Ours is a consumer-driven marketplace, and choosing the ideal packaging material is integral for businesses of all sizes and types. Flexible packaging for products has gained major popularity in the industry due to versatility, durability, green nature, and affordability. But since there are myriad options available, choosing the right flexible film for the packaging can be a daunting task. The decision of selecting the right material for your packaging shouldn’t be taken lightly. The primary goal of most manufacturers is to get products into the hands of their target buyers. By choosing the right material, you can have repeat customers. If the material fails to hold up or doesn’t keep a food product fresh, consumers may walk away to other brands.

Flexible film packaging refers to the use of thin and pliable materials to package and protect various products. Choosing the right flexible film material is important, as it impacts product quality, shelf life, and overall satisfaction. Read on and unravel the concept of flexible film packaging.

UNDERSTANDING FLEXIBLE PACKAGING FILMS

Flexible film packaging entails the usage of lightweight, thin films crafted using materials such as polypropylene, polyethylene, and polyvinyl chloride. These films can be molded and conform to the shape of the product as desired. With a variety of options available, understanding considerations can help you make an informed decision. In this guide, we will navigate you through the steps to select the right flexible film packaging material for your unique needs. Listed below are myriad benefits, including:

Versatility: Flexible films can be customized to fit a variety of products ranging from food and beverages to pharmaceuticals and consumer goods.

Affordability: Flexible film packaging is generally more affordable than rigid packaging, which makes it an ideal choice for businesses.

Lightweight: Since they are lightweight, this means low shipping expenses and allows efficient usage of shipping and storage space.

Protection & Preservation: The right flexible film material offers exceptional barrier properties against oxygen, moisture, light, and other aspects, ensuring product freshness and extending shelf life.

SIGNIFICANCE OF CHOOSING THE RIGHT FLEXIBLE PACKAGING FILM

Choosing the ideal flexible film packaging material is integral for myriad reasons; key reasons are listed below:

Product Integrity: The right packaging material aids in maintaining the integrity of the product throughout its lifecycle. It protects the product against spoilage, contamination, and damage during shipping, storage, and handling.

Branding & Exhibition: Flexible film packaging provides opportunities for branding and product presentation. The right material enables high-quality printing, vibrant colors, and aesthetic designs, improving product visibility and customer appeal. 

Shelf Life Extension: Different products have unique shelf life and needs. Choosing a packaging material that comes with perfect barrier properties, such as oxygen and moisture resistance, helps improve the shelf life of perishable goods.

Environmental Impact: Selecting green-based packaging materials is integral for lowering the carbon emissions of your business. Choosing compostable, recyclable, and biodegradable flexible packaging film contributes to waste reduction and supports eco-friendly practices.

Regulatory Adherence: Packaging materials must comply with regulatory standards and pre-established guidelines to ensure product safety and legality. Opting for the right materials ensures compliance with regulations about food contact, chemical substances, and environmental impact.

UNDERSTAND YOUR PRODUCT NEEDS TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT FLEXIBLE PACKAGING MATERIAL

Before choosing a flexible packaging film material, it is important to have a proper understanding of your product’s unique needs. Take factors like the nature of the product, their shape, size, and fragility into consideration. After assessing any needs related to barrier properties, flexibility, and puncture resistance, determine the desired shelf life of your product and its shipping conditions. The initial evaluation will offer valuable insights and serve as a cornerstone for choosing the right packaging material.

TYPES OF FLEXIBLE FILM PACKAGING MATERIALS

Familiarize yourself with different types of flexible film packaging materials in the marketplace. Listed below are commonly used options:

a) Polyethylene: PE is popular due to its versatility, affordability, and resistance to moisture. Available in forms of LDPE, LLDPE, and HDPE (You can learn about types of flexible packaging in our previous post), each offers a different level of strength, quality, and flexibility.

b) Polypropylene: PP films provide high moisture resistance, high clarity, and puncture resistance. They are ideal for packaging food products, confectionery, and snacks.

c) Polyethylene Terephthalate: PET films are lightweight, transparent, and possess remarkable strength. They provide amazing moisture barrier properties, making them perfect for packaging beverages, personal care and well items, and electronics.

d) Polyvinyl Chloride: PVC films provide printability and amazing resistance to chemicals and oils. They are extensively used for packaging dairy goods, meat, and medical supplies.

e) Specialty Films: Based on your product’s needs, you should consider specialty films like nylon, EVOH, or even metalized films. These films offer better barrier properties, extended shelf life, and protection against moisture, oxygen, and light.

f) Aluminum Foil: Most people know aluminum foil as a thin metal film used for wrapping up leftovers or food. However, in the flexible packaging industry, aluminum plays a key role in protecting food products before they leave the store. While it is one of the most expensive materials for a flex pack converter, aluminum foil is highly effective as a barrier layer.

CONSULT YOUR TRUSTED PARTNER FOR FLEXIBLE FILM PACKAGING MATERIAL NEEDS

With myriad options and considerations, turn to our experts to ensure you and your customers aren’t disappointed. Field Packaging Solutions has worked with many companies coming from different niches, helping them choose the right rollstock, bags, or pouches for their unique product needs. Connect with us to learn more about how we can help you find a packaging solution that will offer the product protection you need.

Field Packaging Solution is your trusted company committed to enriching people’s lives and the products they use through powerful, flexible packaging. If you are looking forward to revamping and improving your packaging, we will be there to navigate you. Our dedicated Innovation and technical teams partner with our clients to offer ideas and guidance to ensure their packaging exceeds their goals in terms of function, performance, and presence. Connect with our team and learn more.