• Flexible packaging is becoming a more common alternative because of its many advantages, including its cost-effectiveness, lightweight, and compact nature. 
• Flexible packaging comes in a variety of forms, each with specific properties and applications, such as stand-up pouches, roll stock film, bags and sacks, wraps, and sheets. 
• While there are many advantages to flexible packaging, there are also some drawbacks, such as problems with quality control, compatibility with filling and sealing machinery, and consumer preference for conventional packaging. To successfully integrate flexible packaging into their operations, businesses should carefully analyze these issues and put best practices into place.

Companies continuously look for methods to streamline processes, cut expenses, and boost efficiency in today's fast-paced and fiercely competitive corporate climate. Your business has a lot of potentials to advance, particularly in the packaging field. Adopting flexible packaging has become a significant macro-trend in recent years as customers desire more practical, environmentally friendly, and aesthetically beautiful packaging solutions. According to a survey by Allied Market Research, the global market for flexible packaging was valued at $68.5 billion in 2021 and is anticipated to increase to $102.8 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 4.2% in just ten years.

Any business that sells to customers must increasingly consider flexible packaging as a potential solution to their packaging demands. Everything you need to know about flexible packaging, including its wide varieties, advantages and difficulties, and the best ways to apply it to your everyday operations, will be covered in this article. Let's dive in and learn how flexible packaging can transform your company.

What is flexible packaging?

Flexible packaging describes methods and materials used to package goods so they may be easily molded, molded, and handled. Due to its many advantages and adaptability, supply chain managers and procurement specialists choose it more frequently. This article will explore the many forms of flexible packaging, their advantages and drawbacks, and best practices for implementing them into your business.

What are the most common types of flexible packaging?

Flexible packaging comes in various forms, each with unique features and applications. The most typical types include: 

• Pouches that stand upright on a shelf: These bags have a bottom gusset that makes them possible. They are frequently used for packaging snacks, drinks, and pet food. 

• Roll stock film is a flexible film that may be fed through packaging machinery and shaped and sized to exact specifications. It is frequently used to package perishable goods, including meats, cheeses, and other foods. 

• Bags and sacks: These are containers with one end that is open and the other that is sealed. They are frequently used for dry packaging goods like grains, flour, and other things.

‍What are the benefits of flexible packaging?

There are several benefits to using flexible packaging in the supply chain, including: 

• Lightweight and compact: The minimal weight and compact design of flexible packaging are vital advantages. As it consumes less room and energy, this facilitates and reduces the cost of carrying and storing goods. For instance, a maker of snack foods may experience significant cost savings in shipping and storage if they transition from cardboard boxes to stand-up pouches made of foil and a bioplastic film. This is because the pouches are much lighter and take up less space than the boxes.

• Customizable and attractive design options: Flexible packaging enables various design possibilities and customizability, allowing businesses to develop packaging catered to the needs and tastes of their target market. This can include design elements like color, size, form, and graphics, as well as practical aspects like resealable closures and dispensing mechanisms. For their shampoo, a cosmetics firm, for instance, might employ flexible packaging in the form of a stand-up pouch with a spout and cap, making it simple for customers to use and store the product.

• Increased product shelf life: Foil and vacuum-sealed bags are two examples of flexible packaging materials that have excellent barriers to oxygen and moisture, extending the shelf life of items. Perishable goods, like meats, cheeses, and snack foods, can be stored and transported smoothly. For instance, a meat processor might transition from conventional plastic wrap to foil vacuum-sealed pouches, giving their products a longer shelf life and reducing waste from rotting.

• Cost-effective: Due to its smaller weight and material usage, flexible packaging is typically more affordable than traditional packaging choices. Companies may save much money this way, especially on shipping and storage costs. For instance, a beverage corporation may transition from glass bottles to stand-up pouches consisting of a film with a high barrier to oxygen and moisture. This will save shipping costs and boost storage and handling efficiency.

• Sustainable and eco-friendly: Alternatives to conventional materials like sustainable and environmentally friendly plastic include paper and bioplastics. By doing this, businesses may lessen their environmental impact and appeal to customers who are becoming more concerned about sustainability. To use less non-renewable resources and produce less trash, a snack food firm might, for example, the transition from typical plastic bags to stand-up pouches of paper and a bioplastic film.

What are the challenges of flexible packaging?

While flexible packaging has many benefits, it has its challenges. Some of the main challenges include the following:

• Quality control issues: Flexible packaging can have inconsistent quality since the materials and manufacturing processes can have flaws and inconsistencies. This can be especially difficult for goods like medications or food that must meet high quality standards. For instance, using flexible packaging by a pharmaceutical corporation with a low barrier to moisture may result in product degradation and shortened shelf life. Flexible packaging involves careful material selection, rigorous testing, and quality control procedures to ensure consistent quality.

• Compatibility with filling and sealing equipment: Flexible packaging methods and materials might only work with specific filling and sealing machines, necessitating specialized or altered machinery. This may result in higher expenses and production delays. Companies must thoroughly investigate and test various flexible packaging materials and procedures to ensure that they work with their current machinery or, if necessary, make plans to purchase new machinery.

• Consumer preference for traditional packaging: Despite the many advantages of flexible packaging, some consumers still prefer the texture and appearance of conventional packaging materials like glass or metal. This may be particularly affected by products viewed as high-end or luxurious, as well as those meant for long-term storage or reuse. Companies considering flexible packaging should thoroughly study target market consumer preferences and purchasing patterns.

What are the best practices for using flexible packaging?

To ensure the successful implementation of flexible packaging in your operations, it is essential to follow best practices such as:

• Proper selection of materials: Consider aspects like shelf life, affordability, sustainability, and compatibility with filling and sealing machinery when selecting flexible packaging materials that are appropriate for your product and target market. Consider utilizing a foil or film vacuum-sealed pouch with a high barrier to oxygen and moisture, for instance, if you are packaging a product with a limited shelf life. If sustainability is necessary, consider using paper or bioplastics rather than conventional plastics.

• Testing and quality control measures: Implement stringent testing and quality control procedures to guarantee that your flexible packaging products and methods are reliable and compliant with all applicable regulations. This might entail conducting practical and lab tests, like tensile strength and moisture barrier tests.

• Partnering with experienced suppliers and manufacturers: Work with seasoned suppliers and producers who have experience creating flexible packaging materials and solutions of the highest caliber. They can guide you through the possibilities and ensure you choose the right tools and methods for your particular need. At Packmatic, we can make it simple for you to locate vendors like those mentioned.

In conclusion, because of its many advantages and adaptability, flexible packaging has recently become a critical macrotrend. Since it may help businesses to streamline operations, cut costs, and boost efficiency, it is becoming an increasingly attractive option for supply chain managers and procurement specialists. Customers are drawn to flexible packaging because of its adaptability, sustainability, and customizable design options. To be successful, businesses must carefully analyze the many forms of flexible packaging, their advantages and disadvantages, and the best strategies for integrating them into their processes. Following these best practices can help businesses incorporate flexible packaging into their supply chains and procurement processes successfully and efficiently, which will increase sales, lower costs, and improve environmental impact.

Are you interested in turning your packaging into a flexible one? Schedule a free call with our team of packaging and procurement experts today!