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From Crumpets to Croissants: The Real Deal on UK Bakery Packaging
Whether it’s a cheeky mid-morning scone or a late-night pizza slice, bakery goods are a staple in British life. But behind every fluffy bun or crusty loaf is a packaging story that’s just as important as the recipe itself.
At National Flexible, we’ve been helping bakeries wrap their goods with care, creativity, and compliance for years—and we’ve learned a thing or two along the way.
Why Bakery Packaging Isn’t Just About Looks
Sure, packaging needs to look good on the shelf. But when it comes to bakery products, it’s also about protection, freshness, and shelf life. Most morning goods—think scones, croissants, and speciality breads—have a short shelf life. That means the packaging has to work hard to keep them safe from contamination during transport, handling, and display.
That’s where co-extruded OPP films come in. They’re the go-to for flow-wrapping these kinds of products. For low-cost items, unprinted film with a label does the job. But for bigger runs or premium lines, printed film adds that extra shelf appeal.
Artisan Vibes with a Modern Twist
Want your packaging to scream “fresh from the bakery” even if it’s been on the shelf for a few days? That’s where tactile lacquers come in. These clever coatings give plastic packaging a paper-like feel—perfect for that artisan, home-baked look without compromising on hygiene or durability.
And if you’re aiming for longer shelf life, high-barrier films with Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) are the way to go. They help keep products fresher for longer, reducing waste and improving customer satisfaction.
Less is More: The Downgauging Revolution
Over the years, we’ve helped many of our customers downgauge their packaging films—basically, using thinner materials without sacrificing performance. It’s a win-win: less plastic, lower costs, and a smaller environmental footprint. And yes, we’ll even send one of our packaging engineers to help you figure it all out—via our free of charge Sustainability Packaging audit.
What’s New in 2025?
The bakery packaging world is evolving fast. Here are a few trends we’re seeing this year:
- Compostable and recyclable films are gaining traction, especially for artisan and organic brands.
- Digital printing is making it easier (and cheaper) to customise packaging for seasonal promotions or limited editions.
- Smart packaging—think QR codes and freshness indicators—is starting to pop up in premium ranges.
- Paper-based laminates are being trialled for certain dry bakery goods, offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional plastics.
So... whether you’re wrapping up a batch of buttery croissants or launching a new gluten-free brownie line, we’ve got the packaging know-how to help you do it right. From film selection to print design, our team is here to make sure your baked goods look great, stay fresh, and meet all the latest sustainability standards.
Got a project in mind? Let’s chat.
We’ll bring the packaging expertise—you bring the baked goods (optional, but encouraged)😉