Flexible Packaging – Sustainable and Secure
The main focus of the recent 2016 Global Pouch Forum was the switch food, beverage, and household product manufacturers are making from rigid to flexible packaging. With increased awareness of product safety, recyclability, and sustainability, consumers are taking note of packaging materials, particularly those like flexible packaging that prevents tampering, contamination, and waste—and manufacturers are paying attention. Recently, Tetra Pak, a multinational food packaging and processing company, conducted a survey and found that a whopping 83 percent of consumers would choose a product that came in a clearly labeled renewable package versus a conventional package. More specifically, respondents were willing to seek out food or beverages that came in renewable (sustainable) packaging. Consumers are also willing to pay more for these sustainable products—especially Generation Z consumers.
Today’s Popular Alternative to Rigid Packaging
Compared to rigid packaging, positive environmental implications in food packaging and other markets are substantial. New packaging technologies are leading the way for greater recyclability—with innovations like compostable containers, barrier film packages that can be recycled at local drop-offs or grocery stores, and food packaging materials that are bio-based, edible, and biodegradable. Today, the majority of flexible packaging is entirely recyclable, degradable, or reusable.
Flexible packaging starts with less waste than rigid packaging—the production process uses up to 85 percent less energy and fewer natural resources than rigid packaging production. That means reduced landfill discards, carbon emissions, and volatile organic compounds polluting the planet. With flexible packaging being lighter and taking up less space than rigid packaging, the transportation, shipping, and warehousing costs are reduced—a benefit for companies and consumers.
The enhanced barrier properties of flexible packaging keep foods fresher longer and contribute to a longer shelf life, greatly enhancing food security and reducing waste—the main advantage over rigid packaging. Other advantages over rigid packaging include: revolutionary low-cost sterilization processes, better print capabilities for enhanced product appearance, no bottlenecking during the filling process, and more space on the surface area for promotion and product information. Flexible packaging is more resilient than rigid packaging which has a big problem with impact damage.
Pioneer Packaging is your one-stop shop for flexible packaging from concept to completion—with food packaging capabilities as well as all the permits to package, ship, and warehouse food.
Food is by far the largest market for flexible packaging, according to the Global Pouch Forum, and Pioneer Packaging is your one-stop shop for flexible packaging from concept to completion—with food packaging capabilities as well as all the permits to package, ship, and warehouse food.
Not only do we understand quality packaging trends in order to navigate them, but we offer our customers additional value-added solutions. Working with our vendors, Pioneer Packaging has the experience and resources to evaluate your total program and meet your needs and budget perfectly. We help customers like you go to market efficiently and quickly with everything from dynamic packaging design to complete fulfillment and shipping services. With multiple warehousing facilities, our additional ability to warehouse products for small and midsized companies means they save on overhead, space, and maintenance costs at their own or rented facilities.
Customers can partner with us based on their needs for different levels of service. Whether it’s new processes for sustainable, renewable packaging or other types of packaging to put you ahead of the curve and your competition, Pioneer Packaging and its vendors have the capabilities to get your product off to market—safely, successfully, and profitably.