What requirements must packaging for frozen foods meet?

Frozen food packaging has to do far more than packaging for dry goods. It must protect the contents from external influences such as water (especially condensation during thawing), fat, and moisture. At the same time, it must withstand extremely low temperatures without losing its function. A particularly important aspect is the packaging’s seal integrity to ensure long-lasting freshness.

Flowpacks for frozen products are especially known for their excellent sealing properties. For products that require extra protection from external factors—such as delicate frozen items—folding cartons are the preferred option. Below, we've summarized more benefits of flowpacks and folding cartons for frozen foods.

Flowpacks for Frozen Foods

Flowpacks are a very popular packaging solution for frozen foods. These pouch packages are made from plastic film or sustainable alternatives such as NextGenPaper. The production involves sealing the film or barrier paper into an airtight tube, which is then filled with portions of the product—creating the finished pouches.

The advantages of flowpacks for frozen products at a glance:

• Compact and space-saving packaging
• Customizable portion sizes
High efficiency and speed in the packaging process
• Optimal moisture protection thanks to sealed edges
• Long shelf life of frozen products
Low material usage
• Cost-effective packaging machines

Many flowpacks are still made from conventional plastic film, but more sustainable alternatives like NextGenPaper offer a solution. This barrier paper can be recycled with waste paper, significantly reducing plastic waste. Our NextGenPaper is proven to be recyclable and meets all functional requirements for flowpacks.

Folding Cartons for Frozen Products

Folding cartons are one of the most common packaging solutions across many industries – including frozen foods. They offer a stable, functional, and sustainable packaging option. The production is simple: a sheet of paper is die-cut and then folded – that’s it.

The advantages of folding cartons for frozen products:

• Space-saving during transport

• Sturdy protection due to robust construction

• Adaptable to product shape and size

• Highly recyclable thanks to paper as the main material

However, there is one small drawback: many frozen food cartons are coated with a thin PE layer to provide resistance to grease and water. This layer makes recycling more difficult, as it is tightly bonded with the paper fibers. Separating the paper from the PE layer is only partially possible, which is why such composite packaging is increasingly scrutinized by recycling companies.

But with NextGenPaper, there is a sustainable solution. Our barrier papers prevent grease penetration and are still recyclable with paper waste. This is possible because our water-based dispersion coating separates from the paper during the recycling process.

Proper Disposal of Frozen Food Packaging

After consuming frozen products, the question arises: how should the packaging be disposed of properly?
Disposing of frozen food packaging can be confusing. Plastic packaging like flowpacks belongs in the yellow bin, while folding cartons are generally disposed of with paper waste. However, if the folding cartons have a PE coating, recycling becomes more difficult.

With NextGenPaper, disposal is simple: both flowpacks and folding cartons go into the paper waste bin and can be easily recycled.

The Sustainable Solution for Frozen Food Packaging – NextGenPaper

By choosing NextGenPaper, you’re opting for an environmentally friendly packaging solution! Our barrier papers offer protection against grease, water, and water vapor while being recyclable with paper waste. Thanks to their sealability, they are ideal for flowpacks and also suitable for folding cartons in various grammages.

If you’d like to learn more about our sustainable barrier papers, feel free to contact us!