Category Archive: Articles

How Does Co-Packing Work?

How Does Co-Packing Work?

how does co-packing workContract packaging, otherwise known as co-packing, involves outsourcing your product production, packaging, and sometimes even distribution to an expert partner. Let’s dive into the specifics of co-packing, including how it works, its many advantages, and how to get started.

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Food Packaging Robots: The Future

Food Packaging Robots: The Future

Food Packaging RobotsIn recent years, the food packaging industry has seen a significant improvement in technology, with one of the most revolutionary advancements being the use of robots.

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Compostable Plastic Food Packaging: A Guide

Compostable Plastic Food Packaging: A Guide

Compostable food packagingThe reality of today’s fast-paced economy means consumers demand convenience in every facet of life, including the ability to easily store, transport, and consume various dry foods. Packaging plays an important role in the convenience, shelf life, and freshness of cereal, chips, nuts, pasta, and more.

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The Evolution of Cereals in the Food Industry

The Evolution of Cereals in the Food Industry

cerealCereals, with their rich and diverse history, have been the backbone of human nutrition for millennia. Their journey from the fields of ancient civilizations to the breakfast tables of today is a testament to their enduring appeal and adaptability.

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Top 10 Most Popular Dry Food Packaging Options

Top 10 Most Popular Dry Food Packaging Options

Top 10 Dry Food Packaging OptionsThe reality of today’s fast-paced economy means consumers demand convenience in every facet of life, including the ability to easily store, transport, and consume various dry foods. Packaging plays an important role in the convenience, shelf life, and freshness of cereal, chips, nuts, pasta, and more.

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FDA Food Packaging Regulations

FDA Food Packaging Regulations

Food packaging is designed to attract attention while protecting and preserving the products inside. With such an important role to play, it’s essential the packaging itself does not change or harm the food product. 

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Food Packaging Materials: Sustainability and Trends

Food Packaging Materials: Sustainability and Trends

Food Packaging MaterialsFood packaging plays an important role in informing consumers of product safety and freshness information and branding details. Contract food packaging also impacts the environment depending on the materials used. However, because we live in a world where convenience and consumption are so closely related, many often overlook food packaging’s environmental impact.

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The Power of Single-Serve Packaging

The Power of Single-Serve Packaging

In today’s fast-paced world, convenience is king. This is evident in the food packaging industry, where single-serve packaging has become the norm. Whether it’s a bag of chips, a candy bar, or a sachet of instant coffee, single-serve packaging offers numerous benefits, not just for consumers but also for businesses.

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What Are The Foods With The Longest Shelf Life?

What are the foods with the longest shelf life?

Understanding food shelf life is paramount to ensuring consumer safety, minimizing waste, and maximizing profitability.

Here are 7 foods with long shelf lives.

Canned produce
The magic of canning allows foods like vegetables, fruits, and even meats to be preserved for durations ranging from 1 to 5 years, sometimes even longer if stored under optimal conditions.
Grains & legumes
Staples such as rice, quinoa, beans, and lentils, when stored in a cool, dry environment, can boast shelf lives that span several years.
Honey
This sweet nectar, thanks to its natural composition, can remain consumable indefinitely when stored in a sealed container.
Sugar & salt
Due to their inherent properties that deter bacterial growth, both sugar and salt can be stored for extended periods without spoilage.
Distilled spirits
Liquors like gin, whiskey, and tequila, when unopened, can last indefinitely, courtesy of their high alcohol content.
Dehydrated milk
In contrast to fresh milk, its powdered version can have a shelf life ranging from 2 to 10 years if kept in airtight containers.
Dried spices
While they might lose some of their aroma over time, dried spices and herbs can be stored for 1 to 3 years without losing their culinary value.

Packaging plays a key role in preserving shelf life.

For foods with long shelf lives, the packaging plays a pivotal role. Contract food packaging companies leverage cutting-edge packaging technologies to enhance the longevity of food products.

Here are a few ways packaging helps preserve shelf life:

  • Vacuum sealing: Extracting air from the package minimizes the presence of aerobic bacteria, thus prolonging the food’s shelf life.
  • Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP): MAP slows down food degradation by replacing the package’s internal air with a tailored gas mixture.
  • Aseptic techniques: Sterilizing both the food and its packaging separately before sealing ensures the contents remain uncontaminated.
  • Smart packaging: Modern packaging can do more than just contain. It can absorb excess moisture, regulate oxidation, and even provide freshness indicators.

Let's start scaling

Econo-Pak has over 40 years of experience in the contract food packaging space, specializing in dry food products such as puff snacks, gummies, and powders.

If you are a small business looking to grow, or you’re part of a Fortune 500 company looking to bring a brand to new markets, we can help. Request a quote today if you are interested in getting a fixed price for your food packaging project.