As consumers needs are changing, the packaging industry has worked hard to develop new and innovative options for businesses.
One of the newest types of packaging that has an important role in a variety of industries is flexible packaging. Flexible packaging, which is well known for being lightweight and malleable, is gaining a significant market share in the packaging sector because it is much more practical, cost-effective, and time-efficient.
The advantages of plastics and films are combined in flexible packaging. These flexible packaging materials are a practical solution with low production costs.
Any package or component of a package that can easily change shape is considered flexible packaging. Bags, pouches, shrink film, tubes, sleeves, and carded packaging are typical examples of flexible packaging.
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Let's investigate all the flexible packaging information you require for your company.
What Is Flexible Packaging?
Any non-rigid packaging is referred to as flexible packaging. This packaging type is essentially more flexible and can be molded into various container styles as required.
Flexible product packaging is frequently made of the following materials:
Paper
Foil
Plastic
Flexible packaging intends to provide more affordable and adaptable packaging options for companies in various industries. Product Packaging becomes much more time-efficient, which keeps costs much lower for a steady supply of products.
Despite being a relatively new technique in the packaging sector, it has quickly seized a considerable portion of the market. Flexible packaging is especially helpful for sectors like the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries that need easily malleable packaging types.
However, as companies look for more affordable and environmentally friendly ways to package their products, it is also becoming more popular in the cosmetics and skin care industries.
Why Flexible Packaging?
Businesses use flexible packaging as a solution for a variety of issues. To begin with, it costs less than Rigid Packaging. But it also provides fantastic product protection and durability. Shrink films made of polyolefin are a common, high-quality material. The FDA has given these films approval to extend shelf life.
However, flexible packaging has more than just quality to offer. Furthermore, it is praised for its adaptability to the specifics of any product. Flexible material makes it possible to package goods of all different sizes and shapes. And you can use a variety of materials to design your product's box.
That is good news for companies that design packaging to promote their goods. Flexible packaging allows businesses to think creatively about how to engage customers.
Consumers aside, flexible material that holds shape facilitates designers in producing eye-catching packaging boxes. These packages offer consumers greater convenience. Flexible packaging is also a type of eco friendly packaging. These substitutes include rigid packaging made of cardboard, glass, and other materials.
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Flexible Packaging Material Options
Flexible packaging materials come in a wide range of options. We'll keep our list brief by only including the most well-liked items.
Remember that choosing the best packaging will be easier if you collaborate with a packaging partner. You'll ultimately save time and money when you employ the best solutions.
The following are the flexible materials examples to consider for your products:
1. Stand-Up Pouches
Stand-up pouches are among the best alternatives to conventional packaging. As their name suggests, they stand upright on shelves. There is an airtight closure on this packaging.
Flexible pouches, also called stand-up pouches, are incredibly simple to pack and offer amazing branding potential with digital printing. Stand-up pouches can be personalized with vibrant colors and eye-catching graphics.
Stand-up pouches can be completely tailored to your requirements. Additionally, stand-up pouches are protected by multiple layers of barriers. They can be used with almost any product, including many of those listed in the section below on flexible films.
2. Flexible Films
Flexible film materials come in a wide variety. We have enlisted the top 15 film flexible packaging materials below:
1. Ethylene acrylic acid (EAA): is a barrier between polymers and aluminum foil.
2. Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA): is a moisture barrier, food contact layer, an adhesive layer.
3. Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol (EVOH): This moisture-sensitive oxygen barrier is typically used between PE/PP films.
4. Polyamide (PA): is a film with machinability, a gas/aroma barrier, heat resistance, and the ability to not stick to a sealer bar. It works well as an outer layer.
5. Polycarbonate (PC) is a heat- and moisture-resistant barrier flexible packaging material that is extremely durable.
6. (PE) Polyethylene: A moisture barrier and an additional heat-sealable food contact layer. Additionally, it may be combined with gas/odor barriers like (EVOH, PA).
7. (PEN) Polyethylene Naphthalate: is a heat- and machinability-resistant gas/odor barrier.
8. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) PET: is a film that offers mechanical characteristics and strength and is also heat-resistant, moisture-proof, and a gas/aroma barrier.
9. Glycol-Modified Polyethylene Terephthalate: also known as (PET-G), is a food contact layer that can be heat-sealed.
10. Cross-Linked Polyolefin, or POF, is a heat-sealable film best used for food packaging and laminate printed goods. By utilizing a cross-direction technique, the film is stretched manually and mechanically.
11. (PP) Polypropylene: A moisture barrier that can be combined with other gas/aroma barriers or coated with heat-seal coatings like PVDC and acrylate.
12. (PS) Polystyrene: is a gas-permeable, printable film that can be used in conjunction with other gas/odor barriers.
13. Polyvinylidene chloride, also known as PVDC, is an O2 barrier and heat-sealable layer that enhances gloss and safeguards print.
14. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): is a machinable gas/odor barrier.
15. Isoflex Packaging: consists of 7 layers. It is widely used in agriculture, cosmetics, food and beverage, and medical & pharmaceutical sectors.
3. Foil Stamping
Generally speaking, the food and pharmaceutical industries use foil. Food remains fresh in foil packaging. Additionally, it extends the shelf life of your products while protecting food from contaminants. It can be recycled as well.
4. Additional Protective Packaging
The types and sizes of flexible packaging materials vary. They can be created to meet any packaging requirements, from those for small products to those for large equipment. Bulk goods get palletized using flexible packaging.
An excellent illustration of portable and reliable protective packaging is an air pillow. It shields products from vibration and shock.
It's simple to recycle and dispose of air pillows. Particularly when compared to untidy packing peanuts, this is true. Packaging delicate electronics with electrostatic discharge (ESD) bags is particularly effective. This practice is common to prevent damage from static and friction.
Get the Ideal Packaging for your Products
Do you want to enhance the shelf life of your products? And want to minimize product damage during transportation?
It is not possible without selecting the right type of packaging materials for your products. You will require some assistance to enjoy hassle-free business deals.
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Now that you have got an idea of what is flexible packaging, you can take the time to deeply analyze this new technique and its market trends. Don't hurry; give yourself time to review it properly.
If you need further assistance in this regard, then Half Price Packaging is your best packaging partner. Consult our packaging experts to choose the right packaging material for your brand goods. Get in touch now and avail yourself of the high-standard flexible packaging at economical rates delivered at your doorstep.
