Choosing flexible packaging is more than grabbing a bag and filling it. There are many considerations that go into effective packaging solutions. While they may look similar, the different types of flexible packaging can vary greatly in material as well as style, shape, and practicality. While these details may seem unimportant to entrepreneurs focused on their goods, packaging has a major impact on how customers will react to an item as well as its longevity and quality retention. Incorrect types of packaging cause damage, waste, and even contamination.
Choosing the Appropriate Materials
Depending on the goods offered, different materials support the intent and lifespan of a product. There are many options when it comes to the construction of a package. Many people immediately think of plastic, but it doesn’t end there. Other materials include paper, recycled materials, aluminum foil, and more. Even within the scope of plastic, there are many options such as density, grade, and other options such as plastic-lined with papers or foils.
The most important detail is to choose a material that will not interact chemically with an item. For this reason, seek out food-safe flexible packaging for goods intended to be eaten. Similar grades and quality expectations exist across many industries, so research what is typical for a product.
Choosing the Right Form
Besides choosing the material type, the different types of flexible packaging also refer to the design and features. There are many kinds of flexible packages, and each has virtues. A popular choice is a simple, heat seal pack. These are one-use packages great for single-serve offerings. Stand-up pouches typically feature resealable zippers.
Gusseted bags feature a fold that allows for varying size goods, and once filled they often stand up as well. Tin-tie bags are very attractive and depending on the material they’re made of they support varying periods of shelf life. Paper tin-tie bags are great takeaway containers for fresh produce that are intended for immediate use.
Packaging Specialty Goods
There are very specific reasons why certain items across the board are packaged alike. Often, it’s partially customer convenience as well as quality retention. Imagine if coffees were packaged in tear-open heat-sealed bags instead of tin-tied resealable block bottom bags with degassing valves. Grounds would go stale rapidly if the bag didn’t burst first from roasting gases unable to escape. For this reason, specialty types of packaging must be carefully researched.
Explore what the competition tends to use and try to understand where these decisions come from. Research the life cycle of your goods, as well as how customers like to store and use them. By investigating these areas, entrepreneurs can find the safest packaging that also targets where competitors fail to provide customers with the most convenience.
