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Across all industries, from electronics, toys to consumer goods and so on, flexible packaging has been one of the key features in the supply of products. Flexible packaging does not require many materials and is less costly in production. It is made from a mix of quality film and plastics.
It offers easy solutions and is very dynamic in use. Common examples of this type of packaging include tubes, shrink films, pouches, and bags. In this blog post, we will discuss what flexible packaging is, what are the different types of flexible packaging, the materials used for flexible packaging, and the importance of flexible packaging.
Table of Contents
What Is Flexible Packaging?
The Flexible Packaging association refers to flexible packaging as “any form of packaging which can be easily transformed into different shapes to be used in various ways”. Flexible packaging is used in both food and non-food industries to package perishable and non-perishable products.
What Is The Difference Between Rigid And Flexible Packaging?
There are different types of packaging, subdivided into two categories: rigid and flexible. Each packaging type is suitable for different product packaging. It is left for you to decide which is best for your product packaging.
Flexible packaging
Flexible packaging includes various sealable materials under heat like laminated tube containers, ziplock standing pouches, and others. This form of packaging is versatile in form, you can customize it easily. While this packaging option costs less, flexible packages can not withstand compression.
Rigid packaging
Rigid packaging is more uncompromising in form. Some examples of rigid packaging include tin containers, plastic boxes, board boxes, and glassware packaging. This type of packaging is more suited to fragile products than flexible packaging, however, it is heavier and costs more.
Key Differences Between Flexible and Rigid Packaging
Although these two forms of packaging have various uses and can sometimes have similar applications in the packaging industry they are different in shape, form, durability, and specifications. The following table can help you understand this better;
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Flexible packaging
Rigid packaging
Materials
– Aluminium foil
– Plastic
– Shapeable foam
– Paper
– Glass
– Paper (Board, Carton)
– Metal
– Plastic
Weight
Often lightweight due to materials
The materials make it heavier
Size
– Very easy to transport
– Does not occupy space
– Bulkier
– Occupy space when transporting
Customizability
– Less effort in customization
– Difficult to customize
Durability
– Prone to deformation and perforation
– Less prone to deformation and long-lasting.
Printability
Easier to print
Needs extra print layers
Impact on the environment
Easier to recycle
May be harder to recycle
Different Types of Flexible Packaging
Flexible packaging comes in different sizes, forms, shapes, and materials. They are either produced in a definite form that allows you to fill it and seal on your own or in an indefinite form which often comes in a roll, left for packers to form into their shape and design. The materials used for flexible packaging are light and versatile to create unlimited shapes and forms from them. The types of flexible packaging styles you can customize include the following;
- Printed Pouches: Printed pouches are majorly used for marketing purposes. They carry the brand and product designs.
- Sample Pouches: Sample pouches are pre-formed and hot-sealed aluminum foil or plastic film materials that you can easily fill and seal.
- Stock Bags: Stock bags are plain and formed bags that you can design or put a brand label on them to promote your business.
- Sachets: Sachets are packaging materials made in layers. They come in flat packets and are commonly used in the food, personal care, and pharmaceutical industry.
- Roll Stocks: Roll stocks are often printed with product information. They come in an unformed material that can be used to make pouches. Packers will form, fill and seal the printed roll stocks with products.
Why Should You Use Flexible Packaging?
There are several reasons why you should choose flexible packaging. Let’s look at some of these reasons together:
- Environment friendly. Using flexible packaging reduces waste as the production uses less energy and minimizes carbon emissions.
- Durable and flexible; This type of packaging is durable as the materials used last a long time. Also, a lot of these packages are also reusable.
- Helps preserve food for longer; Flexible packaging is great for packaging perishable items as it helps preserve their freshness for longer.
- Versatile: You can create a wide range of shapes, designs, prints, and forms with flexible packaging. There is no limit to making your flexible packaging unique.
- Cost-Effective. You spend less on transportation, distribution due to the reduced weight.
- Customer-friendly. Customers find it more convenient to handle, buy, transport, and keep products with flexible packaging. It is lighter and occupies less space.
What Industries Benefit From Flexible Packaging?
Flexible packaging can be used to pack many different kinds of products. Following are some of the main industries that benefit from flexible packaging solutions.
Food and Beverage Industry
This industry benefits the most from using flexible packaging. You can see frozen and fresh food, condiments, sauces, herbs and spices, and more packaged in flexible pouches.
Source: Facebook
Source: Pinterest
Gaming and PC Equipment
Gaming equipment like mouse, pads, and other accessories come in flexible packaging like bags in a box.
Utensils and Gardening Tools
Handheld gardening tools often come in flexible packaging to prevent them from rust or harm during handling and transportation.
Source: Pinterest
Source: Pinterest
Fashion and Clothing Accessories
Luxury fashion items like caps, clothes, shoes, jewelry are displayed and sold in flexible packaging.
Beauty Products
Beauty products and cosmetics look more attractive in flexible packaging and it also prevents them from contamination.
Source: Pinterest
Source: Amazon
Pharmaceutical
Medicines are packaged in sachets, pouches, and other types of flexible packaging.
Agriculture and Chemical Products
Agricultural products and chemicals are preserved and sold in flexible packaging.
Source: Pinterest
Source: Pinterest
Household Cleaning
House cleaning products like bleach, soap, detergent, and so on are distributed in flexible packaging.
Conclusion
We use flexible packaging almost everywhere and in our daily lives. They make packing easier and attractive. They are eco-friendly, safe, simple to shape, and innovative. Learn more about flexible packaging and the best packaging options for more business by visiting our website.
