Instore - November 2018 - 36

PACKAGING

The beneﬁts,
needs of
single-serve
packaging
by Ryan Atkinson

maller portions and single-serve products are still on the rise. Between work,
family and personal life, consumers have
gravitated toward on-the-go meals, snacks
and treats.
"So the demand for health, portable and convenient food options continues to increase,"
says Cindy Blish, associated brand and communications director for Shelton, Connecticut-based Inline Plastics Corp.
With that growth in demand comes new demands for packaging. Single-serve packaging options play an integral role in the success of single-serve foods.
"This packaging gives the consumer a quick
choice and a quick decision," Blish says.
"The container then becomes the clean dish
consumers use."

Consumer needs
Single-serve packaging is most often used in
grab-and-go applications, when consumers
will consume their food directly from the
vessel. That emphasizes the need for the
packaging to be sturdy, reliable and clean.
"Since single-serve packages are typically
used on the go, they need to seal securely to
prevent leaks and spills," Blish says. "Consumers will eat from the container, so the design also needs to be easy to hold, resealable
and sturdy for stacking and transporting."
D&W Fine Pack emphasizes convenience
with its line of Grab 'N Go containers and
lids, noting that busy consumers want their
food served faster than ever and that high-

36 * NOVEMBER 2018 * commissary INSIDER

Demand for healthier, fresher grab-and-go foods has increased the need for quality singleserve packaging. Photo: Inline Plastics

quality choices can prompt grab-and-go
purchases. To answer these needs, the Grab
'N Go line features quick-fisl-and-close containers and lids, clear plastic that showcases
the package's contents, and sturdy, stackable containers that keep food intact during
transport.

"Since single-serve packages
are typically used on the go,
they need to seal securely to
prevent leaks and spills."
CINDY BLISH, INLINE PLASTICS

Healthy eating is also a key factor in the
growth of single-serve containers, Blish
says. Fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, proteins,
wraps and other healthy foods can now be
packaged safely and securely for easy transport. "Single-serve containers offer the abil-

ity to meet this growing trend and provide
easy solutions that encourage healthy eating
habits," she says.
Blish notes Inline's patented tamper-evident
Safe-T-Fresh line, which includes a number
of container options for single servings of
yogurts and parfaits, cut fruits and vegetables, nuts, candies and more.
"Also, CrystalFresh is ideal for single servings of baked goods, and VisiblyFresh
makes the perfect containers for salads and
prepared meals," Blish says. "Our recently
launched SnackWare line includes multicompartment options to mix-and-match
snacks and dips; and we also offer a wrap
container."
But it doesn't all come down to health and
wellness and shopping convenience. It also
helps if the packaging is easily recyclable, al-

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Instore - November 2018