When it comes to frozen food packaging, you need to be sure that safety is your first concern. Besides that, you will have to choose the appropriate materials that can withstand freezing temperatures. Depending on your budget, packaging, and material needs, frozen food packaging is a dynamic process that requires the utmost attention to detail.
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We have been providing food packaging for decades here at Industrial Packaging, and we often get questions about the different types of packaging materials for frozen food applications. In this article, we will explore the different kinds of packaging supplies that are best suited for packaging frozen food.
What Are The Important Elements Needed In Frozen Food Packaging?
First of all, what is frozen food packaging?
The most popular options for frozen food packaging often includes but is not limited to cardboard, metal cans , paperboard, wax coated paper and other flexible packaging supplies. One of the most popular forms of frozen food packaging is Polyethylene (PE) shrink film which is able to resist temperatures all the way down to -40 degrees.
Here are some features of frozen food packaging materials:
Protection from spoilage and off coloring
Easy to fill
Easy to seal
Easy to store
Moisture blocking and resistant
Made of FDA food-grade substrates
Strong
Doesn&#;t become brittle and crack at low temperatures
Resists grease, oil, and water
Each of the items above relates to the essential aspects of packaging frozen foods. The materials listed below all meet these requirements regarding various formulations of each material. When packaging frozen foods, safety, nutritional labeling, and consistency is vital.
What Are The Different Types Of Frozen Food Packaging?
Shrink Film
Wax Coated Cardboard
Glass
Aluminum
Flexible Bags
Lidding Films
- High barrier thermoforming film
- IQF polyethylene
- Skin film
Below, we will explore each type of frozen food packaging mentioned above and explain the applications and uses of each kind of material.
1. Shrink Film For Frozen Food Packaging
Shrink film (also known as shrink wrap) is one of the most popular forms of frozen food packaging. It is used on millions of packaging lines across the globe, including those of the largest food packaging companies in the world. Shrink film is a plastic film that is commonly made out of one of three main formulations, including polyethylene, polyolefin, or poly-vinyl-chloride.
When it comes to food packaging, polyolefin is your best choice. Polyolefin shrink film is FDA food-safe approved and can also be made kosher. Polyolefin shrink film is perfect for sealing boxed frozen foods such as pies, pizzas, cakes, baked goods, vegetables, fruit, and almost every other type of frozen food.
As you can see in the video above, polyolefin shrink film is used in the packaging of frozen steaks. This is a common frozen food packaged with shrink film. The box will be wrapped in shrink film and run through a heat tunnel to shrink the film to the box. This helps to prevent the formation of vapor or moisture and also helps to prevent freezer burn.
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2. Chipboard SBS (Cardboard) For Frozen Food Packaging
Chipboard (commonly thought to be cardboard) is ubiquitous in the packaging of frozen foods. Boxes made from chipboard are often used for packaging pies, veggies, pizza, cakes, and various other types of frozen food products. Chipboard boxes are sturdy, durable, and easy to shrink wrap. They also allow for easy unitizing on pallets for shipping across the country.
Commonly used in tandem with shrink film, chipboard boxes are also popular because they can be printed, edge-to-edge, with vibrant and colorful branding imagery, text, and graphics.
This makes for chipboard boxes to be very visually appealing to consumers. Most often, a full graphic of the food contained inside of the box will be printed on the cover to entice consumers and induce a sense of hunger.
You can see various examples of this by walking down your local supermarket's frozen food aisle and inspecting the different products that are contained within chipboard boxes. As they are also FDA approved and food-safe, chipboard boxes make for an excellent choice when it comes to frozen food packaging.
3. Wax Coated Cardboard For Frozen Food Packaging
Wax coated cardboard is yet another highly popular form of frozen food packaging. Specifically for frozen foods of which the container itself is to be heated. For example, a popular application for waxed coated cardboard containers is frozen Chinese food.
The wax-coated cardboard containers are heat resistant and can be placed directly into the microwave and heated until the food inside is cooked and ready to eat.
The trays used for TV dinners and other pre-made frozen meals often utilize a wax-coated cardboard tray for this same reason. The trays are often sealed with shrink film.
The consumer will remove the tray from a shrink film sealed cardboard box, poke holes in the film on the tray and place the tray into a microwave. The food is then cooked for the amount of time listed on the side of the container.
Wax coated cardboard boxes, trays, and other shapes of containers are popular because of their strength, diversity, and heat resistant capabilities. Unfortunately, wax-coated cardboard is not recyclable and, most of the time will end up in a landfill.
4. Glass For Frozen Food Packaging
Next, we have Glass. While not as famous for packaging food in America, glass containers made from specific food-grade glass formulations are used for packaging for some food applications, particularly in Asian countries.
More commonly, glass containers are used here in the USA for storing unused portions of food or meals specifically made to save for future use in glass containers.
From a retail standpoint, using Glass is uncommon because Glass is a weighty material. Glass has an extremely high carbon footprint and is very costly to ship, particularly long distances.
That being said, Glass is sometimes used for packaging luxury food items such as ice cream and gelato. In this way, Glass is often used as a form of luxury packaging for applications that have very demanding consumers who value luxury more so than the everyday customer.
5. Aluminum For Frozen Food Packaging
Aluminum is another standard frozen food packaging supply. Most commonly, aluminum foil pans are used for packaging food items such as lasagna, manicotti, salisbury steaks, and various other types of foods.
The top of the foil pans often features cardboard or waxed coated cardboard topper that slides on the top of the container and holds in place with foil tabs on each side of the pan.
The filled foil pans often end up packaged inside of the cardboard box, which is then sealed in shrink film. When opened, the cardboard box and topper are removed, and the aluminum pan is placed directly into the oven for cooking.
While aluminum is recyclable, it is often difficult to do so with used aluminum foil pans due to grease, food bits, and other leftover food items that are often hard to remove from the inside of the container. Scrubbing does not always result in a clean container, even with much effort. Because of this, aluminum foil pans often end up in landfills.
6. Flexible Bags For Frozen Food Packaging
Flexible bags are a type of flexible packaging supply made for packaging food. When dealing with frozen foods, the most common flexible bags used are pouches made from food-grade plastics, foils, or other food-safe materials.
These flexible pouches are often a variant of stand up pouches or pillow pouches. They are made specifically for frozen food applications such as the packaging of frozen vegetables, fruit, pre-made meals, pasta, and other types of frozen foods.
Some types of frozen food bags are completely clear with no or little branding aesthetics and are used for packaging frozen baked goods such as bread, rolls, and similar items.
7. Lidding Films
For Frozen Food Packaging
Lidding film is a plastic film that is used to create lids for different types of containers. The films are FDA approved and food-grade. Lidding films can be printed with high quality, full-color branding, and graphic design elements that will help to catch the attention of the consumer in the frozen food aisle. They are often also left clear for full visibility of the product contained within.
8. High Barrier Thermoforming Film For Frozen Food Packaging
High barrier thermoforming film is a special type of flexible packaging film. It boasts amazing thermoformability that allows for it the be the perfect solution for various applications. It is made from cutting edge plastic resins and made exclusively for these types of specialty films. This type of film offers thick corners and better film memory.
High barrier thermoforming films have superb strength and better puncture resistance. The film features ultra-glossy sheen and provides superior scent, taste, and ultraviolet light protection capabilities. These specialty films are available in a range of gauges.
9. IQF Polyethylene For Frozen Food Packaging
IQF stands for &#;individually quick frozen,&#; an action that freezes food extremely fast, so there is little to no damage to the cell structure of the frozen food. IQF polyethylene wrapped food moves through a blast freezer around 40 degrees under zero Fahrenheit. The finished food products are then sent to supermarkets frozen food sections.
10. Skin Film For Frozen Food Packaging
Skin film is a specialty film made to uniformly wrap products and seal the product to a printed skin board or corrugated cardboard plate. Skin film is commonly used for packaging salmon, trout, and other various types of frozen seafood.
How To Source Frozen Food Packaging
If you are interested in sourcing frozen food packaging for your business, feel free to reach out to one of our packaging professionals. We can help you to source the right frozen food packaging materials and machinery vendor, even if that is not necessarily us.
We would advise you to compare at least a couple of packaging companies and request information from each about their capabilities with frozen food packaging, machinery, and materials.
Once you have chosen a vendor, it would be well advised to bring them into your business and allow them to analyze your packaging line in person. This will give them the opportunity to provide you with a comprehensive proposal on which types of frozen food packaging machinery and materials are right for your products and your business.
For more information, please visit Hualei.
China Flexible Packaging Market Size
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Study Period
-
Base Year For Estimation
Market Size ()
USD 47.27 Billion
Market Size ()
USD 56.73 Billion
CAGR ( - )
3.72 %
Market Concentration
Low
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
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China Flexible Packaging Market Analysis
The China Flexible Packaging Market size is estimated at USD 47.27 billion in , and is expected to reach USD 56.73 billion by , growing at a CAGR of 3.72% during the forecast period (-).
The rapid growth in demand from end-user industries such as food, pharmaceutical and medical, personal care, and household care is expected to create a significant demand for flexible packaging products over the forecast period in China.
- Despite the presence of a large base for packaging in the country, flexible packaging still recorded the most substantial growth and the fastest among all packaging types, driven by its low cost and many product advantages.
- Furthermore, the demand for frozen food in China is on the edge of further growth, owing to the government's rapid development of food outlets and reduced tariff barriers on frozen food imports. The preference and influence of western food services in the country are increasing. The trend of expanding western restaurants and dishes is expected to raise the demand for seafood, such as sushi, platters, lobsters, and oysters.
- Increasing demand for convenient food packaging is growing the flexible packaging market faster. Better Food quality, safety, and longer shelf life of packaged food are significantly in demand resulting in an increasingly convenient packaging market.
- Chinese consumers' increasing inclination toward products containing fish, meat, and vegetables, mainly retort-packed to keep them shelf-stable, is a factor driving the market. Moreover, ready-made meals have also gained popularity among consumers in the country.
- During the recent COVID-19 pandemic, flexible manufacturers in China faced issues like supply chain disruption, shortage of raw materials being used in manufacturing, and labor shortages, which hampered the production and shipping processes.
- Packaging companies also need to comply with the laws and regulations regarding the environment and recycling, which increases the difficulties in operations as they need to meet the set standards, thereby hampering the growth of the flexible packaging market.
China Flexible Packaging Market Trends
This section covers the major market trends shaping the China Flexible Packaging Market according to our research experts:
Food Sector to Occupy the largest Market Share
- In China, standardization drives the demand for ready-to-eat food, pushing manufacturers to invest in flexible packaging solutions, such as retort pouches. Many manufacturers are adopting innovative packaging to provide the safety of the food.
- On the other hand, Fresh food such as vegetables, eggs, meat, and fruits, is one category that is high in demand as it is considered natural and free from chemicals. On the other hand, the need for healthy packaged food such as salads is also increasing.
- Moreover, there is an increase in the demand for organic food in the region, which will aid the growth of the flexible packaging market. Flexibility packaging is preferred since it provides easy transportation and storage. The increase in the revenue of the organic food market would ultimately increase the growth of the flexible packaging market.
- Furthermore, China's food market has been growing at a significant rate over the past few years and is expected to hold a major market share over the forecast period.
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Plastic Packaging to Witness a Significant Growth Rate Over the Forecast Period
- Plastics are one of the most used materials in packaging applications, owing to their performance, higher shelf life, and low cost. Plastics are used as the primary raw material for flexible packages. Some of the repeatedly used polymers include polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), biaxial oriented polypropylene (BOPP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
- Since plastics are solid and light, their demand is rapidly increasing in the electronics and automotive industry. Owing to its low cost and durability, plastic packaging is becoming very popular in all kinds of industries.
- Increasing demand for protecting food quality and longer shelf life, in turn, increases the need for packaged food.
- E-commerce has become a crucial place to order goods such as electronic and personal care products for consumers over the last decade. Furthermore, the growing penetration of smartphones and the internet is expected to propel the e-commerce industry and ultimately increase plastic consumption for packaging applications.
- The government regulations against single-use plastic packaging materials are causing many companies to ramp up their eco-friendly plastic alternatives.
- Furthermore, China's production of polylactide acid (PLA), a type of biodegradable plastic raw material, is expected to rise quickly from a very small base in the near future, providing cheaper raw materials to the local packaging industry.
- Also, there is an increase in the number of online food delivery users in the region. This would also increase the demand for packaging, specifically flexible packaging, which is easier to transport and carry and essential for food delivery.
China Flexible Packaging Industry Overview
China's flexible packaging market is highly competitive in nature, owing to the presence of many small and large players in the market. The market appears fragmented, with the major players adopting strategies like new product development, mergers and acquisitions, and partnerships. Some major players in the market are Sealed Air (China) Co. Ltd, Mondi (China) Film Technology Co. Ltd., and Tetra Pak International SA, among others. Some of the recent developments are listed below.
- February - Mondi Group, a global player in packaging, collaborated with Henkel to launch a fully recyclable mono-material refill pouch for Pril. The innovative pouch is light-weight, convenient to use, certified as leak-proof, and highly durable even for home deliveries.
- January - Tetra Pak announced to partner with Elvir, a Savencia Fromage & Dairy subsidiary, to produce a cap using certified recycled polymers in Food and Beverage industry. To find an economically sound solution for the use of plastic waste and raw materials, both companies continue to minimize their dependency on virgin and fossil-based resources.
China Flexible Packaging Market Leaders
Sealed Air (China) Co. Ltd
Mondi (China) Film Technology Co. Ltd.
Tetra Pak International SA
Berry Global Group Inc.
Amcor Flexibles Asia Pacific (Amcor Limited)
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
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China Flexible Packaging Market News
- March - In partnership with Koa, Berry Global Group to launch body care bottle and closure made from recycled plastic. Body Cleanser & Body Moisturizer bottles will be produced at Berry's manufacturing facility in Winchester, VA.
- February - Mondi announced that it has agreed to sell its Personal Care Components business segment to Nitto Denko Corporation for the value of EUR 615 million, which is also the approximate cash consideration payable to Mondi at completion. Mondi's strategic focus to grow in packaging and the limited overlap of PCC with the rest of its business have led Mondi to conclude that the next phase of PCC's development will be better undertaken outside the Group.
China Flexible Packaging Market Report - Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
1.2 Scope of the Study
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4. MARKET INSIGHTS
4.1 Market Overview
4.2 Industry Value Chain Analysis
4.3 Industry Attractiveness - Porter's Five Forces Analysis
4.3.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
4.3.2 Bargaining Power of buyers
4.3.3 Threat of New Entrants
4.3.4 Threat of Substitutes
4.3.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry
4.4 Assessment of Impact of COVID-19 on the Market
5. MARKET DYNAMICS
5.1 Market Drivers
5.1.1 Demand for Longer Shelf Life and Changing Lifestyle
5.1.2 Increased Demand for Convenient Packaging
5.2 Market Restraints
5.2.1 Laws and Regulations Regarding the Environment and Recycling
6. MARKET DYNAMICS
7. MARKET SEGMENTATION
7.1 By Material Type
7.1.1 Plastic
7.1.2 Paper
7.1.3 Aluminum Foil
7.2 By Product Type
7.2.1 Pouches
7.2.2 Bags
7.2.3 Films and Wraps
7.2.4 Other Product Types
7.3 By End-user Industry
7.3.1 Food
7.3.2 Beverage
7.3.3 Medical and Pharmaceutical
7.3.4 Consumer Products
7.3.5 Other End-user Industries
8. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
8.1 Company Profiles
8.1.1 Sealed Air (China) Co. Ltd
8.1.2 Mondi (China) Film Technology Co. Ltd.
8.1.3 Tetra Pak International SA
8.1.4 Berry Global Group Inc.
8.1.5 Amcor Flexibles Asia Pacific (Amcor Limited)
8.1.6 Huhtamaki OYJ
8.1.7 Southern Packaging Group Limited
8.1.8 Texin Pack Printing Co. Ltd.
8.1.9 Huangshan Novel Co. Ltd
8.1.10 Hunan Xinxiangwei Packaging Co. Ltd
8.1.11 Kinderway Packaging Co.
8.1.12 Zhe Jiang Fang Ding Soft Packing Co. Ltd
8.1.13 JiangSu CaiHua Packaging Group Company
8.1.14 Shanghai AirPaq Packing Tech Development Co. Ltd
8.1.15 Wuxi Huaxing Pharmaceutical Packaging Co. Ltd
8.1.16 Jiangsu Shenkai Packaging High-tech Co. Ltd
8.1.17 Hangzhou Hansin New Packing Material Co. Ltd
8.1.18 Jieshou Tianhong New Material Co. Ltd
8.1.19 Jiangsu Litel Green Packaging Co. Ltd
8.1.20 Zhejiang Chengde Package Technology Co. Ltd
- *List Not Exhaustive
9. INVESTMENT ANALYSIS
10. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS
**Subject to Availability
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China Flexible Packaging Industry Segmentation
Flexible packaging is the process of packaging in which the container or the package is made of flexible or easily yielding materials, which, when filled or closed, can be readily changed in shape. The packaging materials used can be paper, plastic film, foil, or any combination of these.
The China Flexible Packaging Market is segmented By Material Type (Plastic, Paper, Aluminium Foil), By Product Type (Pouches, Bags, Films, and Wraps), and By End-user Industry (Food, Beverages, Medical and Pharmaceutical, Consumer Products).
By Material Type Plastic Paper Aluminum Foil By Product Type Pouches Bags Films and Wraps Other Product Types By End-user Industry Food Beverage Medical and Pharmaceutical Consumer Products Other End-user Industries
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China Flexible Packaging Market Research FAQs
How big is the China Flexible Packaging Market?
The China Flexible Packaging Market size is expected to reach USD 47.27 billion in and grow at a CAGR of 3.72% to reach USD 56.73 billion by .
What is the current China Flexible Packaging Market size?
In , the China Flexible Packaging Market size is expected to reach USD 47.27 billion.
Who are the key players in China Flexible Packaging Market?
Sealed Air (China) Co. Ltd, Mondi (China) Film Technology Co. Ltd., Tetra Pak International SA, Berry Global Group Inc. and Amcor Flexibles Asia Pacific (Amcor Limited) are the major companies operating in the China Flexible Packaging Market.
What years does this China Flexible Packaging Market cover, and what was the market size in ?
In , the China Flexible Packaging Market size was estimated at USD 45.57 billion. The report covers the China Flexible Packaging Market historical market size for years: , , , and . The report also forecasts the China Flexible Packaging Market size for years: , , , , and .
China Flexible Packaging Industry Report
Statistics for the China Flexible Packaging market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence&#; Industry Reports. China Flexible Packaging analysis includes a market forecast outlook to and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
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