Smart Packaging Brings Big Money for Food Businesses
Smart Packaging Brings Big Money for Food Businesses
With food delivery services like Swiggy and Zomato dominating the market, the way food is packaged is becoming increasingly important for businesses. Smart packaging, which combines eco-friendly practices with innovation, has become a key factor in enhancing customer experience and driving revenue for food businesses.
As more consumers become environmentally conscious, they expect brands to adopt sustainable practices, especially in packaging. Traditional plastic containers are being replaced by eco-friendly alternatives like paper boxes, glass jars, and reusable cloth bags. Brands like Pot Pot, under the Yum Yum Tree Group, are leading this shift, using materials that not only minimize environmental impact but also offer aesthetic and functional value. Pot Pot’s packaging includes real cutlery and reusable jars, making it both stylish and sustainable
India’s significant role as a global emitter of plastic waste adds urgency to the shift toward eco-friendly packaging. With around 9.3 million metric tonnes of plastic emissions annually, the pressure is on for food businesses to contribute to sustainability efforts, driven in part by regulations like the 2022 phase-out of single-use plastics.
Some food brands are turning packaging into an immersive part of the dining experience. Aflatoon by Social designed zero-waste packaging that aligns with the brand’s fusion of contemporary and classic styles. Baraat, a popular Delhi restaurant, uses vibrant reusable tin boxes, which customers can keep as a memento, making the packaging an extension of the overall brand experience.
Pritha Thadani, co-founder of creative agency Please See, emphasizes the importance of packaging as the first point of interaction with a product. Smart packaging, she notes, is about more than just visual appeal; it’s about creating an emotional connection with the brand, which can boost customer loyalty.
Smart packaging does more than just impress customers—it has a direct impact on sales. Vipul Kohli, CEO of Clove Hospitality Pvt Ltd, which owns Baraat, says their reusable tin boxes have been a game changer, contributing to customer loyalty and positive word of mouth. Brands like Behrouz Biryani, which delivers its biryani in traditional metal handis, also leverage packaging to create an authentic and memorable experience for customers.
Divya Aggarwal, chief growth officer at Impresario Entertainment & Hospitality, explains that premium packaging can justify higher prices. Smart packaging can provide convenience, product protection, and even interactive elements like QR codes, which can offer customers personalized content or exclusive experiences.
The rise of smart packaging is transforming how food businesses operate. Emerging innovations include seaweed-based materials, plastic-free solutions, and customer recycling programs. Brands like Go Do Good are pushing the boundaries of sustainability, creating entirely plastic-free packaging that offers both style and environmental benefits.
As consumer expectations for sustainability rise, the integration of cutting-edge technology in packaging—such as augmented reality features and real-time product monitoring—will continue to create unique experiences for customers, fostering deeper engagement and brand loyalty. Smart packaging, therefore, is not just a trend but a crucial aspect of modern food delivery, offering businesses a competitive edge while promoting a greener future
