Meat and poultry processing is a $274.8 billion industry1 in the United States, with nearly 98% of the population buying meat. Over the last several years, this growing market has expanded beyond traditional butcher shops and retailers to include e-commerce, with the online segment expected to reach $37.85 billion2 by 2027. Corrugated packaging has long been used as secondary packaging for the meat and poultry industry. For e-commerce, corrugated packaging serves as an indispensable component, offering unparalleled protection while meeting the unique demands of the e-commerce distribution environment.
Ensuring Freshness Throughout Distribution
The meat industry, from wholesalers to e-commerce, operates under strict regulations. As a perishable product, meat packaging must follow guidelines set by organizations like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Throughout the distribution process, it is crucial that meat is protected, and temperature is consistently maintained according to these standards to prevent spoilage or contamination. This is especially important in e-commerce, where the distribution cycle can be longer.
Corrugated packaging, known for its versatility, can be produced to meet the strict specifications required by the meat packaging industry. Its unique fluted design provides temperature stability, making it suitable for maintaining cold chain requirements. Plus, corrugated can be manufactured with coatings that withstand moisture and the rigors of cold storage, helping to preserve the quality of meat and poultry throughout the entire distribution cycle.
Satisfying Regulations From The Manufacturer to The Shelf
Temperature control to prevent spoilage is one of the most essential rules in the industry; however, it’s not the only one. Guidelines require clear labeling, accurate nutritional disclosures, and effective traceability measures. Corrugated surfaces are ideal for direct printing, making it easy to display nutritional facts, traceability information, and barcodes. Both retailers and processors can tailor their packaging designs to ensure compliance with regulatory standards while also satisfying consumer preferences, including branding requirements. And for e-commerce, packaging acts as a valuable brand ambassador, boosting consumer recognition and enabling meaningful interaction.
Preservation Through Protection
Beyond preservation and labeling, there is protection. E-commerce products often go through more handling and travel longer distances, requiring packaging that is both strong and durable. Packaging must endure impacts during shipping and handling, as well as stacking pressures during transit and storage. Corrugated materials, customizable to different applications, maintain their shape and strength, consistently protecting contents even under high-density palletization conditions.
Choosing The Right Supplier
Corrugated packaging plays a vital role across the United States by safeguarding products at every stage—from production to delivery. As consumer preferences increasingly favor online purchasing, the need for customizable corrugated solutions grows. These solutions are essential for addressing challenges in safety, protection, and presentation, ensuring that products reach customers in optimal condition while supporting brand identity and sustainability goals.
When choosing a supplier, the ideal packaging partner should possess a thorough understanding of cold chain logistics, industry regulations, and the rapid pace of meat and poultry operations. Industry leaders such as Packaging Corporation of America have a proven track record in providing corrugated solutions tailored to the meat and poultry sector. If you are looking to meet the evolving demands of product protection, branding, and sustainability in the meat and poultry industry, please reach out to us to be connected to a local PCA packaging expert.
[1] Meat Institute: Industry at a Glance
[2] Ziffity: Getting to the Meat of it: The Growth of Meat eCommerce
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