Carry on carry-outs

Packaging of restaurant food for carry-out looks to be a very hot market. The NPD Group (Port Washington, NY) reported that 1996 was the first year that more restaurant meals were taken out than eaten on premise.

The numbers were close, 51% to 49%, but carry-outs were 41% a decade ago. Meanwhile, Wendy's Intl., the Dublin, OH-based fast-food chain, is replacing salad bars in company-owned outlets with five salad offerings, all prepackaged at each store in square plastic plates and domes. Wendy's says today's consumers favor a prepackaged salad to the salad bar.

Annual Outlook Report: Automation & Robotics
What's in store for CPGs in 2025 and beyond? Packaging World editors explore the survey responses from 118 brand owners, CPG, and FMCG Packaging World readers for its new Annual Outlook Report.
Download
Annual Outlook Report: Automation & Robotics
Annual Outlook Report: Workforce
Hiring remains a major challenge in packaging, with 78% struggling to fill unskilled roles and 84% lacking experienced workers. As automation grows, companies must rethink hiring and training. Download the full report for key insights.
Download Now
Annual Outlook Report: Workforce