Flexible packaging comes in the form of lightweight bags or pouches and is often used for food packaging and cosmetics. So, why is flexible packaging so popular and what are its benefits? If you are faced with the decision on the best way to package your products, here’s why you should consider flexible packaging.
Easily branded
The soft and flexible materials used to create flexible packaging can be printed on and altered easily. This means a brand never has to compromise on design and branding. It allows for much more design control than with other materials.
Flexible packaging also allows for more creative and visible packaging shapes, able to be molded into any shape, size or visual presentation. With flexible packaging, your products will always look striking on the shelves, giving you a competitive advantage over others.
Cost-effective
Flexible packaging also costs much less to manufacture than its rigid counterparts. This is because it requires fewer materials, even with multilayer films. It’s also cheaper to transport, as it takes up less space, reducing the number of vehicles used.
Additionally, flexible packaging can also lead to a higher product-to-package ratio, which lowers manufacturing costs. Adding more layers to packages can actually reduce costs, due to adding efficiency with less need for expensive and complex engineering.
Preserves products
Flexible packaging is extremely well suited to preserving your product, be that food or other. The airtight material protects its contents from moisture, UV rays, mold, dust and other environmental contaminants. These things can all negatively affect the product. This in turn will extend its shelf life. Flexible bags and pouches also often come with easy open and resealable closures, further extending the freshness even when opened.
Flexible packaging is also very strong and durable. This means there is little chance of tearing in the supply chain or in its journey to the shelves. This is not only a plus for your products, but also a plus for the visual effect of the packaging exterior and design.
Environmentally friendly
Producing flexible packaging does not require as much energy consumption as many other packaging solutions, such as rigid packaging for example. Overall, flexible packaging generates less greenhouse gas emissions throughout its production and distribution than traditional packaging.
And speaking of distribution, as previously mentioned flexible packaging takes up less space in transport. This means that fewer vehicles are needed for transportation, reducing the amount of fuel consumed.
For example, a truckload of glass containers contains approximately 50% packaging. The same product by volume in flexible pouches contains approximately 6% packaging. If a product can be supplied using flexible pouches instead of glass jars, then for every truckload of jars, the supplier could deliver eight trucks of pouches. This will result in a large reduction in carbon footprint.
As with anything, flexible packaging has its benefits and drawbacks. Many businesses are, however, moving toward lightweight and flexible packaging as their number one choice. In fact, the flexible packaging industry is predicted to grow by 3.95% and reach a value of $299 billion by 2024, with recent trends showing that 49% of brand owners are switching to flexible packaging to reduce costs.
If you are looking to reduce your CO2 and carbon footprint with flexible packaging, Tyler Packaging can help. We specialise in flexible packaging solutions made from paper and plastic, suitable for human food, pet food, garden & leisure and industrial products.
To find out more about flexible and lightweight packaging or to enquire about how we can help your business, get in touch, call on 01926 651451 or email info@tylerpackaging.co.uk.
