Print this page and answer the questions below, provided by the Foodservice Packaging Institute, to help identify your packaging needs for each menu item. Or use them as the basis for a “request for proposal” to packaging suppliers. For an even more comprehensive form, visit fpi.org.
1. Are you replacing existing packaging?
__ No
__ Yes (describe existing packaging) ________________________________________________
2.What will go in the package?
__ Beverage (describe)________________________________________________
__ Food (describe)________________________________________________
3. How much will go in the package?
__ Single portion (ounces) ____________________
__ Multiple portions (ounces) __________________
4. What will be required of the package? Select all that apply:
__ Keeps hot items hot (duration and temperature) _____________________
__ Keeps cold items cold (duration and temperature) _____________________
__ Keeps frozen items frozen (duration and temperature) _____________________
5. What type(s) of material(s) would you consider for the package, and why?
__ Paper, e.g., paper, molded fiber, etc. _____________________________________________
__ Plastic, e.g., PET, polystyrene, etc. _____________________________________________
__ Aluminum ___________________________
__ Other _______________________________
6. What should the packaging look like?
__ Fit in with existing packaging (explain) ___________________________________
__ Particular color or shape (explain)_______________________________________
__ Different compartments (explain)_______________________________________
__ Base and lid hinged together
__ Base and lid in separate pieces
__ Different dome/lid options for the same base
__ Film-sealable or tamper-resistant
__ Embossed or printed graphics
__ Area for labels
__ Clear component to display food item
7. What will you do with the packaged item?
__ Fill the package at the store
__ Fill the package at an off-site location (e.g., commissary) for shipment to the store
__ Store in a hot display case (dimensions of shelf space) _________________
__ Store in a cold display case (dimensions of shelf space) _________________
__ Store in a freezer case (dimensions of shelf space) _________________
__ Place in a microwave or oven
__ Use with automated equipment
__ Lid it
__ Stack it
8. What do you expect your customers will do with the packaged item?
__ Heat or reheat in a microwave or oven
__ Freeze
__ Open or close it several times
__ Cut and/or eat the items out of the packaging
__ Delay consumption of food or beverage
__ Use it to serve foods, such as a catered function
9. Which environmental features would you like the package to have?
__ Recyclable
__ Compostable
__ Contains recycled content
__ Made from bio-based/renewable materials
10. What is the estimated annual volume for this package? _______________________________________
11. What is the expected frequency of orders, including seasonal differences? _______________________________________
12.Will this package be delivered to a single location or multiple? _______________________________________
13.Geographically, where will this product be used? _______________________________________
14.Who is your distributor? _______________________________________
15.What is the estimated retail selling price of the packaged product? _______________________________________
Answers: This quiz leaves the answers up to you to find. For extra help with finding them, the Foodservice Packaging Institute will send out operator-members’ specs to suppliers for leads. Even better: Membership is free.
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