When orders increase quickly, the challenges do not always begin in the kitchen. A shortage of trays, an incompatible sealing film or a heat sealer requiring maintenance can slow down the entire production process.

For caterers, mobile meal programs and school foodservice teams, proper preparation helps maintain consistent operations despite higher volumes and a workforce that may already be stretched.

Identify Critical Periods Before They Arrive

Seasonal peaks vary depending on the type of foodservice operation. Caterers may experience higher demand during the holiday season, New Year’s celebrations, Easter or busy periods for corporate events. In schools and meal programs, back-to-school periods, camps and certain summer programs can quickly change meal volumes.

Create a simple annual planning calendar. Record busy periods, special menus, closures, employee vacations and the dates by which packaging orders should be confirmed.

This overview makes it easier to coordinate kitchen, procurement and delivery teams. It can also help identify periods when an employee absence, equipment maintenance or a delayed order could have a greater operational impact.

Forecast Demand by Asking Three Questions

Before ordering additional packaging, ask yourself three questions.

1. How much will your volume increase?

Review orders from previous years, confirmed bookings and expected program changes. The goal is not to forecast every meal perfectly, but to establish a realistic range.
Look at previous years’ orders, reservations you’ve already received and planned changes to your program. The goal isn’t to predict every meal exactly, but to arrive at a realistic range.

That range also has a practical benefit: the more your volume grows, the bigger your discount. Solpak offers the following discounts based on the quantity ordered:

A sound estimate helps you identify the tier that fits your needs without overloading your storage space.

2. Which meals will be most popular?

The menu influences the required tray format, depth and number of compartments. It may also affect refrigeration, freezing, reheating and transportation requirements.

3. Which components are essential?

List the trays, sealing films, equipment parts and thermal delivery bags your operation will require. Confirm their compatibility before the busy period rather than during production.

What a Good Packaging Partner Should Provide

Before a busy period, it is helpful to determine whether your supplier can support you beyond simply taking an order. Can the supplier help confirm essential formats, validate compatibility between trays, sealing films and the heat sealer, or identify replacement options in case of an unexpected issue?

Delivery speed matters, but it should be supported by clear communication. Ask when orders are shipped, what delivery timelines you should generally expect and whether technical support is available when you need it.

These answers can help you prepare a stronger continuity plan and reduce uncertainty during peak periods. To learn more about the full range of available services and how they may fit your operation, speak with the Solpak team.

Plan Purchases Without Overloading Storage Areas

Good planning does not necessarily mean filling the warehouse. It means finding the right balance between expected volumes, available space and ordering frequency.
Review the products used during comparable periods. Identify the essential formats and those that may work for several meals. Then verify the available storage space, required conditions and stock rotation practices.
A conversation with a specialist can help optimize the mix of trays, sealing films and transportation solutions. Testing formats before the production peak also helps confirm the intended use, sealing procedures and staff instructions.

Maintain a Responsible Approach During Busy Periods

An increase in volume should not require an organization to set aside its environmental goals. With proper planning, Solpak’s plant-based fibre trays can help maintain a responsible packaging approach throughout busy periods.

Available in a range of formats and configurations, they can support portioning, sealing, refrigeration, freezing and reheating requirements when used as intended. Standardizing selected formats can also simplify inventory management, limit substitutions and support more consistent production.

By selecting appropriate formats in advance with the Solpak team, organizations can strengthen supply planning and maintain a practical, consistent and dependable packaging solution throughout the season.

Checklist for a Better-Organized Season

☐ Add critical periods to the planning calendar.
☐ Estimate volumes using the available information.
☐ Confirm menus and essential packaging formats.
☐ Verify compatibility between trays, sealing films and the heat sealer.
☐ Inspect equipment and schedule required maintenance.
☐ Assess storage space and ordering frequency.
☐ Check the condition and maintenance procedures of thermal delivery bags.
☐ Establish a replacement plan with your Solpak representative.

Prepare Early to Protect Operational Consistency

A seasonal production peak is easier to manage when packaging decisions are made before volumes increase.
A clear calendar, tested formats, inspected equipment and a continuity plan allow the team to focus on preparing, packaging and delivering meals.

Solpak can help review your process, from portioning and sealing to storage and transportation, to prepare a solution suited to your next busy period.

Let’s discuss your packaging process and the requirements to plan for your next season.