Cost-effective Takeout Packaging Options
Now more than ever, we understand the need for cost savings within small businesses. The restaurant industry has seen its fair share of struggle following the impacts of COVID-19. Keep reading for some tips for choosing cost-effective takeout packaging for your restaurant.
Choosing Cost-effective Packaging Material
The most common materials for takeout packaging are styrofoam, paper/cardboard, aluminum, and plastic and there are advantages and disadvantages to each. Foam, for example, is fairly cost-effective and a solid option for protecting your food, but it is also not recyclable, making it a less environmentally friendly option. And plastic, while a more costly option, is sturdier than most of the other types of containers.
The best thing you can do when trying to find the right cost-effective to-go packaging for your restaurant is to strike a balance. Some materials fall apart too easily or do nothing to keep food at the right temperature or intact during transit. While these materials might seem nice at first, just looking at the price tag, they are actually harmful to your business in the long run. If a customer has a bad experience with your take-out meals, then they are less likely to frequent your business.
Be careful when cutting corners not to cut too much. Take a look at your budget and determine first what you can allot for take-out packaging and second what’s important to you. Finding that balance with any type of material may require sacrifice on one end or the other. Examine your needs and narrow down your options from there.
You can also match the material to your menu needs, rather than getting one material for everything. If you sell a lot of soups, for example, invest in quality containers that help trap the heat, and then you can save money by using paper/cardboard for some of your other dishes, like sandwiches, that don’t need as much temperature protection.
Choose Cost-effective Product Labels
Putting your brand on your takeout packaging and making your to-go orders look nice doesn’t have to be expensive. Something as simple as sticker labels can kill a lot of birds with one stone.
A branded label puts your name and your story right there on the packaging and can add to the safety of your customers’ food—both of which add to your overall appeal as a business, increase your brand awareness, and encourage return customers.
While you might think that custom food labels come with a high price tag, the truth is that choosing the right printing method can actually help reduce costs and make it easier for you to seal the deal.
When you print labels using a digital press, you save money upfront and have a better end result. Digital printing allows you to save both time and money every step of the way and gives you a higher quality label to add to your to-go packaging.
How Louisville Label Can Help
At Louisville Label, we are dedicated to helping your restaurant succeed. We want you to have the best label options available, and we have all your to-go labeling needs covered. We offer labels to seal packages, logo labels for to-go packages, labels with an open area you can write in, and more.
Producing the best takeout labels is only one step in finding the most cost-effective to-go packaging, but it’s a step that our team excels at.
For all your takeout food label needs, trust Louisville Label! Talk to a team member today.
