When it comes to the food industry, just good taste isn’t what customers demand; however, proper packaging is equally important. Similarly, in the case of butter, it doesn’t matter how soft or creamy you have manufactured it; poor packaging would spoil it all at once. That’s where butter tubs, especially plastic ones, come in.
In this guide, we’ll provide insigh into the benefits of using plastic butter tubs. Also, we’ll discuss how plastic material types and shapes influence butter storage, safety, and customer appeal. So, keep learning!
1) Why does butter need packaging?
Butter is a soft, creamy dairy product used in our daily lives for cooking, baking, or spreading. However, if you leave it open in the air, it quickly spoils. This is because oxygen present in the air oxidizes the fat molecules into aldehydes and peroxides, which give an unpleasant smell to butter, which we call “butter going bad.”
Moreover, keep in mind that dust and bacteria are more attracted to butter, especially soft butter, when left uncovered. This is because warm, moist temperatures are the perfect breeding grounds for bacteria and spores. That’s why the butter has to be sealed for preservation.
Furthermore, it’s a fact that when customers buy the product, they don’t read every label; instead, they notice how the product is being packed, like colors, ease of opening, and shapes. This means that smart packaging has a major role in purchasing decisions without you noticing.
2) Why is a plastic butter tub a smart choice for your brand?
Now, you are aware of how much packaging is important for butter freshness and presentation. Well! There are different types of butter packaging, like foil wrapping, plastic butter tubs, paper-based wraps, or glass containers.
However, among all, the plastic butter container remains the top choice of every customer because of the following advantages!
- Durable Yet Lightweight: First of all, plastic butter tubs are a lot lighter. This makes shipping and handling more affordable. At the same time, plastic butter tubs keep products safe from damage during shipping, storage, and when displayed on the shelves, which lowers waste.
- Leakproof and Tamper-Evident: Also, a well-engineered plastic butter container with lid provides a leakproof seal. This property not only safeguards the butter from contamination but also enhances brand trust.
- Stackable and Space-Saving: Retailers will appreciate these tubs for their compact and stackable design, which also benefits logistics teams. Moreover, inventory can be efficiently managed and controlled, both during transport and in retail and warehouse locations.
- Recyclable and Reusable: Furthermore, we understand that brands today must embrace eco-friendly solutions for their products and packaging, as consumers are demanding them. Most plastic butter tubs are made from polypropylene (PP), which is a recyclable plastic and promotes circular economy targets.
Moreover, the packaging is reusable from the user’s side, thereby further reducing packaging waste.
A Canvas for Branding: Last but not least, a plastic butter keeper is an excellent source for full-color printing and IML (in-mold labeling). Owing to this, your brand logos remain intact in cold and wet conditions. This not only helps your brand stand out but also ensures that perception and messaging are delivered clearly.
3) Types of Plastic Used in Butter Tubs
Do remember! Plastic materials have different types, each having its unique purpose. So, let’s have a closer look at the common types of plastic used in a butter holder!
i) Polypropylene (PP): Strong, Flexible, and Brand-Friendly
PP is the most used plastic for butter tubs and for good reason. It is lightweight, flexible, and durable. Products that need to be transported are well protected from cracking and leaking during travel. Also, Polypropylene supports In-Mold Labeling (IML) so your labels are not peeling or fading. It is the best option for plastic branding and functionality.
ii) High Density Polyethylene (HDPE): Extra Tough for Heavy Use
Next, if we talk about HDPE, then it is less flexible but stronger, making it better for big tubs and long-distance hauling. If butter is sold in bulk or is for frequent handling, HDPE protects the tub better. Moreover, butter tubs protected with this plastic are also food safe and cold-storable.
iii) Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET): See-Through and Recyclable, Flexibility is an Issue
Lastly, PET is often utilized in bottling and clear packaging. Specialized PET used in packaging is less common in the butter industry, primarily due to its stiffness and lower compatibility with in-mold labeling (IML). But if the zip-ability of butter and recycling of the container are of high prominence, PET can definitely be looked at.
4) Butter Tub Shapes: Which One Fits Your Brand Best?
Besides material, your butter packaging shape selection is also very important. This is because it intersects with your branding, packaging, storage, and customer interaction all at once.
Different shapes may serve different needs based on customer needs and marketing goals. The most common types of tubs of butter in the market are listed below.
i) Round Butter Tubs
Round containers are the most basic selection and are ageless. Their shape is symmetrical, which means easy stacking and storage. Moreover, the round butter tubs are easy to brand as they have large, clean portions that can be labeled. Soft butter and margarine of larger volumes are commonly sold in these tubs.
ii) Oval Butter Containers
Also, oval butter tubs have a sleek and very easy-to-use design. They are easy to hold and hence perfect for the easy spreading of butter. Oval tubs also have curvy designs, which is modern and very appealing on the shelves of stores, making the products easy to spot for customers.
iii) Square and Rectangular Butter Tubs
Next, Square and rectangular tubs are perfect for the brand that wishes to have a modern and minimalistic look. These tubs are very easy to stack up in a shop for display as well as in households. The flat surfaces of the tubs also provide ample space for brand labels.
iv) Custom Shaped Containers
Lastly, if you wish to fully capture your brand’s essence, then custom-shaped containers are tailor-made for you. Butter in tubs enables your product to garner attention, create an impression that distinguishes it from others, and stand out from competing products.
So, if you are looking for a reliable manufacturer of IML plastic butter containers, then look no further than Honokage. We have plastic butter containers in various shapes—round, oval, rectangular, or even custom shapes that are strong, eco-friendly, and will enhance your brand’s appeal.
5) Final Verdict
In short, butter tubs, especially plastic ones, are very crucial not only to retain the freshness of butter but also to allow you to easily handle and store it. Moreover, the greater benefit is that customers can reuse it for other purposes, thus allowing them to remember your brand for years.
So, if you are ready to buy plastic butter tubs, then what are you waiting for? Visit us now. We at Honokage provide customized IML plastic packaging solutions to transform your product dream into reality.