Packaging cereals. Which type of packaging is best?
Packaging for grains, like that for other loose products, has its own specific requirements. From the consumer’s perspective, it’s simple:
- the packaging must not tear and must be resistant to stretching and punctures;
- water or debris must not get inside;
- it is preferable to be able to see the product without opening the packaging.
But that is far from all that is required of packaging material for cereals. For the manufacturer, it is an effective tool for promoting the product, a way to reduce losses from spoilage and increase business efficiency. That is why loose products are packed in sturdy, convenient and aesthetically pleasing containers. For products in this category, two types of packaging are generally used – attractive and sturdy cardboard boxes and reliable, lightweight polymer (polypropylene) bags.
General requirements for cereal packaging
The most common materials for packaging loose products are micro-corrugated cardboard and food-grade film (PP). It is precisely this type of packaging that complies with strict hygiene rules and standards, meets marketing objectives, and possesses the necessary properties to protect the product.
Packaging for cereal products is subject to heightened requirements:
- environmentally friendly, non-toxic, odourless materials;
- strong, resistant to mechanical damage, pressure, tearing and stretching;
- airtightness (cereals often spoil due to excess moisture);
- no odour and protection against external odours;
- low gas permeability;
- a convenient packaging shape for the customer and for shelf display;
- an attractive appearance;
- the ability to print advertising and other useful information;
- protection against unauthorised access to the product.
Cardboard and polypropylene can be used either as standalone materials or in combination: a cardboard box with an additional layer of film inside.
Eco-friendly cardboard packaging for cereals
Food-grade cardboard boxes are widely used in the food industry. They offer a versatile and convenient packaging solution. This strong, lightweight material retains its shape well. It is made from natural raw materials, is completely safe for health and is easily recyclable. Flexible corrugated cardboard is also sufficiently rigid to protect the product from deformation. Modern cardboard varieties are characterised by low air permeability and resistance to moisture. Such packaging reliably protects cereals and other food products from damp, insects and spillage. Thanks to its properties, cardboard packaging helps extend the shelf life of food products.
Bags for packaging cereals – the optimal solution
Polypropylene bags are an equally popular option for packaging loose goods. This type of packaging offers:
- excellent barrier properties;
- resistance to temperature fluctuations;
- tear strength and puncture resistance;
- airtightness;
- flexibility and elasticity;
- reliable seams.
In such bags, cereals can be stored for many months without losing their beneficial consumer qualities, will not absorb foreign odours, and will be protected from insects. The lightweight, aesthetically pleasing packaging allows the product to be seen and is convenient for transport.
The required information can be applied to this packaging using flexographic printing. The ideal packaging for cereals is not merely a means of storing and transporting the product. A vibrant, full-colour design can serve as a powerful motivational tool and a sign of the manufacturer’s serious attention to detail. At Eventus Group Ltd, you can order printed packaging bags in any configuration.
