With the latest packaging technology gaining popularity due to its exceptional efficiency, affordability and eco-friendly properties, more and more brands are switching to flexible packaging. Leaving rigid packaging behind to adopt flexible packaging comes with myriad reasons – this includes cans jars, and bottles that are costly and less efficient. They are expensive and contribute to the wastage of resources such as fuel, time, energy and shipment. Businesses across industries are adopting flexible product packaging since it offers numerous benefits. Flexible packaging refers to lightweight and durable materials like foil, plastic or paper that can adapt to any shape or size. Their advantages include reduced food wastage, extended shelf life and easy shipping. However, with more and more customers gaining environmental consciousness, it is advised to lean a little more towards recyclable packaging options that leave little to zero impact on our planet.

But what is flexible food packaging? What are the benefits of flexible packaging solutions for your business? How does this help save costs? Fret not! You will uncover all this and more in this post.

What is Flexible Packaging?

Flexible packaging is a container designed using flexible materials that can be altered once it’s filed or closed. Plastic, paper, film or foil, there are many materials used for creating this sturdy yet flexible structure. If you walk down the history of packaging milk – it used to be poured from big cans into the customer’s vessel until the 1880s – then came the glass bottles, which used to have the manufacturing company’s name. Soon everyone realized that milk should be stored in cans as they are more effective with less chance of breakage. Today, we see milk packed in paper cartons with foil lining. Now imagine the space it would take to extend thousands of cans, bottles or cartons compared to flexible foil packaging.

What are the Advantages of Flexible Packaging?

There are myriad benefits of flexible product packaging, some of which are listed below:

1.Reduced Production Cost: Flexible packaging has less base material, making it easier to fill due to its formability and flexibility. Raw product handling means that a lot of time can be saved during production and decreases energy expenses. Likewise, production area and storage expenses are reduced since flexible packaging consumes less space.

2.Bespoke Innovative Packaging: Flexible product packaging materials make package design unique and imaginative. It provides eye-catching and attractive designs that bring exceptional marketing value. It helps products to stand out on the shelf from the rest of the competitors’ products. Your manufacturers can be of huge help in creating innovative product packaging designs.

3.Easy Shipping & Handling: Flexible product packaging makes a lightweight and visually aesthetic approach while it takes up less space. Unlike rigid containers – shipping and handling costs are low. Conventional packaging can take up to 26 trucks to load the same amount of goods loaded within 1 truck with flexible packaging. If it seems odd, use your calculator and see how much you are going to save with flexible packaging.

4.Environmentally-Friendly: Rigid packaging takes more energy to formulate than flexible packaging. Fuel consumption and carbon footprint are significantly lowered during shipping. Moreover, many flexible packaging materials are designed to be recycled and reused. You can adopt green practices for a healthy and eco-friendly brand image.

5.Extended Product Life: Flexible packaging shields your product against UV rays, moisture, mildew, dust and other pollutants that can be harmful – simply prolonging its shelf life. While cans or rigid containers can be disfigured and are cold at lower prices since they get damaged and jars can break – flexible packaging keeps the product in perfect condition for an extensive period. This means you can offer your product anywhere without thinking or worrying twice.

What type of material is right for your product?

Many materials can be used for designing your flexible packaging. Read on to unravel which is suitable for your needs:

Polyolefin: Their flexibility makes them popular amongst various segments; this includes multimedia, cosmetics, sports goods and toys. Since it is FDA-approved – it is food safe. It is a 100% recyclable material with robust strength and puncture resistance. This allows irregularly shaped products to flow smoothly via the supply chain life cycle.

High-Density Polyethylene: PEHD or HDPE is a high-quality polyethylene that is petroleum-based thermoplastic and has a high strength-to-density ratio. HDPE is used to make plastic bottles or pipes that can resist corrosion, plastic form of timber and polymeric membrane, also called LUMBER. Due to its great durability, HDPE is the most frequently used plastic. It is recycled and may be found in everything from protective headgear to milk bottles.

Low–Density Polyethylene: LDPE is lower in density than HDPE, indicating that it has less mass than its volume. Chemical resistance and moisture are all the best bits for LDPE – it is best suited for recycling due to solid LDPE goods like containers, caps, bottles and lids are gathered by roadside recycling facilities.

Linear Low-Density Polyethylene: This is the most popular film used in the packaging realm. This polyethylene film is the most flexible and versatile of all polyethylene films. LLDPE is a perfect combo of LDPE, offering amazing stability and strength, which makes it ideal for stretching. Linear low-density polyethylene is perfect for stretch wrapping pallets and protects large cargo shipping since it doesn’t shrink as much as others.

Polyethylene Terephthalate: PET is one of the commonly used plastics that are durable, clear and has exceptional moisture and gas barrier properties. Yes, that’s right. The same material is used in beverage bottles for cold drinks, juices and water. PET is a lightweight, strong and eco-friendly raw material that is extensively used across the globe.

Flexible Polyvinyl Chloride – PVC or VINYL

PVC helps with maintaining the integrity of the items within, especially medicines and whatnot since it’s lightweight and reliable. Although it is stiffer than many other packaging films, it is a popular choice for product packaging. PVC has a variety of applications in various industries, including healthcare, construction, electronics, and automobiles.

CONCLUSION

Flexible food packaging has surpassed rigid container packaging in market share due to myriad factors, including cheaper expenses and technological advancements due to lower material use. Brands looking for flexible packaging choices to promote their products have pushed the flexible packaging industry, and the rising economy has fueled it. With so many options available, you need to find quality solutions for your packaging needs – connect with experts now at Field Packaging Solutions.

About Field Packaging Solutions

Field Packaging Solutions is your trusted and leading flexible packaging film manufacturer for various industries. They offer an extensive range of bespoke packaging products and services to meet the diverse needs of customers. Field Packaging Solutions continually grows and aims to exceed customer expectations, extending reliable and timely packaging solutions.