The flexible packaging market is rapidly growing, with recent research suggesting that its global value equated to £45bn in 2013.
But what has been the catalyst for this growth? Why is rigid packaging being replaced with flexible? The increasing popularity of flexible packaging can be attributed to a number of factors.
Firstly, durability. Flexible packaging is far more resilient when it comes to impact damage.
When products packaged in rigid materials are dropped during transit, they are far more likely to suffer from subsequent damage to either the packaging itself or the exterior artwork
By opting to go with flexible packaging, retailers are seeing fewer product returns and fewer complaints or claims made against them for damaged goods.
Laminated plastics are the most common materials used for flexible pouches because they help to enhance the strength and barrier characteristics of the film.
The second big selling point for flexible is the range of design options available. Customers can choose from laminated bags and sacks, laminated pre-made pouches and bags, laminated BOPP/PP sacks, plastic FFS films and paper sacks.
The type of packaging depends on the product, its weight and the retailer but the options are many.
The opportunity to include resealable closures is also a big plus. Co-packers can opt to have Velcro systems, top sliders, hooded sliders, resealable zippers, face zippers, sliders or spouts.
Specific closures will be product dependent. Liquids would normally require a spout pouch to reduce spills and leaks, whilst laser scoring of laminated packaging enables the user to easily open the packaging.
Using pre-formed tubs or containers means that printing areas are restricted. With flexible packaging, the entire surface area can be printed allowing the customer to utilise more promotional space and include more product information.
Advancement in printing technology also means that different finishes can be combined, such as matte or gloss, onto the same printed area, enhancing product appearance.
Flexible packaging also has its advantages when it comes to sustainability. The production process for flexible packaging can, in some cases, use up to 85% less energy than rigid packaging production.
The majority of flexible packaging is also often entirely recyclable and industry trends suggest that the use of renewables and biodegradable materials is increasingly prevalent.
When it comes to transportation, flexible packaging uses up less room than its rigid counterpart, with the additional benefit of weighing less.
At a basic level, this means that there's more room for extra products so that a greater quantity can be transported in one go, thus helping to reduce fuel costs, CO2 emissions and the customer's carbon footprint.
It's not just transportation where these benefits can be felt; flexible packaging takes up less shelf space, whilst also providing increased volume within the packaging itself, meaning product content can be increased – particularly when it comes to sauces and creams.
In the Fast Moving Consumer Goods market, the reduction in energy usage, packaging material and transportation costs as well as in the increase in shelf space and volume, mean that the advantages of converting from rigid to flexible are many.
With continuing innovation and technological developments, this trend is only likely to increase.
