Flexible Packaging VS Traditional Packaging: Environmental Impacts and Benefits

If you go to a store, you wonder why it is difficult to find a non-packed product. 93% of provided goods are packed. Thus, packaging takes a significant share of the trade industry.

Modern packages come as a versatile tool that copes with multiple tasks. Its primary purpose is to protect goods from external impacts, preserve food freshness, prevent spoilage and breaking, etc. Yet, another important feature of modern covers is to promote products for marketing purposes. A well-designed wrapper can manage consumer behavior, lure customers, and increase sales.

Nowadays, different types of packages are distinguished in the industry. Each option has its pros and cons. The main thing is to know how to select the best solution for your type of product, taking into account its peculiarities and storage conditions. In this regard, flexible wrappers come as the most popular and versatile type of covers.

What is a Flexible Wrapper?

Flexible packaging is a huge class of covers that features perfect barrier properties, customization, shaping, and sustainability. This class of wrappers embraces multiple sub-kinds, which allows for using such covers for all sorts of products. Due to a wide variety of https://www.uniflexpackaging.eu/products/web-packaging and their compositions, it is possible to produce wrappers of any physical properties, size, and purpose. For instance, the following types of products are usually packed using flexible covers:

● stand-up pouches are used for dry fruit and snack packaging;
● fish and seafood are skin-sealed using multi-layer plastic films;
● bakery products and cookies are wrapped in resistible bags or containers;
● sachets are used for small-portioned food.

Such covers are favorable for applying marketing
information, which allows companies to boost purchases and guarantee friendly communication with consumers.

Flexible Wrappers Pros

The strongest arguments in favor of using this type of cover include the following advantages of flexible packaging:

1. Sustainability. Note that flexible wrappers can be recycled, which reduces their negative influence on the planet. By recycling used wrappers, enterprises can reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, save natural resources, and reduce the cost of production. Sustainability comes as one of the key arguments for shifting to this type of cover since the amount of garbage on the Earth is rising exponentially.

2. Compactness. Flexibility determines perfect fitting store shelves. Such packages can take different shapes and sizes. As a result, compact wrappers improve the effectiveness of shipping since they are lightweight and require less space to be transported. Thus, businesses can save a lot of money on logistics.

3. Freshness. Food stored in flexible packages remains fresh and does not lose its aroma and nutritional properties for a long time. Depending on the content, flexible covers can possess different physical properties. For example, some options have a high moisture barrier, while others protect food from sunlight. Flexible wrappers do not let the smell go through and provide a high level of protection against contamination.

4. Cost-effectiveness. The cost of production is lower and fewer materials are required, which allows businesses to save money on wrapping their goods.

5. Brand impact. High customization properties ensure improving consumer loyalty towards a brand. For example, flexible covers are equipped with zippers, handles, windows, etc. for easier resealability, carrying, or observation. Thus, customers experience more comfort when using such products.

Traditional Packaging vs. Flexible Wrappers: Key Differences
Now, let's outline the key difference between traditional (rigid) and flexible packaging solutions. There are three criteria of comparison, namely, materials used, cost, and preservation properties.

Judging by the materials, traditional containers tend to be produced from heavy and robust ones, such as glass, metal, and cardboard. Flexible wrappers are manufactured from soft plastic. An inner foil lining can be additionally applied. Thus, the latter option is advantageous in this regard since they are more lightweight, compact, and easy to transport.

Taking into account the cost, flexible solutions allow for saving money on space, the manufacturing process, and the consumption of raw materials. It means that this technology is more cost-effective.

Keeping in mind, preservation properties note that rigid containers have poor characteristics in terms of re-opening and reclosing, meaning that they preserve freshness poorly when the packaging integrity is damaged. Among other benefits of flexible packaging, these covers offer multiple solutions for preserving food freshness after opening.

Traditional Packaging vs. Flexible Covers: Consumer
Preferences

As for consumer preferences, they tend to shift to flexible solutions since they are more comfortable and eco-friendly. Modern customers are conscious and treat the Earth with respect. Thus, they prefer to buy products packed in sustainable wrappers, that is, flexible ones. Moreover, such covers are usually equipped with extra tools for better convenience (handles, zippers, etc.).

Which Packaging should you Choose for your Products?

Finally, let's make a short guide on what parameters businesses should take into account to choose an appropriate type of wrapper for their products. Here are the main criteria:

● environmental impact;
● external influence protection;
● freshness protection;
● brand personalization;
● cost-effectiveness.

Nowadays, the packing industry offers a wide range of covers for all sorts of goods. Flexible wrappers stand as the leading type of covers for both edible and non-edible products. These are quality products that feature high-barrier properties, sustainability, and increased comfort.

Telefon: +37052075837
Email: info@uniflexpackaging.eu

J. Savickio g. 4-7, Vilniaus m., Vilniaus m. sav.
Litauen

Uniflex is a full cycle flexoprinting house and one of the largest printing companies in the Eastern Europe.

This release was published on openPR.