Custom Paper Packaging: A collaboration with Sushi King

When it comes to famous sushi places in Malaysia, the one place that pops up in fellow Malaysians’ minds would be Sushi King. As the new year arrives, they have taken the step to change their packaging to paper packaging, which is an environmentally friendly approach.

Established in 1995, Sushi King serves fresh Japanese cuisine at an affordable price to customers. Now, they have expanded to over 100 outlets in Malaysia, making it the largest Japanese Kaiten concept chain of restaurants in Malaysia.

Sushi King wanted to replace their previous plastic packaging with paper packaging. They requested four sizes of custom paper packaging structures to accommodate different amounts of food. 

Besides that, Sushi King wanted to maintain a low cost for packaging, as they needed to maintain an affordable price point for customers. Ultimately, what they were looking for was lunch box packaging that is both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. 

One of the company’s initial ideas was to incorporate a chopstick holder feature into food packaging. 

However, they did not have many ideas regarding the structure; hence, it was up to Foodabox to design the paper packaging that suited their overall image.

Sushi King had a hard time choosing between kraft paper and art paper. Kraft paper is more aesthetically pleasing, whereas art card has PE-coated layer. We proposed Kraft paper as their food is dry and does not require a PE-coated layer. Besides, Kraft paper is also cheaper as PE-coating is an expensive add-on.

Since they did not use PE-coated layer, the glue flap could be stick inside the packaging. Food-grade glue is used as it is safe to be in contact with food. Soy ink is used for the printing. Not only does it reduce carbon footprint, but it is cost-effective as well.

Their idea on having the chopstick holder feature was reputed. The paper usage would increase with the implemented feature, which increases the cost for the packaging as well.

The next step is to give the client a sample of the design to review after finishing the structural design. There were a few comments from Sushi King, stating that the food couldn’t fit into the sample structure.

As a result, we tried to work around the measurements and pictures given by client and revise the structure. The new structure is then tested again by clients to make sure the measurements are correct.

It was tough to decide the right box structure, as they did not have a specific idea on how their packaging should be like. Hence, we proposed different versions of it to come out with the final product that we have today.

The process of choosing paper was long, as we had to find suitable kraft paper. Therefore, we did experiments with different papers under a specific time frame with sushi to find the right paper. 

The paper with the least amount of water absorbed would be the best choice, which is least likely for sushi to stick onto it.

Sushi King is now replacing their plastic packaging boxes with Foodabox’s custom paper packaging boxes.

Custom packaging isn’t just about looks—it’s about creating an experience. At Foodabox, we help brands like yours stand out with sustainable, functional, and beautifully designed paper packaging.

Your brand deserves packaging that speaks volumes. Contact us and get started today!

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