instore - June 2017 - 14

equipment & packaging

With the increase in both quality and number of options in delis and
prepared food departments, more and more consumers are picking up
meals from the supermarket instead of calling in orders to restaurants.
"Delis are really stepping up their game," says Jason Horbac, associate
communications manager for Sabert. "If you're looking at supermarket
delis, they're competing with foodservice in general with high-end
foods at higher price points."
This directly impacts the packaging utilized in these departments,
introducing a number of variables that must be accounted for.
Packaging for take-out meals must be versatile, durable, able to accommodate reheating and more.
"Our customers are looking for clear packaging so they can see the
food contents, as well as packaging that won't leak on the way home
from the store," says Jack Tilley, market research manager for Inline
Plastics. "In response, Inline developed its RoundWare line of 4-inch
tamper-evident containers, which have such good leak resistance that
it eliminates the need for shrink seals."
When those meals aren't immediately consumed at home, or when
they're used to keep leftovers, the packaging has to hold up during
reheating. Horbac says this is leading to more
packaging made of pulp and polypropylene.
"It really depends on the application for hot
foods," he says. "You're not limiting yourself
to the packaging, but you really have to be
mindful of what you're putting into the
container. The packaging really needs to
perform because it's traveling with people
and oftentimes reheated at home."

"Delis
are really
stepping up
their game"

Deli take-out
packaging
Placon recently launched
its line of HomeFresh stock
food packaging, which
boasts a modern look and
high functionality for hot
meal offerings.
The line is made with
microwave-friendly polypropylene and can go from
the store to the kitchen
without re-plating.

INLINE PLASTICS

LATEST INNOVATION

"Freshly prepared, grab-and-go
foods are in great demand," says Ben
Brummerhop, Placon's stock foods sales manager.
"These new containers meet the needs of the end user by
providing an entire meal through convenience and fuctionality."
HomeFresh is available in five stacking sizes from 8 to 32 ounces and
also include a variety of lid options.
Pulp options not only accommodate reheating, but they're also
compostable, a trait attractive to supermarkets - and consumers -
looking for greener options.
"Individuals are being more socially conscious as well," Horbac
says. "It helps to make sure your packaging is sustainable, recyclable and even compostable at times. If you need something
reheated, you're seeing a lot of compostable choices like pulp
showing up, you're also seeing polypropylene containers. They
can be in a variety of sizes, from smaller meals to even family-sized
packaging."
That said, not all take-out items are going to fare best in pulp packaging.
Plastic remains the best bet for heavy, overly messy, and even some
delicate options. "Especially for deli salads and green salads, plastic
containers are much sturdier and protect the contents better than
paper and other flexible packaging," Tilley says.
Another trend to consider, Horbac says, is that of social sharables.
Instead of consumers looking for single meals to take home, many are
looking for family-style options, which introduces the need for larger
packaging, or at least a range of size options.

14 * JUNE 2017 * instore

SABERT

"We just did a survey that said 40 percent of consumers ranked familystyle takeout as the most important occasion for high-quality takeout
containers," he says. "We have large family-sized polypropylene
containers to meet the social shareable trend."

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of instore - June 2017