freshness and prolongs shelf life. The film also protects products from temperature fluctuations and controls the exchange of gases between the inside and outside of the packaging. As a result, less products go to waste and businesses benefit from better sales.
Brand Awareness
Tray film packaging allows brand and product details to be displayed prominently. Manufacturers can print the film with nutritional facts, logos, product details, and compelling images while still allowing customers full visibility into the products inside.
Point Five Packaging Offers Food Packaging Expertise and Solutions
With the choice between tray film vs. clamshell packaging for baked goods, companies should select tray film sealing as a more customizable, sustainable packaging solution. Point Five Packaging can help bakeries and baked goods companies maximize the benefits of choosing tray seal packaging. As specialists in tray sealing technologies, we offer modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), vacuum skin packaging (VSP), stretch sealing, and more as part of our integrated food packaging systems and services.
Other products and solutions we offer include:
We are a trusted one-stop shop for concept-to-market food packaging solutions, whether you need packaging equipment, materials, or both. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help with your packaging operations, or request a quote to start your order.