Flexible packaging is becoming increasingly popular among food and industrial manufacturers. Plastic pouches are being used as packaging for more and more products, including mayonnaise, ketchup, meats and pet foods. Flexible plastic packaging offers many advantages over traditional rigid plastics. It is more cost-effective because less material is used in making the pouch packaging. Lighter packaging means lower transportation costs. Many pouch packaging services offer complete solutions, from innovative zippered pouches to no heat shrink sleeve labels.
Flexible plastic packaging keeps food fresh
Heat sealed plastic pouches and wraps create an airtight seal which keeps food fresh and safe from contamination. According to packaging experts, plastic packaging can reduce food waste, with each pound of packaging preventing the waste of up to 1.7 pounds of food.
Resealable pouches, with innovative seals like inno-lock and zippers, also prevent further waste. Food can be safely stored for longer periods of time even after the packet has been opened. For all of these reasons, flexible packaging is becoming more popular with manufacturers of meats, cheeses, and pet food.
Lighter weights mean lower transportation costs
Lighter weight packing has numerous advantages for manufacturers. Less materials used in production mean lower costs. It’s also better for the environment. Lighter packaging means reduced fuel consumption and lower transportation costs. This is one area that flexible packaging has a big advantage over traditional kinds: by volume, one truckload of flexible plastic packaging equals 26 truckloads of glass jars.
An innovative range of products
Suppliers can provide a full range of packaging solutions, including rolling stock, plastic pouches and no heat shrink labels. The innovative products are designed with the growing consumer concerns for the environment and sustainability in mind. Some of these new products are:
- Stand up pouches
- Pouches with spouts
- Reclosable plastic pouches
- Resealable packaging
- No heat shrink sleeve labels
- Zippered pouches
- Inno-lok customized packaging
With all these advantages, the flexible packaging industry is set to grow. Experts estimate that it will expand by around 30% between 2012 and 2018, from around $74 million to almost $100 million. Versatile and convenient, it also appeals to customers because it is environmentally friendly. Suppliers can discuss green packaging options, which will mean that your packaging will be environmentally friendly from source through production and transportation to the recycling center.