Are you going to add chips to your business? No matter what chips you want to sell, this article will give an overall idea about chips packaging.
Effective chips packaging is necessary to keep the chips in good condition from the manufacturer to the consumers. Otherwise, they can lose their crunchiness and become spoiled.
Here, I have mentioned every detail about chips packaging from my 20 years of experience in the packaging industry.
What Does Chips Packaging Mean?
Chips packaging refers to the materials used to protect and preserve chips like potatoes and bananas or any other snack types. This way, it keeps the chips fresh, crunchy, and flavorful, as well as extends shelf life.
Typically, this packaging is made from laminate film, plastic, and other materials. For your branding purpose, you can print on chips packaging and make it unique from the competitors. This will attract customers. For instance, you can provide information on the package about your company, product ingredients, nutritional content, etc.
Why Do You Need The Right Packaging For Chips?
Proper chips packaging is important for the quality of the products till consumption. With the best packaging option, you can ensure chips’ crunchiness and taste, and it will make you popular among consumers.
Protection Against Moisture And Increase Shelf Life
Do you want to save your chips from moisture and oxygen? Then, your only option is the proper packaging. Otherwise, the chips can get soft, soggy, and ultimately spoil. Therefore, a barrier with packaging should be made to prevent air and keep the chips fresh and crisp for a long time.
Branding Purpose
You should know that the goal of businesses is to become successful. For this, you can use the packaging as a marketing tool. Packaging is not only to protect the chips. This is also an option to boost your business by increasing sales. For example, make the packaging colorful, with unique shapes and graphics, so that the customers will be attracted to it.
Make Transportation Easy
Chips can get easily broken while transported without proper packaging. As a result, you will disappoint the consumer. To stop this, you should pack chips first in an inflatable package. This way, you will provide customers with intact chips in the best conditions. It will build client trust in your company.
Chips Packaging Material Options
Let’s see some standard material you can use for chips packaging here-
- Plastic Packaging
For chips packaging, you can use different types of plastic materials like polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE). With them, you can keep the chips safe and fresh. Each one is best for different factors. For example, PP comes with heat resistance properties, while PE can provide moisture resistance. This way, these materials save the chips from getting spoiled.
Besides, these two plastic types are cost-effective and lightweight. Also, they are easily shapable to different sizes. So you can make several functional and unique designs. Plus, PP and PE are popular for airtight sealing and barriers against contamination for a long time.
- Metallized Film Pouches
Metallized pouches mix with aluminum foil and plastic. They increase barrier properties against moisture and light. So you can keep chips fresh while maintaining the flavor. Also, these materials allow printing on the packaging to make it catch.
- Composite Can
The composite can chips packaging option has now become popular among customers worldwide. This is lightweight, convenient to use, and draws consumer attention quickly. Usually, they are built with sturdy paper, although their ends can be made from metals.
Also, this packaging saves the chips from being crushed while storing and moving. Therefore, composite cans ensure the chips remain in their original shape with a perfect, flavorful texture. Not to mention that with this material, you can print eye-catching chips packaging designs easily and grab the attention of consumers.
Chips Packaging Process
Below, I will discuss the proper chips packaging process with step-by-step guidelines. Check them out–
Packet Formation
The very first stage of the chips packaging process is to form the packet that will store the chips. For this, you can choose an automatic machine that will make pouches from a roll of film. Then, the machine folds and seals the film into a bag shape. Now, this is ready for the next step.
Primary Packing
Once the pouches are formed, they are filled with the chips. The filling process is often done by weigher, which is best for accurate measurement. This way, you can ensure consistency in weight and help maintain production efficiency. When the bags are filled, they are sealed to prevent air and light from entering the bags.
Date Stamping And Printing
Date stamping on each chips’s packaging is a necessary step. This way, you can trace the package. Also, printing product information on packaging can give customers a proper idea about the chips. For instance, which raw material did you use on the chips, and when was the expiration date?
Secondary Packing
It means placing the chips’s packaging into larger cartons or boxes for storage and easy shipping. This system can be done either automatically or manually. After that, the chips’s packaging leaves the factory to be transported to the shop.
Tips To Follow For Chips Packaging
By following some tips for chips packaging, you can make an efficient packaging option. So read the below-mentioned tips carefully–
Keep The Packets Colorful
If you use vibrant colors on packaging, you can easily attract the customer. Apart from this colorful packaging will showcase the brand’s identity. It will have an effect on the purchasing decision in a competitive chips market.
Uniformity Of Size
When packaging chips, you need to check that the chips are made in perfect shape and size. If not, the chips can get stuck in the machine and stop the whole process.
Keep Room In The Bag After Filling
While filling the chips into pouches, ensure the bags have some room on the top. This way, you can quickly seal the package, and the chips will not get crushed.
Keep Enough Compressed Air Pressure
Enough compressed air pressure is necessary to keep the fragile chips in perfect shape during shipping and handling. Also, air pressure ensures that bags are sealed tightly, preventing moisture and air from entering and compromising chips quality.
Nitrogen Filling
Nitrogen filling is an effective technology for extending the shelf life of potato chips packaging and avoiding breakage or crushing during transportation and storage. This is a process of displacing oxygen within the package. It prevents oxidation, and the nitrogen helps maintain the chips quality and ensure the crisp and flavor remain the same for a long period.
What Is A chips Packaging Machine?
Chips packing machines are used to package different kinds of chips to extend their shelf life for months. These machines can be fully automated and semi-automated. They work with various other types of packaging material. Also, you can fill pouches of several sizes and shapes with the chips packaging machines. They are efficient and best for large production. As they ensure proper sealing, the chips remain fresh and prevent moisture.
Machines For Chips Packaging
There are many packaging machines available for chips packaging. So, take a look at them and choose your machine–
- Premade Pouch chips Packaging Machine
Premade pouch chips packaging machine operates with already-made pouches. This is an automatic machine; first, you need to place the pouches in the machine. Then, the machine filled the bags with chips. Before filling, they also weigh the products for perfect measurement. After that, the machine seals the bags with pressure or heat sealing. Often, it also detects coding and metal on the packaging. Finally, the chips’s packaging will be discharged and ready for distribution.
- Vertical Form Fill Seal Machine (VFFS)
Vertical Form Fill Seal Machine (VFFS) is run vertically, which means it goes up and down. Typically, this machine forms the pouches first, then fills them with chips and finally seals them. This machine is best for bulk packaging and is popular in the food industry. Hence, the VFFS machine is efficient and maintains proper hygiene.
- Horizontal Form Fill Seal Machine (HFFS)
Like the VFFS machine, this machine also forms the bags from the film roll. After that, fill the chips into the pouches and seal them properly. The critical difference between VFFS and HFFS machines is that HFFS matches operate horizontally. This means that this machine runs straight or parallel.
- Multi-Head Weigher
This type of packaging machine is designed for precise filling at high speed. As it comes with multiple weighing heads, it can easily weigh without ease. The machine usually can fill around 50-60 pouches per minute. This makes it efficient for large-scale production. Also, it is compatible with various packaging materials, including heat-sealable laminates. Often features options like gas flushing to enhance freshness.
Printing Types Of Chips Packaging
You can use various printing techniques during chips packaging, each with its unique advantages and applications. Below is a detailed overview of the primary printing types used for chips packaging.
Flexographic Printing
Flexographic printing is one of the standard and popular chips packaging printing options. This printing is mainly used for its versatility and is less expensive. Again, you can use it on multiple packaging materials like cans, plastic, and even mixed materials. As this printing operates speedily, you can use it for bulk chips packaging production.
Digital Printing
Nowadays, this printing has achieved popularity in the packaging of the chips because of its short lead times and ability to make high-quality prints. Unlike the traditional method, you can easily control the entire process with a computer. Also, this method allows for customization and flexibility in design without the need for extensive setup.
Rotogravure Printing
Rotogravure printing is another widely used chisp packaging printing. It can provide high-quality printing with sharp images, vibrant colors, and more. As this method is more expensive than other printing options, you should use it for premium chips brands. Typically, this printing is ideal for a luxurious look and draws consumer attention.
Thermal inkjet (TIJ)
This printing type uses heat to make ink droplets, and then this ejects over the packaging. You can use it for versatile work like printing dates, barcodes, or any relevant information.
Conclusion
Chips need to be packaged perfectly to maintain their quality and texture. Also, with proper packaging, you can promote your brand ahead of competitors and increase sales. You can use different types of pouches and materials for chips packaging.
If you want the best chips packaging machine, contact HonorPack now. We have different potato chips packaging solutions to meet your potato chips business needs.
FAQs
Why are chips always packed in silver foil?
The main reason behind packaging chips in silver foil is to keep the chips fresh and crunchy. Also, the silver foil can prevent air, moisture, and oxygen from entering the packaging. Again, its reflective surface can maintain the temperature of the inside of the packaging and extend chips shelf life until consumption.
What type of bags are used for chips?
Different types of bags can be used for chips packaging. For instance, stand-up pouch, pillows, flat bottoms, and many more are available. However, it’s best to choose a bag that matches your product and machine types.
How long do packaged potato chips last?
Typically, the potato chips last around 2-3 months. It varies from manufacturer to manufacturer; often, they print expired dates on the packaging. Once opened, place them in a dry and cool place and reseal them perfectly so that they can remain fresh for a week.
How can I keep the chips crispy in packets?
To keep chips crispy in the packet, store them in a dry place away from sunlight. Also, airtight containers or reusable bags should be used to reduce air exposure. Again, adding a silica gel packet can absorb moisture as well. This way, chips will remain crunchy for a longer time.
Are the potato chips packages recyclable?
Usually, the potato chips packages are made from a mix of foil, paper, and plastic. These layers of material can’t be detached, so the packaging goes to the bin directly. However, if businesses use environmental materials, then the potato chips packaging can be recycled.
