Advantages of Flexible Packaging

As one of the fastest growing segments of the packaging industry, flexible packaging combines the best qualities of plastic, film, paper and aluminum foil to deliver a broad range of protective properties while employing a minimum of material.

Typically taking the shape of a bag, pouch, liner, or overwrap, flexible packaging is defined as any package or any part of a package whose shape can be readily changed.

Flexible packages are used for consumer and institutional products and in industrial applications, to protect, market, and distribute a vast array of products.

Leading the way in packaging innovation, flexible packaging adds value and marketability to food and non-food products alike. From ensuring food safety and extending shelf life, to providing even heating, barrier protection, ease of use, resealability and superb printability, the industry continues to advance at an unprecedented rate.

The life cycle attributes of flexible packaging demonstrate many sustainable advantages. Flexible packaging starts with less waste in the first place, greatly reducing landfill discards. Innovation and technology have enabled flexible packaging manufacturers to use fewer natural resources in the creation of their packaging, and improvements in production processes have reduced water and energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and volatile organic compounds. Even more, lighter-weight flexible packaging results in less transportation-related energy and fossil fuel consumption, and environmental pollution.

With its versatility, custom qualities, efficiency in conserving resources, and sustainability, there’s no better time to consider flexible packaging for your new product line or as an upgrade to an existing package.

·         Flexible packaging is light-weight and easy to open, carry, store, and reseal 

·         Flexible packaging extends the shelf life of many products, especially food, and has a positive sustainability profile 

·         Flexible packaging requires less energy to manufacture and to transport, and generates smaller quantities of greenhouse gases on its way to market 

·         Flexible packaging ultimately results in less consumer waste being sent to landfills

·         Innovative

·         Widely extendible into diverse product categories

·         Maintains and indicates freshness

·         Offers consumer conveniences

·         Provides reclosure and dispensing options

·         Is easily transported and stored

·         Creates shelf appeal

·         Enables visibility of contents

·         Provides efficient product to package ratios

·         Uses less energy

·         Creates fewer emissions

·         Creates Less Waste In the First Place®
 

“Technology and innovation created flexible packaging and these elements continue to define it.”

Flexible packaging is at the forefront of important packaging trends in production protection, packaging design and performance, consumer convenience, and sustainability which positively impacts the environment, consumers and businesses.

Years ago, cellophane was the only clear film used for packaging. Since the 1960s, innovation and technology have led to the development of printable substrates which helped to revolutionize lighter weight packaging that includes continued enhancements in shelf appeal, strength, product protection, and the ability to be sealed.

There are hundreds of examples of innovation in flexible packaging. Each one starts from an idea; meat should stay fresher longer, shipping costs should be lower and medicines should be safer for the consumer.

Flexible packaging makes thousands of products more convenient, enjoyable, and safer for consumers. All thanks to the commitment to innovation, technology, and sustainability that is the hallmark of flexible packaging.