Latest Flexible Packaging Trends

With the world of e-commerce expanding with every passing day, businesses face the tough challenge of keeping with the competition. Much of this competition is related to product packaging because it serves as the first point of contact between a customer and a brand. That means the modern concept of product packaging involves branding pretty much the same way as product safety. At the same time, businesses have to make sure that their product packages are well-optimized for cost.

That’s where the concept of flexible packaging jumps in.

Modern flexible packaging materials

The term ‘flexible packaging’ is pretty broad. It essentially means packaging materials that change their shape when filled with the product. The most popular options for flexible packaging are plastic, paper, and several types of films. You can use these materials to form any packaging application, depending on your requirements. The most common options in terms of the container are envelopes, pouches, sleeves, and bags. These options have become more popular in the e-commerce space. Businesses choose this packaging for their products due to its dimensional weight benefits.

Flexibles and shipping

Shipping companies faced a challenge adjusting to the e-commerce boom. That is why they agreed on applying DIM weight restrictions. Those restrictions necessitate brands to use the minimum box size against every product to avoid paying for air inside the package.

Mailer envelopes are becoming more popular than corrugated boxes in the modern age. Not only are they cheaper to get but help reduce shipping costs. They can also help secure a wide range of products, including books, clothing, cosmetics, and a lot more. However, you have to make sure that your product fits in the envelope nicely and remains undamaged during shipping.

Endless options with a few choices

While there may be only a few choices available with flexible packaging, the options available are endless. For instance, you can partner with a packaging distributor to gain access to the products you need. These distributors are usually well-versed with the latest market trends and packaging requirements. The only time these distributors are not available is when they are implementing packaging solutions. They can also help businesses set up machinery or equipment to make envelopes and other packaging solutions on their own.

Going green

With the concept of sustainability prevailing, companies use the terms ‘eco-friendly' and ‘green packaging’ to persuade consumers who want to contribute to the green cause. Unfortunately, most consumers are led to think that plastics are bad for the environment. Although it is true to some extent, brands do not tell the whole story.

The good thing is that flexible packaging is becoming greener every day. Sustainable packaging is not just about the use of a particular type of material. It has everything to do with the entire supply chain process. Companies need to make sure that the supply chain method they use for product distribution lays very little impact on the environment. In several cases, using paper, cardboard, and other seemingly sustainable packaging materials may prove more detrimental to the environment than using plastics. It is especially true with flexible packaging.