The Role of Industrial Containers in Food Packaging and Storage

From Small Packaging to Bulk Containers

In the realm of modern food production and distribution, the role of industrial containers cannot be overstated. These containers play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety, freshness, and longevity of our food products. That’s why BASCO’s lineup of FDA compliant containers has been curated to be diverse and all-encompassing. From 1 oz, sample size bottles, up to 330 gallon food-safe IBC totes, BASCO can cover the entire range of food manufacturing and storage containers. Whether you need storage on the manufacturing floor, containers for shipping and distributing, or packaging that your end-user will love, BASCO has the right product.

From plastic bottles and jugs to metal cans and glass jars, each type of industrial container has its unique advantages and applications. In this blog, we will explore the indispensable role of industrial containers in food packaging and storage, with a specific focus on the versatility and ubiquity of plastic bottles and jugs.

Food packaging serves multiple purposes, with the primary goals being preservation, protection, and presentation. Proper packaging can extend the shelf life of perishable items, shield them from external contaminants, and provide consumers with essential information about the product inside. Industrial containers are designed to meet these requirements, ensuring that food reaches consumers in a safe and satisfactory condition.

Plastic Bottles and Jugs: The Versatile Workhorses

Plastic bottles and jugs are ubiquitous in the world of food packaging and storage. Their popularity can be attributed to several key advantages:

1. Lightweight and Durable: Plastic containers are lightweight, making them cost-effective to transport. Additionally, they are durable, able to withstand the rigors of shipping and handling without compromising the integrity of the contents.
2. Versatility: Plastic bottles and jugs come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, making them suitable for various food and beverage products. From small condiment bottles to large milk jugs, plastic containers can accommodate a diverse array of products.
3. Transparency: Many plastic bottles and jugs are transparent or translucent, allowing consumers to see the contents inside. This transparency helps build trust and allows customers to visually inspect the product for freshness.
4. Barrier Properties: Manufacturers can modify plastic containers to provide specific barrier properties, such as oxygen or moisture resistance, which are crucial for preserving the quality of food products.
5. Recyclability: While there are concerns about plastic waste, many plastic bottles and jugs are recyclable. Proper recycling and disposal practices can help mitigate the environmental impact of plastic packaging.

5 Gallon Pails: Offering Convenience and Versatility Where It Matters Most

For smaller quantities of food products, 5 gallon pails are a go-to choice. For restauranteurs, the 5 gallon pail goes beyond just a storage container, it can be a vessel for mixing sauces, making soups, as well as storing ingredients and prepared dishes. These containers offer convenience and versatility for both packaging and storage, from manufacturing, to distributing, to end-use. Some of the reasons for the popularity of the 5 gallon pail include:

• Convenient Size: 5 gallon pails are an excellent choice when you need to package food products in manageable quantities, making them easy for consumers to handle, without taking up too much space in the kitchen or walk-in cooler.
• Sealing Options: Many 5 gallon pails come with secure, resealable lids, ensuring that the contents remain fresh and protected from contaminants.
• Stackability: They are designed to stack efficiently, optimizing storage space in kitchens, pantries, or food storage areas.

Industrial Plastic Drums and IBCs: The Unsung Heroes of Food Storage

Typically constructed of lightweight, HDPE plastic, drums and larger IBC totes are often seen in food and beverage manufacturing, providing bulk solutions to the challenges faced by manufacturers. Key features and uses of industrial drums and IBC totes in the food industry include:

• Varied Capacities: These containers come in various sizes, with capacities ranging from 15 to 330 gallons, making them suitable for storing substantial quantities of liquids, powders, or solids.
• Secure Closures: Many industrial drums are equipped with secure closures, such as tight-sealing lids or locking rings, ensuring that the contents remain safe from contamination and tampering. IBC totes take security even further, with only a 6” fill-hole on the top with a dispensing valve on the bottom. The innate design of an IBC tote practically guarantees against dust and debris entering the container, making them ideal in the realm of food and beverage manufacturing.
• Common Uses: Industrial drums and IBCs are commonly used for storing bulk food products like oils, grains, sauces, and bulk ingredients. They are a staple in food processing facilities and industrial kitchens where large quantities of ingredients need to be stored. IBCs are especially proliferated in areas where liquids like oils and water are necessary for manufacturing. An IBC is easy to fill and convenient to dispense from, making them an easy addition to any assembly line.
• Hygienic Design: Many plastic IBC totes feature smooth, seamless interiors that are easy to clean, making them ideal for food-grade applications.

Manufacturer's, Distributors, and Restauranteurs All Need Food Storage, So Contact BASCO Today!

Industrial containers, particularly plastic bottles and jugs, are indispensable tools in the world of food packaging and storage. Their versatility, durability, and adaptability to various products make them a preferred choice for manufacturers and consumers alike. As technology and consumer preferences continue to evolve, industrial containers will undoubtedly play a central role in shaping the future of food packaging and storage.

With over 75 years in the packaging game, BASCO has seen it all. We stock these food-safe containers and more all across the country. With stocking locations in Illinois, New York, Arizona, Texas, and more, we're prepared to offer fast and efficient shipping anywhere in the country! Even the most niche of industries have trusted us to provide them with the packaging they need, at a price that's fair. We're here five days a week, ready to answer the phone or respond to your emails, and help you find the perfect container for the job. Contact us here if you have any questions!