TakeOutTalk

2012 Product Spotlight- Chapter 1: Microwaveable Plastic Containers with Compartments!

   We've got a lot of exciting news this Spring. With the flowers and trees blossoming early, we're getting a jump start on freshening up our website. To make this happen, we're adding a lot of new products to the website. Whether it's a brand new line of products or enhancements to one of our present lines, we want to provide our customers with all they need. Our New Product blog series kicks off with a customer favorite, The Microwaveable Plastic Food Containers.  

   Originally, we offered this product in eight different sizes: three round, four rectangular, and one large square. Now, we've taken two popular sizes, 28 oz and 38 oz, and added compartments! Our 28 oz. has two compartments and the 38 oz. has three. Customers love these containers because of their durability and versatility. The food containers have various features, including: microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe, on top of their ability to be stacked and are proven to be leak resistant. 

   
When you present a top quality product to your customer, you're showing them that you take pride in what you're serving them, and our microwaveable plastic food containers will do just that. The compartments allow for your meals to be preserved while in transit while keeping them hot and fresh. Your customers will also have the option to freeze the meal for a later date. You surely can't do that with many other containers, especially styrofoam! Even after the meal has be devoured, your customers will dishwash and reuse your containers. We can't tell you how many Chinese restaurants are utilizing these containers for all their take out food.

Explore our even large selection of sizes and options, and we assure you that you won't be disappointed!

Walking Billboards: The Scoop on Customizing our Products

   One of our most frequently asked questions is, “How do I customize your products?” Coming into the packaging business, many people aren’t aware of all the contributing factors and details that go into getting your logo on a product.

   First, there’s always going to be an additional cost or a difference in pricing when you’re altering a  stock-run product. Adding your logo is going to add a step in the process of completing the bags to your liking. Every added step adds time and man/machine power, both of which cost money.

   Another big factor with the custom process is quantity, or the number of boxes, bags, or products you need with your logo on it. The number of products you want customize will directly impact what type of printing works best for you (the type of printing is another factor, we’ll touch on next). There are two basic forms of printing, there’s printing during the manufacturing process and then there’s post-printing, or adding your logo after the product is made.

   There are a lot of  products on our website that can only be printed during manufacturing because of their structure. When that occurs your minimum is usually going to increase significantly. Reason being is the costs of production and materials. Pretty much your custom run has to be worth the production costs to get the product made. So when your minimum is upwards of 50,000-100,000 units, you’ll now know why.

   Now those super minimums aren’t always the case, depending on the product minimums can range from 1,000 units to 25,000 units. Minimums and pricing will depend upon your artwork and the type of printing being done. The number of colors in your artwork also have an impact on the minimum. Lower minimums are usually done via post printing methods including: foil hot stamping, screen printing, and flexo-printing.

   Almost anything can be done with custom packaging from sizing options to design work, but an important thing to remember is that the more customized you want it, the higher the minimums and cost.

   Don’t let the details of customization discourage you from taking the next step in the process.
 A great way for your customers to recognize your brand is to see it in the hands of other customers. Your custom bags and boxes are walking billboards and free endorsements from your customers.

   Give us a call and let us know what you’d like to do. We’ll explore each of the customizing options with you and figure out which option would work best for you. Browse www.MrTakeOutBags.com and see which products you want your customers to be endorsing!

 

Specially Designed Clear Cupcake Take Out Bags

   MrTakeOutBags.com is excited to share that our popular clear, cupcake take out bag is back in-stock and newly re-designed. The owner of MrTakeOutBags.com and his sales representatives have constantly listened to their customer’s and their needs. A common thread amongst cupcake business owners was their need for a specific sized take out bag. This bag would be a unique design while able to let their dozen cupcake box sit perfectly at the bottom.

   Before the making of this bag, we had a few options of take out bags that could work, but we want a specific design that was for our cupcake box customers. With that idea and our customer requests, we designed our Clear, Cupcake take out bag. We did a trial run with a 15” x 10” x 12” bag and quickly ran out. After working with our samples, we found that a few tweaks needed to be made. We added an inch in the length, a quarter of an inch in the width, and lowered the case quantity from 250 bags to 100 bags per case.

   What does everyone think about these bags? We hear customers appreciate the sturdiness of the cardboard-bottom insert, the strong, yet clear and visible plastic walls, and the heavy-duty handle.

   What MrTakeOutBags.com wants to emphasize is the importance of the almighty customer and what you have to say/suggest. We want your questions, concerns, and suggestions to keep coming. We’ll keep trying to improve our service and products to best suit your needs. Shoot us some feedback on our newly updated Facebook Page, Our Twitter account (@MrTakeOutBags), and through this blog. We look forward to working with you more!

 

The Hard Facts on the Mysterious #7 Plastics and our PLA Products

   It was recently brought to our attention that our beloved PLA (fully compostable plastic liner) products were labeled a number 7 plastic. In some eyes #7 plastics are the “catch-all” for miscellaneous plastics that were not mainstream 20-30 years ago when the number system was created by the chemical industry. With these plastics not being categorized, it is known that some #7 plastics contain Bisphenol A (BPA). BPA has been known to be a controversial chemical used in the making of some plastics.

   With this knowledge of BPA, you could understand our urgency after a customer alerted us that if a plastic is labeled as a number 7 plastic, then it automatically contains BPA. Unbeknownst to us, we quickly got on the phone with our manufacturer, and got a lengthy explanation from the CEO of Asean, Mr. Buzz Chandler. Asean provides us with our Compostable lines of paper coffee cups, paper soup cups, plastic cold cups, and plastic deli containers. In addition to our Asean products, we also carry many other products with the fully compostable liner. Mr. Chadler elouquently set the record straight. Please see highlights from his email below.

“PLA is currently classified as a "7" on the plastics recycling symbols. The "7" number was the one made for being the "catch-all" number for all those plastics that were not mainstream 20-30 years ago when the number system was developed by the chemical industry.   In fact PLA wasn't even invented yet back then.

Since then with the emergence of bioplastics, and there are a lot of them, the traditional plastics industry has really dragged their heels at updating the numbers and symbols for obvious reasons. The numbering system, by the way, is a system conceived, owned, and administered by the plastics industry, not any government or similar agency. It is a private industry 'rating" system.

There is work being done to come up with a new system or a revised and updated system, but the speed is glacial as one would expect, the old school is not excited about changing "their rules" for the new kids on the block, so to speak.

Unless a manufacture of an end product specifically needs or wants to put BPA in a product as an additive for whatever reason, that is how BPA could get into the PLA.   But no PLA, at least from Nature Works Ingeo (who we use exclusively) has any BPA added to it. NatureWorks does not put it in the resins, nor do we use it on any of our products.” 

 

2011 was an exciting year for us at MrTakeOutBags.com. We are honored to have such loyal customers, and want to continue to offer you the best in food service packaging and service! All the best to you and your business in the upcoming year. Stay tuned as we resume blogging :)

New! Cupcake Liners and Cupcake Wrappers!

Add the perfect finishing touch to your cupcake’s presentation with our newest addition, cupcake liners and wrappers! Whether you are using the liners and wrappers to bake in or dress up, it’s obvious to see why these little additions are so popular! With so many cupcake shops popping up around the nation, every baker is trying to make their creations stand out and what better way than to use these creative cupcake liners and wrappers!

With both these products there is one major difference, the liners are able to be used in a conventional oven, whereas the wrappers are used only for decoration. Every baker uses some type of liner while their creations transform, and with our new tulip and lotus cupcake liners you can add a touch of flare with their unique designs. Most standard baking cups are boring and add no special value to your cupcakes’ presentation. The lotus and tulip liners are a resemblance of the actual flower pedals, which can beautifully compliment your cupcakes!

These liners are available in the 2 styles and in small and large sizes. Each size perfectly fits into one of our cupcake inserts, so you don’t have to worry about cupcakes not fitting properly. Our small lotus baking cups fit into our mini inserts, while the large lotus, small tulip, and cupcake wrappers fit into the regular inserts. Finally the large tulip is designed to fit into our jumbo cupcake inserts. With the ability to be baked in an oven up to 425 degrees, it makes decoration that much easier!

In addition to our cupcake baking liners, we also have our cupcake wrappers! These interlocking wrappers easily hug and lock around your cupcakes for an easy finishing touch! Our cupcake wrappers are available in white and red and black and white polka dot, and topped off with the reversible feature! All of our cupcake wrappers fit perfectly in our regular cup inserts.
 

Your feedback is always important to us and we want to hear what you have to say! Share how our packaging is helping your business grow. Order online at www.MrTakeOutBags.com or by phone: 888-321-2248. We continually thank you for your support and on-going business!

MrTakeOutBags.com adds Wine bottle bags, bakery bags, and fried chicken take out bags!

We can’t get enough of bags! Whether they are take out bags, candy bags, or wine bags – you’ll be sure to find all that you need at MrTakeOutBags.com! As we continue to expand our collection of bags, we want to inform you of our newest additions. If you’re in the wine, bakery, candy, or fried food business, lend us your ears, as we have some specialty bags just for YOU!

For our wine connoisseurs, we have added a new style to our wine bottle bag section that is available in both the single and double bottle sizes. Our Apple-Handle style bags are a unique way to package any of your spirited bottles. The single, flat handle is a durable strap that can endure heavier weights than most handles. This handle is also much different than most wine bottle bags. In addition to wine bottles, these bags can be used for many other uses including gifts, food, and much more! These brown kraft bags are also biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable. Unique packaging is what can make your business stand out amongst the rest!

Now for our bakers and candy makers, we’re very excited to introduce our new line of grease-resistant, windowed candy and bakery bags! With all the great features of this bag, we’re excited to share it with you! We know that candy and baked goods come in all different forms, and messy being one of them. As we like to say, the messier, the yummier! These new kraft bags are made with a grease-resistant additive that prevents those messy goodies from showing through. No matter what the treat is, this bag can withstand it!

In addition to the bag’s functionality, it’s serves an even better purpose of showing off your baked goods and candies. What’s more important than giving your customer that makes their jaw drop? Well, this bakery bag’s over-sized window will do just that! We are offering three convenient sizes, including: 4#, 6#, and 8#. Use these bags for baked goods, candies, popcorn, and any other delicious treat!

Finally, we are now offering a Fried Chicken paper carry out bag for all our restaurant and take out businesses! With our Hot-to-go boxes being such a big hit, we felt it would only be appropriate to add a windowed take out bag to the fried food collection! These white bags have a fun chicken design on top of the window that reads, “Fried Chicken” and also had “Chicken” stamped in the gusset of the bag. The windows also give you the opportunity to show off your amazing food. The oil and grease resistant paper prevents messes while keeping your food hot, without it going soggy. Our fried food bags are available in individual and family size portions.

No matter what your business may be, we will provide you with top quality product for your specific needs! For questions on products or to place an order, please don’t hesitate to contact us at (888)321-2248.

 

Disposable On-the-go Coffee & Beverage Supplies Now Available at MrTakeOutbags.com

Most morning commutes consists of getting out the door in time, traffic, and a hot coffee to kick start your day! Most people don’t have the luxury to sit down and enjoy their breakfast or even that cup of java, and that’s why disposable paper coffee cups are a key product for all businesses. 

MrTakeOutBags.com offers a wide selection of various paper coffee cups, matching lids, all types of sleeves, cup carriers, and large quantities of coffee to-go-carriers. With multiple green-friendly options, there is a type of product for every business! 

Our paper coffee cup line offers three fully compostable coffee cups, including the double-wall insulted Planet+. All three of these cups are lined with a PLA liner that allows for the entire cup to compost, biodegrade, and be recycled. In addition, we have fully recycle paper cups including a plain white and our two popular designs: coffee revolution and coffee swirl.

Rounding out our paper coffee cups are the unique insulted coffee cups. Cut out the use for coffee sleeves with these paper coffee cups. Already constructed with a built-in sleeve, these cups are able to keep your coffee, tea, and cocoa hotter longer, while giving you a comfortable hold on your cup! 

But, if you’re looking to give your customers the sleeve option, browse our selection of coffee cup sleeves. We offer everything from white and brown kraft, to eco-friendly kraft to the recyclable, ink and tree-free foam material sleeve! The EcoSleeve has 66% less waste than paper sleeves and is the most cost efficient! In addition, all of our kraft sleeves are biodegradable and recyclable. Each sleeve has the ability to be customized with your logo as well!  

Convenience is a key factor with any to-go order, which is why we want to provide you with various drink cup carriers and coffee-to-go carriers. We’ll provide you with everything from handled or non handled cup carriers to two or four cup carriers. Looking for something with a larger capacity? Try one of our coffee-to-go carriers that can 96 oz of coffee to 3 gallons!

No matter what you may be looking for in disposable beverage and coffee supplies, MrTakeOutBags.com will offer you a wide selection, competitive prices, and top quality products!

 

Bio Pak Boxes: The importance of having options and going green

When it comes to the food industry all consumers know of the endless options of different plates. With many different food groups and the millions of ways you can throw a meal together, it is only obvious that having a bigger selection of anything is better. Especially when it comes to your take out options! A take out box is more than just that of a box, it’s a personalized compliment to the chef for a job well down. It says, “This meal is too good to go to waste, so I will be enjoying the rest of this meal over the 11 o’clock news or tomorrow’s lunch.”

Here’s the scary note, many food businesses are trying to be economical and stick with Styrofoam containers, with that many take out orders are usually eaten straight from the box. That is why leftovers are so great; it’s a fabulous meal, ready to eat without the hassle. But, before you go and heat up those leftovers sitting in the Styrofoam containers, ask yourself if you want to be eating harmful chemicals? Even if it’s for a quick 30 seconds, the Styrofoam will begin to heat and melt to a certain degree and can get into your delicious meal!

It might seem like a small problem, but think of how many people bring leftovers home or to work and heat their food without thinking. Now’s the time to protect our health while still protecting our planet. This can easily be done with a smooth transition in the change of your take-out boxes. The ideal replacement: Bio-Pak boxes. The latest and most unique line of take out boxes are available at MrTakeOutBags.com in all sizes and styles. You want options and a big selection? We are the only distributor to off every style and every size!

When offering all size style of the bio-pak take-out boxes, we give you the option to ch
oose which price, style, and green-friendly level which is best for you! The most green-friendly option is our Bio-pak Terra because of it’s capabilities to full compost in a commercial composting facility. The fully compostable liner separates this take out box from the others in the line. At a more economical cost with green-friendly features, our most popular bio-pak box is the bio-plus Earth that is 100% recyclable!

The bio-pak Sonoma and Inspired by Nature lines are a great take out box with a subtle design. But, if you’re looking for something more along the lines of simple, the bio-pak black and white boxes are perfect for just that.

The little things eventually begin to add up, and with some things it may be good, but in this case the cheap and harmful Styrofoam containers need to be put to rest. Let’s have the food industry move forward! MrTakeOutBags.com can help with taking the next step! Check out this little video for info!  

Ring in the New Year with our latest green-friendly clamshell containers, plates, and cutlery!

First and most importantly, we would like to extend our best wishes to you and your business in this upcoming year! Let’s make it a green one! Sustainable food service packaging and products are the future of the food and restaurant industry. Slowly but surely foam containers and coffee cups will begin  to disappear and compostable/ recyclable items will be the only products on the market. Be the first in the business to take the green imitative and let MrTakeOutBags.com be your number one source for top quality products at competitive prices.

The Clamshell-designed container has always been a restaurant favorite, and now you can finally ditch the Styrofoam type for the new Sugar Cane fiber products. MrTakeOutBags is excited to announce the launch of our new line of ASEAN products! This green-friendly line includes sugar cane fiber clamshell containers, two sizes of plates, one platter, and individually and set wrapped cutlery! Start this New Year off fresh and with a green state of mind.

So what makes these new clamshell containers, plates, and platters so special? Well this new line is made from sugar cane fibers, which is a byproduct from the sugar refining process. These fibers are fully recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable! These fibers also provide a more durable feel for those heavier foods, whether they’re leftovers or you’re serving up a plate-full at a picnic. All the products are 100% plastic and tree free, giving you the ultimate eco-friendly product!

The clamshell containers are a convenient shape and ideal for all take out items. The one-piece, lock top makes loading your food in a breeze! No more worrying about messes or leaks, these containers are made to be leak-proof. You’ll take out containers will be set with the three available sizes! The first size is the basic hamburger/sandwich container, while the hoagie container is a longer version that is ideal for hoagies, wraps, or even a delicious strip steak. Finally, our full three-compartment meal box is perfect for those full course meals. You won’t be disappointed with the quality of these containers!

In addition to the sugar cane fiber containers, we are now also selling two-sized plates and one large platter made from the same material! The compostable plates are a heavy-duty structure that can hold the largest of amount of food the surface can contain. In a simple off-white, natural color, these plates can be used for picnic, parties, or large catered events! We have provided you with three convenient sizes including 7” and 10” circular plates and a large 12” oval platter.

Finally, to wrap up our new line of ASEAN products, you can never get enough of wrapped, green-friendly cutlery. Everything from the utensils themselves to the packaging that contains them is fully compostable and recyclable. With the option of having the utensils individually wrapped or wrapped as a kit, you are able to provide your customers with sanitary utensils. This particular cutlery line is made from Crystallized Polyalatic Acid (CPA) and has the ability to be fully compostable in commercialized facilities. With a shelf life of five years (in a dry environment) you can’t find a better green option in the cutlery department!

As always, MrTakeOutBags.com is looking to better your experience and satisfaction with our business, so please give us your feed back. What are we doing right and what can be improved? Best Wishes in 2011!