Beyond ingredients, the packaging is an essential element of food safety. Food packaging mistakes can lead to significant health risks to people, not to mention the costs of lost sales, recalls, and even lawsuits and fines. To ensure optimum food safety, manufacturers are increasingly relying on complete packaging solutions to avoid these food packaging errors:

• Mislabeling Mislabeling is one of the most dangerous mistakes that can happen during the packaging process. The FDA named it one of the top reasons for food recalls, and one in five food products every week are recalled due to ingredient labeling mistakes. To people with severe food allergies, just one missing ingredient on the list can mean the difference between a tasty snack and a trip to the emergency room. To prevent this problem, we at Consolidated Strategy Group take precise steps to ensure clear and proper labeling of food products. We actively seek out ingredient updates from producers and implement any change as soon as possible.
• Mismatched Labels The ingredients may be printed correctly, but oversight can result in the labels being attached to the wrong package. This poses the same problems as mislabelling. It threatens the integrity of the product and puts consumers in harm’s way. Fortunately, contract packaging services providers observe the best practices that include designing visually distinct labels so that mistakes will immediately get noticed. Here at Consolidated Strategy Group, we make sure that we do not mix SKUs on the same label sheets as well to reduce the probability of mismatched labels.
• Contamination from Ink Not all ink can be safely used for food packaging. The wrong type of ink can lead to odors and chemicals being transferred to the food. There’s also the possibility of the ink leaching through the packaging material which still contaminates the food even without surface contact. As one of the most trusted co-packaging companies, we take care to only procure FDA-approved ink for use in food packages. Another alternative is to provide a barrier between the food and the ink by way of interior packaging.
• External Contaminants There are times when contaminants come from the environment like unsanitary packaging surfaces. Even the water and air utilized in commercial food packaging can introduce such contaminants. This is why it’s critical to choose contract packaging providers that follow stringent standards of safety and quality assurance to prevent microbial contamination.

High Standards of Food Safety From Start to Finish

With over 40 years in the packaging business, Consolidated Strategy Group has strict guidelines in place to ensure optimal food safety such as:

• Automated labeling solutions to minimize errors
• Pressurized filling tanks in hygienic environments
• State-of-the-art packaging equipment
• Up-to-date employee training for food handling and safety

As a contract filling supplier, our base certifications include:

• GFCO-certified gluten-free
• Food processor registration with the State of California Department of Health Services, Food, and Drug branch
• Registered with the US Food and Drug Administration
• Quality Assurance International certified organic food handler/processor
• GMP/Food Safety Audited
• Able to produce and package Kosher products

Finally, we continue to invest heavily in equipment, staff, and technology to give you the finest custom product packaging in California and beyond. Call Consolidated Strategy Group at 714-866-8301 and get ready to have your packaging expectations exceeded.

Accelerating demand for responsible corporate behavior and eco-friendly products are revolutionizing the restaurant, beverage, and food industries— and with them, complete packaging solutions and the packaging industry. Forward-thinking business owners understand that "going green" is no longer just a buzzword. It's a way of life for many consumers, with a significant impact on how they spend their money. This drive for sustainability is creating opportunities for innovative food packaging and ideas. To take full advantage of this phenomenon, it’s important to understand three sustainability trends driving the green movement.

Big corporations are leading the way toward sustainable packaging.

Global restaurant and beverage brands are answering the call for eco-friendly packaging. Numerous brands have announced sustainability-oriented projects and commitments for the next several years, such as:

• Coca-Cola has promised to recycle or collect one can or bottle for each one it sells by 2030.
• McDonalds has publicly expressed its commitment to have its guest packaging completely made from certified, recycled, or renewable materials by 2025.
• The drive to minimize plastic straws continues to spread globally. One corporation that’s been vocal and active in this effort is multi-national conglomerate Starbucks.

These initiatives have received an overwhelmingly positive response from both environmentalists and the average consumer. More importantly, it's manifesting in a trickle-down effect, encouraging companies of all sizes to be eco-sensitive with their custom product packaging.

Governments are mandating the use of reusable and recycling materials.

During the 2017-2018 legislative season, a staggering 70 bills in state legislatures were introduced concerning plastic bags, and involves its fees, bans, and recycling programs. Here are some notable legislative moves around the world:

• California was a major trend-setter in this arena. It pushed for a ban for plastic bags after the elections on November 2016. Numerous cities in North America have followed suit since then.
• Another country that has embarked on an ambitious sustainability program is Australia. Its goal is that by 2025, 100% of all Australian packaging should be reusable, compostable, or recyclable.
• Furthermore, not only has Canada’s Vancouver banned the use of plastic straws, it also banned polystyrene container and foam cups from being distributed. This is on top of restrictions on plastic shopping bags and reusable cups. By 2040, Vancouver is eyeing total elimination of disposing of solid waste.

This worldwide legislative trend offers an unprecedented opportunity for companies— and co-packing companies – to explore more ways of sustainable food packaging.

Innovative, eco-friendly food packaging solutions are emerging.

In response to the global demand for sustainability, out of the box ideas for food packaging are constantly being created. For instance, USDA researchers came up with a biodegradable, edible packaging film based on the milk protein casein. Instead of plastic film, it can be wrapped around food items like cheese, bread, and meats to prevent spoilage. Cosmetic companies like L’Oréal USA are exploring the use of ecologic paper bottles made out of newspapers and corrugated cardboard for a new line of products. On top of this, funding is being poured into research toward more sustainable solutions.

Make the Shift to Eco-Friendly Packaging With Us!

As a leading provider of contract packaging services in California and beyond, sustainable and responsible packaging design has long been part of our mission here at Consolidated Strategy Group. Interested in sustainable packaging solutions? Consolidated Strategy Group has all your needs covered – call us at 714-866- 8301 today!