The Ultimate Guide to Flexible Packaging Films

Today, flexible packaging films are used in various industries and for different products due to their popularity on the market. Again, while options such as plastic bottles, metal cans, and cardboard boxes provide a limited and more formal method, flexible packaging is light weight, flexible, and can be more economical for containing products and protecting the products from the external environment. It will also aim to provide more information on what these flexible packaging films actually are, the numerous uses as well as benefits of this type of packaging, its strong appeal across many industries, and why flexible packaging has become a packaging format of choice.

Flexible Packaging Films…Flexible packaging films are thin, flexible materials made from plastic, aluminum foils or paper that are used to enclose or protect food products.

The definition of flexible packaging is a pack or container that has some or all the features of flexibility, foldability, or pliability, meaning that it can fold and conform to the shape of its contents. Flexible packaging films and pouches are produced using plastic s such as polyethylene, polypropylene or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), aluminium foil and/or paper. All of these materials can be utilized in as separate layers or alternatively laminated in a manner to take advantage of the characteristics each material possesses.

The packaging in this format is lightweight and compact, thus also smaller in size and readily assumes the form of the items contained within. Solutions that fall under FFPs are bags, pouches, wraps, rollstock, sachets, and shrink sleeves. This kind of packaging is very versatile since flexible material can easily be molded into any given size and shape.

Benefits and Advantages

There are many reasons that support the fact that flexible packaging films have out competed other packages such as rigid plastics and glass packaging to become one of the rapidly growing packaging segments. Some of the key benefits driving this growth include:Some of the key benefits driving this growth include:

Lightweight – While flexible films, as opposed to rigid containers, are not as heavy, transportation expenses, fuel consumption as well as ecological effects are reduced considerably.

Space conservation – bags and pouches are compressible from the storage area, shelf, or pantry space when they are empty.

Flexibility – Films can be directed in various ways such as with zippers, spouts, tear notches, Laser etching, embossing, and printing.

Barrier Attributes – Metallization and multilayering provide moisture and oxygen light barriers to help in protection of foods.

Microwaveability – Most of the flexible films used in current models can be directly heated from the freezer and microwave oven.

Portion Control – Fresh food and seasonings can be portioned out; the packets are resealable making it possible to serve one portion for snacking, school lunch, or when hiking.

Tamper Evidence – Some seals and closures are designed with tamper proofing or with features that show if they have been tampered with.

Preserving Product Freshness – Oxygen and moisture are two main enemies of food products, and they can be eliminated or at least restricted when using these containers, which will in turn help to increase the product shelf life as compared to glass jars and plastic tubs.

Costs – The gas required to transport lighter cars is less compared to that required to transport heavy vehicles. Recycled content or bio-based material is also commonly found in many films used in the production of various products.

Cost Savings – Fastest mode of production and transportation results in a reduction of costs. With thinner materials, you go a long way in saving some bucks especially when compared to the cost of using other rigid materials.

Visual Satisfaction – Attractive styles and colors enhance the shelf appeal and brand image to support purchasing decisions.

Applications Across Industries

And because of the foregoing list of benefits, flexible packaging solutions have found their way into almost all industries that use packaging products.

Food and Beverage

Of all, it has been found to be more commonly used in food and beverages production line. It would be worthwhile to mention here that from frozen meals, salty, and sweets snacks, candies, powdered drinks, pet foods, pastas and what not, bags and pouches hold everything. Flexibility of packaging provides better protection to the food products, their safety, and their shelf life than any other form of packaging material.

Pharmaceuticals 

Nevertheless, there are several benefits of printed laminated films in pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals such as the protection of tablets, liquids, medical devices and over the counter medicines, and supplements. Child resistant zipper pouches also add to the safety of the product in respect to prevention of choking hazard.

Personal Care

Volume bending films in form flexible packaging can give stunning shapes to cosmetic, skin care creams, hair care products, fragrances and other related products as well as ensure that the items contained in them are protected from contamination.

Everything from detergents to engine oils, paints, greases, insect repellents, pool solutions, and sealing agents prefer pouches and bags as a means of packaging due to its convenient use as a measuring cup and carrier.

Pet Food & Pet care Products

Kibble and treats are packaged in stand-up pouches with zipper closures, flat bottom bags, and pinch-close sleeves. Specialty pet products including shampoos, medications, and other related products also find suitable applications in flexible packaging systems.

Industrial

Substances such as fasteners, electronics, metal parts, and factory consumables transport in flexible packaging material since it is lighter and occupies less room than boxes and drums. This too protects content, as well as impenetrable barrier.

Why Being Popular or A Market Grows

Summing up all the benefits and versatile uses that flexible packaging possesses, perhaps, one can fully understand the reasons that led to such results, with flexible packaging becoming the leader within the vast packaging sector. The BOPP films or the flexible packaging films as they are commonly known today form part of the global packaging industry which is estimated to be worth $ 900 billion, and is currently accounting for about 19% of the total value. As per research firm Smithers Pira, this number is predicted to rise to over $117 billion by 2028.

There are significant factors such as convenience, sustainability, appealing visuals, preservation, and portability that have complemented the advantages of flexible packaging among consumers. While, marketing brands have come to know and appreciate the value proposition, consumers have leaned toward the functional and experiential utilities.

This is where flexible packaging provides conclusive evidence of saving more through material and fuel through reductions over set, more rigid formats. Since technology has been producing better barrier composite materials, flexible packaging films is thus projected to experience enhanced growth for the coming years.

July 13, 2024