With a rock-solid contribution of 70% of the global flexible packaging industry coming from the food industry, it’s about time to acknowledge that going Flexi in food is a fabulous option. Gone are the days when pickles and jams were bought in glass and plastic bottles. Today, innovation in packaging has delightfully brought several options in food packaging like stand-up pouches, re-closable pouches, and other non-rigid packages. So what makes flexible packaging such a hit with food brands and consumers? Here are the top 5 reasons why the food industry loves the concept of flexible packaging.
1. Attractive Food Packaging Designs that customers love
Flexible packaging has added a new dimension of being completely consumer-friendly. Earlier opened packages had to be secured with a rubber band or clip can now be simply resealed with convenient, easy-to-operate zipper closure. It makes carrying food while travelling much easier and keeps the edible food products fresher and free of contaminants. Flexible pouches that stand upright are particularly convenient when serving snacks or measuring out ingredients for a recipe.
2. Flexible Packaging Is Terrific for Branding Graphics
The sale of packed food is greatly boosted by the effective branding which flexible packaging offers. The materials used in flexible packaging are an excellent medium for use of vibrant colours, clear graphics and text. Besides, they allow enhanced customizations such as a section of clear window film so consumers can see what is inside. It does come with an upfront cost for the original print plates, but any good branding is an investment that gives a return in the long term.
3. High-quality customization of Barrier Properties
Each food product has its unique features. Flexible packaging allows customized barrier properties to develop packaging for each product separately. Certain food products like salt tend to absorb water, and whiles others like nuts and chips are sensitive to the presence of oxygen. The barrier properties of flexible packaging allow personalization to cope with such specifications keeping the product inside completely fresh. Moreover, laminated pouches offer a low oxygen transfer rate, thereby enhancing the shelf stability of the product. Besides, certain barrier materials can be used to flexible packaging films to keep out air, moisture, smells, and microscopic substances.
4. Lower Production costs
The highly competitive food industry patronizes flexible food packaging designs as they have reduced the traditional packaging cost in a big way. This modern form of packaging employs lighter materials like high-density Polyethylene, ensuring the same amount of product can be delivered in less packaging than before. Moreover, flexible packaging guarantees longer shelf life and consumes less space on retail shelves.
5. Shipping and Transportation Costs Can Be Lower
The compact and lighter flexible packaging options for food products help manage transportation overheads. Loads may be lighter in weight for the same volume of product, and this positively impacts the fuel costs. Greenhouse gases used to produce flexible packaging are much lower than with traditional packaging, and the brand’s carbon footprint can be shrunk in size.
The Montage Group is working 24X& to re-innovate flexible packaging in the food industry. Our clients are gaining confidence that their products are presented beautifully, at significantly reduced costs, and look attractive on store shelves.