Flexible Packaging: It’s Not JUST Plastic

Flexible packaging is a crucial part in the supply chain of many industries and products. It is the forefront of packaging innovations and has grown immensely popular due to its high efficiency and cost-effective nature. 

The basic concept: A package or container made of flexible or easily yielding materials that, when filled or closed, can be readily changed in shape.  

Contents covered  

• Why Use Flexible Packaging? 

• Flexible Packaging Material Options 

• Benefits of Flexible Packaging 

Why Use Flexible Packaging? 

The main reason for the shift towards flexible packaging is the growing demand for it among both retailers and consumers. And the reason! Well, it is easy to use, portable, light-weight and cost effective. Added to that flexibility it allows the designer to create a more appealing, eye-catching design that makes it stand out on the shelf. 

From a business perspective 

Flexible packaging is a solution and a big relief for businesses as it’s less expensive than rigid packaging. And, it also offers excellent durability and product protection. Polyolefin shrink films are a popular high-quality material that is frequently used especially in food packaging. They protect the food from any contamination and thereby increase shelf life. 

From a customer perspective 

Flexible packaging helps designers create attractive packages. These packages are more convenient for consumers to handle. Additionally, flexible packaging is a form of sustainable packaging. Only sustainable printing and material is used. 
 

Flexible Packaging Material Options 

Options are vast for flexible packaging but the most dominating ones in the market are: 

1. Stand Up Pouches 

It is an excellent alternative to traditional packaging. Their purpose, –standing upright on shelves. This packaging has an airtight closure. The best part is it is fully customizable to your needs.  

Easy to pack and print. They have incredible branding capabilities through digital printing. 

2. Flexible films 

As there are many, here are the most widely used flexible films 

• (EAA) Ethylene Acrylic Acid – A tie layer between aluminum foil and other polymers. 
• (EVA) Ethylene Vinyl Acetate – An adhesive layer, moisture barrier, and heat-sealable food contact layer. 
• (EVOH) Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol – An oxygen barrier typically placed between PE/PP films, EVOH must be protected from moisture. 
• (PA) Polyamide – A film that works well as an outer layer, PA provides machinability, a gas/aroma barrier, heat resistance, and will not stick to a sealer bar. 
• (PC) Polycarbonate – A moisture and heat-resistant barrier with machinability. 

3. Foil Packaging 

Foils are used mainly by the food and pharmaceutical industries and keep food fresh and safe by blocking contaminants and increasing your products’ shelf life. It is also a recyclable material. 

4. Additional Protective Packaging 

Flexible packaging can be designed for all kinds of packaging needs – from small products to large equipment as they vary in size and shape. Flexible packaging can also be used to palletize bulk products. 

Benefits of flexible packaging 

• 360° Branding 

Flexible packaging allows high-quality and high-impact graphics at every step of your business, so you can have 360-degree branding instead of being limited to the size of a label. 

• Endless Sizes and Shapes 

Flexible ranges in size from small single-serve sachets to larger multi-use equipment and can be used in many markets, including pet food, snacks, coffee, detergents, and nutritional supplements. 

• Eco-Friendly Packaging 

Less waste, fewer costs, fewer CO2 emissions, and lightweight make it apt for eco-friendly environmental use. 

According to the Flexible Packaging Association, “When you consider the full life cycle of packaging materials, in most cases, flexible packaging requires less energy to manufacture and transport, reduces product waste, and sends less material to landfills.”  

• Consumer Convenience 

Flexible packaging is lightweight, and thus easy to handle, carry, and store. Plus, many pouches and bags are easy to open for easy snacking, pouring, and serving. 

Flexible packaging has made its way into a variety of industries due to consumers' growing demand to purchase more eco-friendly products and packaging. From pet food to medications, to vegetables, and more, the industry is rapidly growing. This perfect packaging can now be found wherever you purchase items like these and more.  

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