Flexible Packaging: It’s Not JUST Plastic

Flexible packaging is an important and prominent type of packaging that every person needs nowadays. Whether one has food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, or e-commerce products, flexible packaging is essential and eminent. All industries need flexible box packaging, but people think it is only possible with plastic. On the other hand, it could be cardboard, Kraft, corrugated, or rigid material boxes. Now, this is a myth; various sorts of flexible packaging materials are easily available, and this is not just plastic packaging. In this article, I will explore and discuss many types of flexible packaging and its benefits and also discuss its frequently asked questions. There are lots of questions in customers’ and consumers’ minds when we are talking about flexible packaging, and I personally think discussing them here. 

What is flexible packaging?

 A flexible box packaging is a type of packaging that can easily be folded, shaped, and designed. This is not like glass, metal, or iron-made boxes that are difficult to bend and mold. Usually, flexible box packaging includes foils, films, and paper. They easily adopt the shape that one requires and customize it into any shape. Common materials are

1. Polyethylene PE
2. Polypropylene PP
3. Polyester PET
4. Aluminum Foil
5. Paper
6. Combination of materials

You can produce any sort of boxes and packaging using flexible packaging materials. Here are a few of them: pouches, bags, wraps, liners, and sleeves. Such boxes and packaging materials have the ability to be customized 100%, and packaging manufacturers have endless customization options. In this way, brands and retailer use this packaging to enhance their brand identity and make them convenient for others. 

Now, I will discuss a few types of flexible box packaging:

Flexible packaging material is broadly classified into various materials and used in a variety of product packaging. A few common are discussed below. 

• Foil pouches
• Stand up pouches
• Plastic films
• Bags
• Shrink sleeves
• Retort pouches

These are the common types of flexible packaging, and everyone wants to get the right fit for product packaging. 

Plastic Films as a flexible packaging box:

This is the most common type of flexible packaging; these are lightweight, cost-effective, durable, and up to the mark. Usually, these are made up of plastic materials or thin layers of plastic. Such plastic is made up of polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride. In cardboard-made boxes or die-cut boxes, packaging designers fit PVC-made windows in boxes and make product packaging appealing and stylish. These are good for enhanced visibility and the look of inside products. 

Stan up pouches:

As the name shows, these are pouches that stand at the point of sale, on shelves, and on the display. These are good for food and beverages, and they have zip and seal-like closings that make them good even for liquid stuff. They are designed in a way that no air and other contamination enters the inside, and there is no way to spoil the products. Because of this reason, these are a perfect solution for food items. They gave multiple layers of plastic, foiling, and paper. Such multiple layers make them strong and protective. These are convenient, easy to carry, easy to handle, and easy to style. Most of the customers feel comfortable with stand-up pouch packaging. 

Foil pouches as a flexible boxes packaging:

Such foil packaging is food for the packaging of medicine and tables. Because they contain a single layer of aluminum foil that makes them in contact with the environment and a strong packaging solution, this aluminum foil is a strong barrier against light, oxygen, and moisture and preserves the quality of food for a long time. This is also known as air-tight packaging, which is the need for food and medicine. 

Paper Bags as a flexible packaging box:

Flexible bags are good for food packaging, especially dry food. These are made up of Kraft paper and have the ability to absorb moisture and oil and make food protective. Like foil pouches, bags have multiple layers of Kraft paper. This is the most popular type of box packaging, and it is good for retail items. Such bags have closing zips, heat-sealed options, and tie-with-string options. Its multi-closing options make them more prominent and fit the requirements of the product. Shrink sleeves flexible box packaging:These are the sleeves that one can wrap around the bottle-like products. These are good for;

1. Bottles
2. Jars
3. Cans

These wrappers make them prominent, absolute, and branded in nature. When we heat these sleeves, they tightly fit around the bottles and jars. Manufacturers shrink them around the containers and make them appealing and eye-catching. These are printed in full colors, vibrant colors for high-quality branding and proper protection of bottles. 

Retort Pouches:

These are high-barrier pouches and are good for shelf-stable food packaging. They are capable of withstanding high temperatures during sterilization and maintaining freshness. These are considered a good flexible packaging material. 

Benefits of having flexible box packaging:

These are the common types of flexible packaging, and I will discuss the benefits of using flexible packaging. Its benefits are not limited to the below-mentioned points but extend to all industries. These are helpful in all sorts of industries, brands, and consumers. Let me discuss a few of the key advantages of having flexible box packaging.

1. Cost-effective
2. Eco-friendly options
3. Space efficiency
4. Versatility
5. Increase shelf life
6. Convenience and functionality
7. Branding opportunities

Cost-effective, flexible packaging solutions:

When we compare rigid material boxes with flexible packaging, it is an affordable and cost-effective solution. Actually, less mechanical and electrical energy is required to produce them, and these are lightweight. These two important factors make them affordable and decrease the per-unit cost of packaging.

Eco-friendly options of flexible packaging:

Now, many types of flexible packaging materials are eco-friendly. Compared to plastic, such materials have less impact on the environment and can be recycled easily. A large number of manufacturers use flexible packaging as they want to reduce the impact on the environment, and these are biodegradable materials. And this property made them more eco-conscious and reliable. 

Space efficiency:

Rigid martial boxes are difficult to transport, and flexible packaging is convenient to transport. In this way, you get low-cost solutions and low-cost shipping. It also minimizes the carbon footprint of transporting goods. 

Extended shelf lives of products using flexible packaging:

Because of oxygen and moisture resistance, flexible box packaging has extended shelf life. These are protective and retain their freshness for a long time. In addition to this, you can display them after printing your logo on shelves and increase your sales. 

Flexible packaging is convenient and functional:

This packaging is very important and reliable for a series of product packaging. These are good for products that require such features and functions;

1. Convenience in mind
2. Reseal ability
3. Easy opening of pouches
4. Portability of products
5. Flexible that is easy to carry

Such functions make flexible packaging more demanding and enhance consumer experience. With these functions, products become more usable and easily accessible. This is the reason for the high demand for their products in the industry and their success. 

Branding opportunities of flexible packaging using customization:

When we customize flexible packaging, we print logos on it. Getting tight size, shape, and design of packaging. Packaging designers put eye-catching graphics and branding elements. Brands can print vibrant colors and yield the best designs that stand out on store shelves. 

Here are a few applications of flexible packaging boxes:

Flexible packaging is widely used in all industries, but food and beverages are at the top of the list. These are good in the following industries;

1. Food and beverages
2. Cosmetics and personal care
3. Pharmaceuticals
4. E-commerce
5. Pet Products
6. Retail and fashion products

Flexible packaging is now needed in all the above-mentioned industries. These are good for frozen food and products like chips, cookies, juices, and pasta, and they are convenient and retain freshness. In addition to this, these are good for personal care cosmetic items. Good for shampoos, lotions, conditioners, and facemasks. In addition to this, blister packaging, medical pouches, and product shipping are ideal for the e-commerce industry. 

How do I order them?

There are a large number of online suppliers that can help you get customized, flexible packaging. Get a free quote from them and get free samples. So, don’t worry anymore. Understand that flexible packaging is not just plastic.

FAQ’s:

How is flexible packaging environmentally friendly?

While flexible packaging is made up of plastic, many products are made from recyclable and biodegradable materials. These are more sustainable and innovative ways to pack products. 

Can flexible packaging be reusable?

Yes, this is totally reusable and easy to open and close again. Such pouches have zips and easily open and closed ends. 

What are the benefits of getting flexible packaging for small businesses?

It is affordable, durable, and protects the inside product from oxygen and moisture; it is lightweight and easily transported, so it is the right choice for small businesses.