The organic food market is on the rise. As consumers become more health conscious and aware of the drawbacks to pesticides, food additives, and traditional produce production techniques, they are increasingly looking for organic labels when they make a trip to the grocery store. An increased consumer demand for organic products means incorporating organic foods into your product line and creating packaging that highlights your brand as well as reflects the care that goes into creating organic food products.
Pioneer Packaging is the go-to source for quality, cost-effective solutions that attract your target consumer and reflect the quality of your product. Whether you’re just starting a product line or adding organic products to your current one, our team is capable of handling any size project you need. Read our blog post below to learn more about packaging for organic food products.
What Sets Organic Products Apart
The term “organic” is defined by the US Department of Agriculture as “using cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that support the cycling of on-farm resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity.” Foods have strict, specific rules about how and under what conditions a product may be legally labeled “organic.” This means that producers of organic products must put forth extra money and effort in order to proudly display an organic label on grocery store shelves.
In order for organic products to appeal to organic shoppers, the packaging needs to reflect the environmentally friendly attributes of organic products. The care, effort, and cost undertaken to comply with organic regulations should be applied not only to the food products themselves, but to the packaging as well to ensure high consumer confidence.
Organic Packaging Requirements
Attractive and functional packaging is important to the success of any product and any brand. When packaging organic foods, packing must also comply with a set of USDA requirements in order to be labeled as organic:
- Facilities: The packaging facility must be USDA inspected and certified to handle and package organic foods.
- Materials: Packaging materials and techniques must also conform to all organic food content and handling requirements.
- Preservatives and additives: Only preservatives and additives on the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances may be used for coloring, preserving, or flavoring of organic foods. Packaging materials may not contain or have contact with any preservatives that are not on the allowable substances list.
- Labeling Requirements: Products must be accurately labeled as “100% organic” (all ingredients meet organic production standards), “organic” (95% of ingredients meet organic production standards), or made with organic ingredients.
Quality is Key To Organic Food Packaging
Customers expect a certain level of quality from organic products and this should carry over into the packaging. When making your organic products you source the best and completely natural ingredients. This should be no different for your packaging. Use high quality materials and structures from reputable suppliers. High quality packaging will convey the quality of your product and distinguish it from other similar organic and non-organic products on the market.
Organic Food Transparency
The reason organic food products are becoming increasingly popular is because of transparency. Customers see organic products as being purer and better for them because they know exactly what is in them. Translate this ideal into your food packaging. You can creatively educate the consumer and show the sourcing of ingredients through simple graphics or text. Incorporating a tamper evident seal into your packaging eases consumers’ concern that pesticides, herbicides, and antibiotics are getting into their food. Using organic structures such as soy-based inks or recycled materials connects your packaging to your promise of a wholesome product.
Convey Organic Food Ideals Through Design
Packaging that helps consumers to make the connection between your product and natural healthful ingredients is perfect for organic food. Using text, graphics, and photos to display health benefits, ingredient call outs, and nutritional values helps to represent your brand. Images and typography should be natural, simple, and uncluttered.
Pioneer Packaging is Your Partner in High-Quality Solutions
Pioneer Packaging has the resources and experience to provide clients with total packaging solutions from design to delivery. These resources serve multiple industries, including food and beverage, medical, and automotive. Contact us today to find out how we can help you create the experience your customers deserve!