Struggling to choose the right takeout packaging supplier? Here’s what to consider before you seal the deal.
In the food service industry, every detail matters. Including the type of container your food is delivered in.
Takeout packaging plays a crucial role in shaping customer experience, preserving food quality, and reinforcing your brand identity. Choosing the right takeout packaging supplier, therefore, is a decision that goes beyond finding boxes and bags; it’s about finding a partner who understands your unique needs and shares your commitment to quality.
Ready to choose the right takeout packaging supplier for your restaurant’s success?
In this article:
- Defining Your Packaging Needs
- Evaluating Potential Takeout Packaging Suppliers
- Building a Strong Partnership with your Takeout Packaging Supplier
- Choose the Right Takeout Packaging Supplier
Choose the Right Takeout Packaging Supplier: Defining Your Packaging Needs
To-go packaging is about more than just putting food in a box. Before you can choose the right takeout packaging supplier, and with them, the right containers, you need a clear understanding of your consumer’s and restaurant’s needs. This will help ensure you partner with a supplier who can deliver quality, functionality, and brand consistency.
Food Considerations
Menu & Cuisine Type
The type of food you serve heavily influences your packaging requirements. For example, sauce-heavy dishes will require a tightly-sealed container, while hot beverages might benefit from a double-walled cup.
Temperature Control
No one likes soggy fries or wilted salads. You’ll want to consider whether your dishes need to stay hot or cold during transport. For example, if you pack your takeout orders fresh off the grill, you might want to consider vented containers to prevent sogginess.
Portion Sizes & Presentation
Even though to-go orders are enjoyed off-premises, the presentation and condition of the food upon arrival significantly impacts a restaurant’s brand perception. Take into consideration your portion sizes and how you want your food to be presented to determine the best container sizes for your meals.
Related: Your Guide to Compostable Takeout Containers
Business Considerations
Choosing the right takeout packaging supplier goes beyond the packaging itself. You’ll want to look for a partner that aligns with your restaurant’s operational needs and brand values.
Order Volume & Frequency
When talking with potential suppliers, be upfront about your order volume and how often you’ll need new supplies. Aligning your needs with a supplier’s production capabilities is essential for a reliable partnership.
Budget & Total Cost
Request detailed quotes from potential suppliers, factoring in the total cost of the packaging, including printing, delivery, and any applicable taxes. Depending on the supplier and how custom your product is, you may also need to consider shipping, storage, and design costs.
Branding & Design
Custom printing can enhance your brand identity and create a memorable customer experience. If you want logos, colours, or designs on your packaging, you may find that minimum order quantities and overall price will differ from generic packaging. Look for a supplier who offers design capabilities if you do not have an in-house creative team.
Sustainability & Compliance
Evaluate your brand’s commitment to sustainable practices, opting for recyclable, compostable or biodegradable takeout packaging options. As well, review any plastic ban regulations that impact your region, and look for suppliers who offer compliant products.
Consumer Values & Lifestyle
Align your packaging choices with the values and lifestyles of your target consumers. Consider their stance on sustainability, or whether they’re on-the-go and need tight-sealing containers. Thoughtful packaging choices that resonate with your customers can become a differentiating factor in a crowded market.
Related: The BC Plastic Ban Breakdown
Evaluating Potential Takeout Packaging Suppliers
Customers trust you to deliver a positive dining experience, and part of that experience is food-safe, high-quality packaging.
Quality & Safety
Food-Grade Materials
It goes without saying that your chosen supplier should be offering food-safe products. FDA-approved products are rigorously tested to ensure they won’t leach harmful chemicals into a consumer’s meal.
Durability & Performance
Request samples from potential suppliers and put them to the test. Fill containers with your restaurant’s dishes to assess their strength, leak resistance, and ability to handle heat, cold, moisture, and transit.
Certifications and Compliance
Verify if the supplier holds relevant certifications, such as food safety management systems (FDA, ISO) or sustainable practices (FSC, BPI).Consumers are looking for companies they can trust, and certifications provide credibility.
Related: Are PFAS dangerous?
Capabilities & Services
Product Range & Customization
Does the supplier offer a comprehensive selection to meet all your menu’s needs? This might include:
- Various sizes and shapes of takeout containers (e.g. clamshells, bowls, boxes)
- Cups and lids for hot and cold beverages
- Sturdy bags of different sizes for takeout orders
- Accessories like cutlery, napkins, and stir sticks
- Specialty or customized packaging
Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs)
Suppliers will have different MOQs for each product they offer. Ensure their requirements align with your order volume and storage space. Trying to meet a high MOQ can lead to excess inventory and waste. On the other hand, smaller orders might mean frequent reordering, potentially causing disruptions.
Delivery and Lead Times
Reliable delivery and implementation are important to consider when it comes time to choose the right takeout packaging supplier. Inquire about their delivery abilities, shipping costs, implementation timeline, and typical lead times to avoid order delays and stockouts.
Customer Support
A reliable supplier provides excellent customer support. If they have responsive communication channels or a dedicated team to assist with orders and inquiries, you can be confident that you’ll receive assistance when you need it most. This becomes invaluable when dealing with urgent orders, addressing issues, or seeking solutions to unexpected challenges.
Related: PE vs PLA vs Aqueous Lined Containers: Which is Better?
Sustainability and Ethical Practices
Sustainable Materials
Sustainable materials mean proper end-of-life disposal and minimal environmental impact. If your company values sustainability, or your region has single-use packaging regulations to follow, look for suppliers that offer packaging that’s compliant, and made from renewable, recyclable, compostable, or biodegradable materials.
Sourcing & Manufacturing
When choosing the right takeout packaging supplier, go beyond materials and inquire about the supplier’s overall ethical sourcing and manufacturing practices. Do they prioritize fair labour standards and safe working conditions? Are they transparent about their sustainability initiatives and social impact efforts?
Research and Due Diligence
Request Samples
Examining samples firsthand is a crucial step to securing the right takeout packaging supplier. You can assess the quality, durability, and functionality of the packaging and see how your food looks in it.
Check Reviews
Go beyond testimonials on a supplier’s website. Seek out online reviews and feedback from other restaurant owners about their experiences.
Compare Quotes
Request detailed quotes from multiple suppliers, paying close attention to unit costs, minimum order quantities, and shipping fees. And to avoid hidden fees, inquire about any potential setup fees or plate charges (for custom printing).
Related: The Critical Role of Quality Control in Takeout Packaging
Building a Strong Partnership
Open & Proactive Communication
Establish Clear Expectations
From the outset, clearly communicate your restaurant’s needs, priorities, and expectations. This includes order volumes, frequency, lead time expectations, sustainability standards, and quality standards.
Maintain Regular Contact
Designate points of contact on both sides and establish a regular communication cadence to address questions, share updates, and proactively resolve issues. This might involve weekly follow-ups, monthly performance reviews, or proactive email updates.
Provide Timely Feedback
Regularly provide feedback to your supplier on packaging performance, delivery experience, and customer service. Your constructive feedback will help your supplier better support you in the future.
Collaboration & Flexibility
Joint Problem-Solving
View your supplier as a partner in navigating challenges. Work together to find solutions to issues like order changes, lead time adjustments, or customization needs.
Embrace Innovation
Be open to exploring new packaging solutions, materials, or designs that the supplier might offer.
Growth Alignment
Choose a supplier who can scale their services as your business grows. Communicate your future plans and ensure they can accommodate your evolving needs.
Choose the Right Takeout Packaging Supplier: Origin Sustainables
Finding the right takeout packaging supplier involves careful consideration of your requirements, thorough evaluation, and a commitment to building a strong, long-term partnership. At Origin Sustainables, we go beyond simply supplying packaging – we become an extension of your team, dedicated to your success.
Understanding Your Needs
We take the time to understand your unique challenges, such as packaging functionality, supply chain reliability, and food freshness and protection. We learn about your brand identity, operational flow, and sustainability goals. We’ll work collaboratively with you to identify the perfect packaging solution for your specific requirements.
Quality and Safety First
We use high-quality, food-grade materials and adhere to stringent safety standards. Our commitment to transparency means you can have confidence in the products you’re serving to your customers.
Reliability and Communication
We understand the importance of seamless operations. That’s why we prioritize clear communication, timely deliveries, and proactive problem-solving.
Customization and Flexibility
Your brand is unique, and your packaging should reflect that. We offer a wide range of customization options, from printing to material choice, to create packaging solutions as distinctive as your menu.
Sustainability as a Priority
We recognize the growing importance of environmentally responsible practices. Our products are fully compostable or recyclable, helping you stay plastic ban compliant while minimizing your ecological footprint.
Origin Sustainables is committed to being more than just a supplier; we strive to be a trusted partner invested in your success. Let’s create takeout packaging solutions that elevate your brand, contribute to customer success, and support your business growth.
