The frozen food market is booming. In fact, the industry is projected to grow to $363.7 billion by 2028. Consumers want quick, convenient, and nutritious options — and brands are racing to deliver. When it comes to packaging for frozen foods, two formats dominate: rigid trays and flexible packaging. Each comes with its own strengths and limitations. Choosing the right one can impact your product’s performance, sustainability, and profitability. In this blog, we’re breaking down the differences and helping you determine the best fit for your frozen food line.
Packaging at a Glance: Trays vs. Flexible Options
Frozen food trays are usually made from rigid plastic. They offer a solid structure that protects contents and often come with compartmentalized designs ideal for ready meals. Flexible packaging, on the other hand, includes formats like stand-up pouches and lay-flat bags made from laminated films. These can be recyclable or even compostable and are quickly becoming a favorite for modern packaging for frozen food.
Use Cases for Frozen Food Trays
Frozen food trays have many advantages. They offer rigid protection for delicate or saucy items and can be microwave safe. Moreover, they’re a familiar format for some consumers as they’re often used for ready meals or traditional presentations.
However, they do have some drawbacks. They’re bulky and heavy, which translates to higher shipping and storage costs. They’re often non-recyclable or hard to recycle, making them a less sustainable option. And they’re not as space-efficient as other options.
Use Cases for Flexible Packaging
Flexible packaging is lightweight, compact, and more space-efficient than trays. This translates to lower shipping costs and better shelf space utilization. Many formats, like resealable pouches, offer convenience features that make them easy to open, store, and portion. Flexible packaging also allows for high-impact branding across the entire surface, which creates stronger shelf appeal.
Flexible solutions are a great choice for a wide range of frozen foods, including snacks, vegetables, portion-controlled meals, and even full entrees. And with recyclable and compostable film options available, it’s an increasingly sustainable choice.
How PPC Flex Supports Frozen Food Brands
At PPC Flex, we have everything you need to create high-quality packaging for frozen food. As an advanced flexible packaging manufacturer, we’ve been providing powerful, purposeful packaging solutions for decades. Through our experience, we’ve seen the impact packaging can have on a business. That’s why we develop a deep understanding of your needs to deliver the best packaging, every time. We’ll help you grow by finding the right flexible packaging solutions that preserve products, create incredible shelf presence, and deliver a better product experience.
When you work with us, you get an experienced team that handles everything from the initial design to the final shipment. We’ll handle all the complexity so you can focus on what really matters — growing your business.
Let’s Get Started
Want to learn more about what we can do for you? Reach out to our team for an initial consultation.