Packaging

January 21, 2026

Feel the FIVE™ Senses: Why Packaging Matters More Than Ever in Food Experiences

In food service and delivery, the customer experience doesn’t begin with the first bite. It starts the moment food is seen, touched, unwrapped and even heard. Packaging plays a critical role in shaping these sensory cues, influencing perception of freshness, quality, and care. This is where FIVE™ oil and grease resistance (OGR) paper from SWM International sets a new benchmark: combining premium performance, sustainability, and sensory excellence in one solution.

Packaging as a Sensory Experience

Studies on consumer behavior consistently show that sight, touch, sound, smell, and taste all contribute to how food is perceived. Greasy hands, soggy textures, or torn wraps can undermine even the best recipes. FIVE™ oil and grease resistance (OGR) paper is engineered to preserve food integrity throughout preparation, transport, and consumption, supporting a positive sensory journey at every step.

From a visual standpoint, the paper helps maintain the structure of sandwiches, burgers, and wraps. When the consumer opens the packaging, the food looks intact and appetizing. This first impression matters. The tactile experience is equally important: FIVE™ protects hands from oil and moisture, allowing consumers to enjoy indulgent foods without discomfort. Even sound plays a role: maintaining crunchiness means consumers can hear the freshness they expect when biting into crispy or fried items.

Technology That Translates into Experience

Behind this sensory performance lies advanced paper engineering. FIVE™ offers high oil resistance and, for specific grades, strong wet strength, a key for applications involving oily or moisture-rich ingredients like sauces, lettuce, or fried foods. These properties ensure the paper remains intact from kitchen to customer, without leaks or mess.

Flexibility and foldability are also essential. Packaging must be easy and fast to wrap, especially in high-volume foodservice environments. FIVE™ is designed to perform consistently, even in folded areas, supporting operational efficiency while maintaining barrier protection. Its low-noise characteristics further enhance consumer comfort, particularly in on-the-go or shared environments such as cinemas or public spaces.

Printability is another critical factor. High-quality graphics and branding reinforce appetite appeal and brand recognition, making packaging an extension of the food experience itself.

Premium Performance, Sustainable by Design

Sustainability is no longer optional. Research shows that a growing majority of consumers, particularly in Latin America, are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of packaging and view paper as one of the most sustainable options available. FIVE™ oil and grease resistance (OGR) paper aligns with these expectations.

It is plastic-free, fluorine-free, and compliant with global food-contact regulations, ensuring consumers enjoy only the food, not unwanted substances. Its lightweight design delivers high performance with less material, supporting waste reduction without compromising functionality. For brand owners, this means meeting regulatory, environmental, and consumer demands with confidence.

As foodservice evolves, so do packaging needs. FIVE™ is already helping replace less sustainable solutions such as plastic laminates or heavy cartons, while opening doors to new applications beyond traditional wraps. Backed by the technical expertise and global standards of SWM International, FIVE™ represents reliability, innovation, and forward-thinking design.

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