The Flexible Packaging Trend
If you were to consider the material(s) for your product, what alternatives would you consider? Chances are that you might move towards conventional materials such as glass, metal, cardboard and others. However, a seasoned packaging designer would suggest the use of flexible materials. Package designs no longer fulfil only the basic requirements (information conveyance, display, transport friendly designs, protection of contents and proper containment space). The scope of requirements have been extended to ensure environmental safety, enhanced logistics, protection of contents from chemical as well as biological agents, economic considerations (cost, reuse, applicability, etc) and package usability. Flexible Packaging aims to provide the best solutions for meeting all the requirements that are expected from a good package design.
What Constitutes Flexible Packaging?
If you have been shopping recently, you would have noticed that products are being offered in a more convenient package than what was presented earlier. Such flexible designs have garnered positive reception from businesses as well as consumers. While consumers are treated to better product safety, greater convenience, increased functionality and assured consistency in high quality levels, the businesses benefit from better aesthetics, reduced damages to package, appealing shelf appearance and space optimization. Flexible Packaging Marketplace are preferred due to their versatile functionality, cost effectiveness, and convenient storage / transportation features.
Key Drivers Behind the Trend
Trends don't just occur on their own. There are certain drivers that contribute towards its development. Over the years, there has been drastic changes in consumers, lifestyles and the retail sector. Developments and innovations in the industry have brought about several convenient products that have enhanced the lifestyle of people. Consumers have become self-expressive and liberated in comparison to yesteryears. A major factor that has contributed towards this change is the growth in literacy rates which has been the driving force behind people seeking value proposition. The past three decades have seen the packaging design change from rigid units to flexible containers which have made it easy for the products to be used without having to worry about transferring the contents from the primary packaging. Pre-prepared food or ready to eat meals have become quite common these days and are proving to be a major helping hand for working women who have difficulty in managing their work and their families.
Examples of Flexible Packaging:
The best way to relate to the change from rigid to flexible packaging would be to evaluate some real life examples. Cooking oil has been the most important requisite for every home. Remember the time when huge cans of oil used to come to your house? Soon after the cans were replaced with plastic bottles for convenient transport. Now, these come in flexible packaging with some of them bearing spouts so that the contents may be used from it directly. Even vegetables are made available in pre-weighed packages with net like materials used as the raw material marketplace. Accessories such as slider zippers, press-to-close zippers (air lock included) and other functional additions have increased the overall functionality of flexible packaging. This trend is well in line with the current patterns of innovations in package design as functionality is being given importance along with the aesthetics. With developments underway at a steady pace, more ideas should be evident in the near future and it would only enhance the effectiveness of the product's package.
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