How to Improve the Sustainability of Freezer Packaging

At Greyhound Box, we’re always up for a challenge. So, when MJ Petfoods & Proteins approached us to create packaging suitable for the freezer for their raw frozen dog food brand, Dougie’s, we couldn’t resist the opportunity! The overall project got us thinking about what we could do to create more freezer-safe packaging. So, if you’re a business looking for more sustainable freezer packaging for your FMCGs, you’ve come to the right place.

Using Corrugated Cardboard for Frozen Packaging

The freezer box is just as it sounds – a packaging solution perfectly suited for use in freezers. The materials and design used for the freezer box are like that of our standard corrugated packaging. However, what sets this box apart and makes it suitable for freezer conditions is the special board grade we used. Although this grade proves valuable for freezer purposes, it might be considered unnecessary for non-freezer-grade applications.

One of the most important qualities of freezer packaging is its strength and durability. So, as part of our bespoke design process, we conducted trials with various board grades to evaluate material performance in freezer conditions over time. The grade we chose to work with on this freezer box managed to endure extreme temperatures and maintained the product’s integrity, providing the goods with full protection throughout the trial process.

Not only that, but the freezer box also ensures the protection of the products throughout transit and storage, guaranteeing that they reach customers in the exact condition they were in when they first left the production facility.

Challenges of Traditional Freezer Packaging

Freezer packaging traditionally uses shrink film to protect the products inside from spoilage and moisture, thanks to its waterproof properties. This shrink film is usually applied to frozen food boxes to shield the products from extremely cold temperatures during storage. Unfortunately, these are notoriously hard to recycle.

However, we can explore alternative solutions to address this issue, such as utilising specially coated paper and board, which have been available for some time now. These coatings can be added to the inside or outside of the packaging, creating a water-resistant barrier against leakages and protection from the elements. Additionally, certain coatings can serve as an absorption layer, enhancing the overall packaging performance.

Is Your Freezer Packaging Sustainable Like Ours?

Our freezer packaging can present an alternative solution to the hard-to-recycle packaging currently out there on the frozen market because of its sustainability credentials. The chosen material for the Dougie’s box boasts an impressive composition of at least 80% recycled materials. It’s also 100% recyclable, aligning perfectly with our own commitment to environmentally conscious practices.

In addition to its eco-friendly attributes, the box offers an opportunity for visually striking and sustainable prints. We understand the importance of standing out in a competitive market, and we can achieve this without compromising the packaging’s sustainability. Using water-based inks for the boxes designs ensures they are eco-friendly and don’t impact the recyclability of the product. As these boxes are destined for FMCG retailers, we can leverage this box to display your brand on the packaging. This will enhance brand recognition and visibility in an environmentally responsible way.

The Future of the Freezer Box

Working with MJ Petfoods and Proteins on the freezer box for Dougie’s has massively improved our understanding of the frozen packaging world and its unique requirements. With this newfound knowledge, we’re more confident than ever in our ability to design and deliver frozen packaging solutions in the future!

Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for the full case study on our work with Dougie’s. It will be available on our website soon.

Are you in need of packaging that can withstand extreme temperatures? Get in touch!