Imagine a carefully prepared plate of escargots, its delicate presentation destroyed during delivery, arriving as a messy spillage of sauce and disarray. This scenario represents not just culinary sacrilege but significant damage to restaurant branding. The pandemic has accelerated the food industry's reliance on delivery services, bringing unprecedented attention to food packaging challenges.
Pandemic Fuels Delivery Demand, Forces Packaging Innovation
The COVID-19 crisis dramatically impacted global foodservice operations, with dine-in restrictions forcing restaurants to pivot toward takeout and delivery models. According to the National Restaurant Association's 2021 State of the Restaurant Industry report, nearly half of full-service restaurants began offering delivery during 2020, while over 50% added curbside pickup options.
Foodservice Packaging Institute President Natha Dempsey notes that packaging originally emerged to prevent disease transmission. During the pandemic, packaging returned to these fundamental safety purposes while simultaneously helping restaurants maintain brand identity through upgraded containers.
However, Dempsey clarifies that increased delivery demand didn't translate to universal prosperity for packaging manufacturers. Many foodservice establishments temporarily closed or shuttered permanently, keeping overall packaging usage below pre-pandemic levels.
Design Revolution Meets Delivery Challenges
Packaging companies have responded to delivery needs with innovative designs. Tamper-evident packaging has seen significant growth to protect food during transit, while compartmentalized containers address multiple culinary requirements simultaneously.
Matt Baryshyan, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at F.C. Meyer Packaging, explains their four-compartment cheeseburger box design: separate sections for ventilation (fries), the burger, bread protection, and customer-added toppings. The company also offers brand-printed packaging to compensate for lost dine-in branding opportunities.
VAI CIO Kevin Beasley observes that delivery drivers now handle 20-30 orders simultaneously compared to pre-pandemic 2-3 order batches, creating demand for packaging that maintains food temperature and quality during extended delivery windows.
Supply Chain Struggles: Packaging vs. E-Commerce Competition
The e-commerce boom created fierce competition for corrugated materials between packaging manufacturers and shipping box producers. Dempsey notes that while food packaging demand increased, material shortages created industry-wide challenges.
Baryshyan reports lead times doubling from 5-6 weeks to 10-12 weeks for raw materials. His company mitigates delays through diversified supplier networks while serving non-restaurant clients like hospitals and senior living facilities requiring specialized meal packaging.
Unexpected demand emerged from home bakers inspired by cooking shows, seeking small pastry boxes for homemade treats—demonstrating how pandemic behaviors created new packaging markets.
Sustainability Persists Despite Pandemic Pressures
Contrary to expectations, environmental commitments remained strong throughout the crisis. Sustainable Packaging Coalition Associate Director Adam Gendell confirms companies maintained their 2017-2018 sustainability goals despite economic and safety concerns.
Innovations continue in molded fiber applications and paper alternatives to plastic, though Gendell notes pandemic safety protocols temporarily slowed research and development across the industry.
Industry Experts Forecast Packaging's Future
Key emerging trends identified by packaging specialists include:
Smart Packaging Integration: IoT-enabled containers with sensors monitoring temperature, humidity and freshness will enhance food safety and logistics.
Customization Expansion: Growing demand for brand-specific designs tailored to restaurant identity and menu requirements.
Eco-Material Adoption: Biodegradable plastics, molded pulp and plant-based fibers will replace conventional plastics.
Multifunctional Designs: Future packaging will incorporate heating, reheating and reuse capabilities alongside traditional protective functions.
Strategic Recommendations for Packaging Providers
To thrive in this evolving landscape, packaging companies should:
• Strengthen supply chain resilience through diversified supplier networks and alternative material development
• Invest in R&D for smart packaging technologies and multifunctional designs
• Maintain sustainability commitments through eco-material adoption and responsible sourcing
• Enhance brand positioning through industry engagement and innovative product showcases
The food packaging sector faces both unprecedented challenges and remarkable opportunities as it adapts to pandemic-driven market transformations and evolving consumer expectations.