New technological advancements happening in packaging are creating new ways consumers interact with products. It has paved the way for better solutions for manufacturers and consumers. Innovation led by research and development in the packaging industry has resulted in new packaging formats, materials, shapes, and designs. For example, the packaging of milk has drastically changed over the last few decades. While early deliveries were made in glass, today, milk can be commonly seen packed in tetra packs and formed plastic jugs.
With each technological advancement, manufacturers must continuously evaluate new packaging options. With each decision, they must perform a cost benefit analysis. Not all trends are here to stay, so it is critical that the manufacturers perform thorough market studies. Most recently, rigid packaging is being taken over by flexible packages, thereby changing the balance in today’s commercial packaging market.
Why do manufacturers prefer flexible packaging?
1. Consumer Preference
Customers have a massive impact on the packaging choices of manufacturers since the goal of any brand is to satisfy their customers in every possible way. Because today's busy customers give high priority to convenience and portability, manufacturers seek innovative packaging designs for their products.
This is exactly why the demand for flexible packaging options like pouches, sachets retort packaging and single-serve packaging are on the rise. Flexible packaging is easy to use, extends the shelf life of products, promotes sustainability, and has better scope for customization than its rigid counterparts. Additionally, flexible packaging is lighter in weight and makes it a better choice for on-the-go consumption over rigid plastic or glass. As consumers become busier day by day, they want their packaging to save them time and energy, and flexible packaging delivers exactly that.
2. Product quality and package integrity
The food packaging industry has undergone constant changes over the last few years. However, for any food product manufacturer, protecting and preserving product integrity is always a primary consideration. The raw materials used in flexible packaging have the ability to provide elevated levels of product protection.
High barrier coatings can be designed to eliminate moisture and prevent oxygen permeation in various storage conditions. The barrier properties of flexible packaging can be customized to meet shelf life and food safety needs. Barriers can be designed to keep out air, moisture, foreign material, and odors.
3. Intense Competition
As the markets become highly competitive, it can be quite challenging for brands to stand out next to competitor products. Here are several ways in which flexible packaging boosts competitiveness.
- Flexible packaging options like pouches help in cutting down packaging and transportation expenses compared to glass packaging thereby has the potential to lower product pricing.
- Flexible packaging allows for more creative packaging and packaging shapes.
- Flexible packages are freight friends and are less prone to breakage than glass alternatives thereby creating better looking products on store shelves.
Packaging Solutions from Waldner North America
Waldner North America specializes in automated filling and sealing packaging equipment like pouch filling machine and spouted pouch filling machines for shelf stable food products in cups, trays, pouches and spouted pouches. DOSOMAT systems are available in both rotary and inline configurations, with capacities ranging from lower outputs up to 100,000 cups per hour, providing solutions for hot fill, MAP and retort applications. WALDNER offers exceptional seal quality with clean, accurate filling and high pressure heat sealing from roll stock or die-cut lids. WALDNER has extensive experience in filling/sealing applications in the food, pharmaceutical and other industries with over 2000 machines installed worldwide
