Perishable goods, such as groceries, are set to become the next big thing in e-commerce, with more and more online retailers offering convenient and quick delivery with low shipping fees. But how can you ensure that consumers receive their products in great condition? The secret is in the packaging. 

Food safety is a major concern for grocery e-commerce: perishables arriving in less-than-perfect condition won’t just lead to irate customers, they can also pose a serious danger to their health. Grocery shipments need to be able to resist extreme temperatures, humidity and potential contaminants. 

Safety can be increased by packing with dry ice or gel packs, making sure shipments stay no longer than two hours in the “danger zone” of 40-140F°, and using European Commission and FDA-compliant packaging materials that are food contact certified. 

Packaging should also help preserve perishable items’ taste, look and flavour. Metallized paper offers superior barrier properties that can be adapted to different food products in order to prolong shelf life, inhibit the ageing process and ensure products taste as good as they look. What’s more, metallized paper is a fully-recyclable mono-material, meaning that consumers can enjoy the pleasure and convenience of home delivery without worrying about negative impact on the environment.