Thanks to the rise of e-commerce, you can now buy almost anything online. books, music, clothes, electronics, even unexpected things like cheese. Turophiles are no longer relegated to the dairy aisles, delis, or cheese shops. From the comfort of their couch, anyone can order wheels, bricks, or wedges of deliciousness with a click of a mouse or a tap of a finger. But shipping cheese comes with packaging needs, other products don’t. you need to ensure that the quality, texture and flavor remain intact, and that requires specific materials. Here are the 5 packaging supplies you’ll need to help your customer orders have buttermilk.
what you will need
corrugated cardboard boxes
isothermal foam containers
bubble liners (or rolls) with insulation
cold packs
packing tape
optional: biodegradable packaging peanuts/food grade paper
Optional: Insulated Shipping Kits/Bubble Mailers
isolate the box
start with a new corrugated box. old or used boxes may have dents or stains, compromising their strength. Dimensional weight is something to keep an eye on, if you can, as shipping cheese requires the use of additional packaging materials that can increase the size or weight of the box. if you’re not careful, you may incur additional charges. you may consider insulated bubble mailers if you are shipping small wedges or pieces.
You want the cheese to arrive at your customer’s door while it’s cold, or at least still fresh. that means insulating your box for your trip, and there are a few ways to do it.
The insulating bubble liners prevent moisture from damaging the exterior of the box, while keeping the interior cool. you can fold and compress them to some extent, but generally you’ll want to choose a liner that fits properly inside the box, not too big and not too small.
insulated foam containers maintain internal temperature while helping to prevent liquid leaks. they consist of a seamless container with a snug fitting lid, they cannot be folded or compressed. you’ll want to choose a foam container that fits as tightly as possible in your box, to prevent movement during shipping.
Cold Packs are exactly what they sound like: a packaging component to keep your perishables cool during your travels. Once you’ve insulated your box, this is the next step to shipping cheese safely and effectively.
Insulated Shipping Kits are an easy way to create an insulated shipment. Consisting of a pre-assembled corrugated box, foam container and lid, it is an excellent option for shipping large cheese orders. the kits are also reusable, making them ideal for returns (if necessary).
wrap the cheese
This entirely depends on how you package your delicious creations. if you vacuum pack the cheese immediately after cutting it, all you’ll need is a cushion of bubbles around it for a little extra padding. if it is not vacuum sealed, it is essential to wrap it in waxed or lined paper. will help protect the cheese from moisture, without letting it dry out. wrap the cheese packet in some bubble wrap and it’s ready to be packed.
tpc tip: you can keep your paper folded and secure with a brand logo label!
pack the box well
Now that your box is insulated and your cheese is prepared, it’s time to put everything together. layer cold packs on the bottom of your insulated box, add a layer of bubble cushion, and place the cheese inside. From here, fill in the rest of the box with gap filler – biodegradable packing peanuts are a good option. then close and secure the insulated liner of the box or foam container.
seal it securely
grab a tape dispenser and wrap your corrugated box with quality packing tape. we suggest the h-tape method, i.e. taping not only the open seam, but also the sides of the flaps once closed. An airtight seal will not only help protect both the integrity and temperature of the cheese, it will also make the shipment look cleaner and more presentable.
And don’t forget a thank you card – it’s an easy way to show appreciation and encourage repeat business!
shipping from Monday to Wednesday
If you ship cheese on Thursday or Friday, you run the risk of it getting stuck somewhere over the weekend, increasing the chances of it going stale or spoiled. Consider express or priority shipping options to get orders to your customers as quickly as possible. And speaking of customers, keep them informed about shipping times and remind them to take steps to protect the cheese as soon as they receive it.
As a cheese maker or seller, you are doing a great service to the world. Whether curdled, cubed, sliced or shredded, who doesn’t love cheese? And with these tips for packing supplies, you’ll be shipping cheese with the care and security you need. For the packaging your delicious creations deserve, the packaging company can be your food packaging partner.