These days, it feels like every time you scroll through your favourite food order app there’s a brand-new dessert shop tempting you with its delicious offerings!
You may have noticed that among them are an increasing number of waffle shops, which seem to be everywhere at the minute – and for good reason. As well as being utterly scrumptious, waffles are relatively cheap and straightforward to make, meaning the profit margins on these sweet treats are high.
If you’ve decided to open a waffle shop or you’re giving the idea some serious thought then this could be a lucrative venture. However, before you can get started, you’re going to need some packaging items to serve your food in.
Here we’ll take a look at the items that are required to ensure customers get maximum enjoyment from eating your food, which should see them coming back again and again!
Waffle Boxes
First up, it’s waffle takeaway boxes, which serve a pivotal role by helping your customers transport these delectable treats.
Designed with durability in mind, these boxes ensure that the warmth and freshness of the waffles are maintained during transit, preventing them from becoming cold and soggy which would seriously hamper your customers’ enjoyment.
So whether they’re picking up a waffle to eat on the go or taking it home to devour, these sturdy containers provide a secure and convenient way to enjoy your delectable dessert.
Investing in good-quality waffle boxes isn’t just about practicality, it guarantees a more enjoyable customer experience, increasing the chances of your punters coming back the next time they’re feeling peckish!
Cutlery
Certain desserts, particularly those with gooey sauces or sticky toppings, necessitate the use of either a spoon or fork for optimal consumption. This not only prevents customers from dealing with sticky hands but also elevates their overall dining experience.
Until recently, dessert businesses would typically invest in a substantial quantity of plastic cutlery. However, new regulations have meant the use of such materials is now banned.
To ensure you comply with the law and reduce the environmental footprint of your business, opting for more eco-friendly alternatives is imperative.
Thankfully, there is a plethora of sustainable options available here at Elpack. Many of these alternatives are crafted from recycled wood, meaning as well as being cost-effective, they also ensure compliance with regulations concerning single-use plastic.
Napkins
Another way to boost your customers’ enjoyment is by offering them napkins. While these unassuming pieces of folded paper may seem insignificant, they can actually make a world of difference.
That’s because after eating your dessert, you’re often left with frustratingly sticky lips and fingers!
Thankfully, you can help your customers avoid this by offering them some napkins. In fact, we offer a range of napkins that will ensure your customers enjoy eating your desserts from start to finish.
So remember to offer napkins as they’re a cheap and effective way to enhance your customer experience.
Kraft Bags
Last but not least, for those customers who are in a rush and want their waffles to go, kraft bags are the perfect solution.
Utilising the strength and durability of kraft paper, these eco-friendly bags allow your customers to carry your waffles with them, keeping them warm to maximise enjoyment when they arrive home.
So those are all the items you’ll need to serve food to your customers. By offering biodegradable items that make it easier for your customers to consume your tasty treats, not only will you comply with the rules on single-use plastic, but you’ll enhance your patrons’ experience which should see them coming back again and again.
Branded Packaging
Are you looking to gain instant brand recognition and create a lasting impression on your customers or those they mingle with? Then branded packaging is one way you can achieve your aim.
That’s because kraft paper packaging can act as a blank canvas to showcase your branding. So whether you’re waffle boxes or bags, you can personalise these with your business’ branding which brings a whole host of incredible benefits.
In addition to enhancing brand awareness, having eco-friendly packaging shows customers that you’re serious about saving the planet and abiding by the new rules on plastic. So if your budget permits, don’t pass up this opportunity to promote your brand as it should prove to be a shrewd investment.
Changes To Law
So now we’ve gone over the items you’ll need to maximise your customers’ enjoyment, let’s round off by looking at the new rules that were put in place by the UK government in late 2023.
Since October 1st, the use of single-use plastic items for food and beverages by takeaways and food outlets has been banned. The wide-ranging list of prohibited items includes single-use plastic cutlery, plastic packaging and polystyrene containers and cups.
The ban covers all online and over-the-counter sales and is inclusive of items from new and existing stock. So it doesn’t matter how or where you’re selling your waffles – you won’t be permitted to use packaging items unless they’re biodegradable.
Likewise, if you’ve got leftover stock from last year, sadly you’ll be unable to use this without breaking the rules.
The new rules state that anyone discovered to be still using single-use plastic by local authorities or Trading Standards departments will face a fine and prosecution, underscoring the seriousness of the issue.
If you would like to find out more about how Elpack Packaging Solutions can assist your business, or discuss your bespoke packaging needs, get in touch with our expert team today! Call us on 01425 524021 or drop us an email at info@elpack.co.uk
