Packaging For You

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Applications of Non-Rigid Packaging

These days packaged items are visible from just about every corner of just about any store. And if products aren't already packaged when they're displayed, then they get thrown in a bag when you've just purchased them and they are given to you. That still counts as packaging!

Of course there are many different ways to present products. You see it on the shelves everywhere: products encased in hard plastic containers, tin cans, stainless steel tubes, cardboard boxes, or even transparent or printed bags. The latter is one of the most popular ways to present items as in most cases it is the most cost effective choice for the product and for the purpose it is intended for.

Anything that doesn't come in stiff boxes or plastic containers is known in the trade as flexible packaging. More often than not if the products to be packaged are not fragile and are not at a risk of getting crushed in transport, then a simple bag or film will do.

This type of product presentation is also used often when the items are irregularly shaped or need to be contained quickly and cost effectively. There are several advantages to the use of such non-rigid plastic: first of all it is much cheaper because the material itself is more cost effective, but also at the same time it is much less labour intensive, meaning that there will be less man hours billed for the process.

This type of packaging also reigns when it comes to maximizing space. This may be ideal if you have limited shelf space in the shop or even in the warehouse. Plastic or films that conform to the shape of your product are much more space efficient than boxes that need to be stacked up. Boxes are efficient in the fact that they can be stacked, but with all the empty and unused space in every box you'd be better off just discarding it instead.

Also, because films of this type are usually strong and dense yet ultimately thin, you are also contributing to the effort to save the environment. This is another advantage of choosing this type of plastic over rigid types. Films use much less material than hard plastics, meaning there will be a significant reduction in landfill waste at the end of the day. At the same time there is much less energy expended during the production of the films as compared to rigid plastics.

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Choosing the Right Supplier

As with anything, it is important to choose the right supplier. Choosing the correct one makes for a good business relationship that will benefit both parties in such a way that both will come out on top and nobody loses.

The same is true for choosing packaging companies for your products—it’s important to make sure that you choose the right one; otherwise you might end up drawing the short straw. Packaging is one of the most important factors when it comes to a product’s success because packaging sells.

Some companies invest more in the box or jar their product comes in than the product itself. And it's not just about what the packaging looks like. It can also be about what will be going into the packaging, especially when it's food stuffs. So now you must be asking: how exactly do I choose the right supplier?

It’s not that difficult provided you keep in mind a few things. Make sure they have a good reputation. Has any other company hired them before? Was it pleasant to deal with them? Do they come through with their end of the deal or have they left/do they leave people hanging? You definitely do not want to choose a company that has a reputation of not following through, especially when you have urgent deadlines.

How is the quality of their work? It’s important that you make sure the quality of their final products meets or exceeds your expectations.

There is a certain standard they should meet otherwise you should look elsewhere for a better supplier. Take a look at their samples—they should be able to provide you with some—and see whether you think their work is the correct quality for the price.

Is the price right? In the end this might be the deciding factor so before you get too ahead of yourself, ensure that their price fits into your budget—otherwise look for a more affordable option. But remember, cheaper does not necessarily immediately mean low quality—it might be difficult, but somewhere there is a good deal to be made.

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Be Part of the Sustainable Packaging Movement

We all know that packaging these days is one of the primary reasons why the earth is quite polluted. The move to “instant” and “portable” has had manufacturers scrambling to get appropriate packaging. More often than not it ends up being something out of plastic. This went on unchecked for years just about everywhere and the consequence is a polluted earth.

More environmentally conscious people have started a new movement—a movement to sustainable or “green” packaging. These days there has been a return to using brown bags rather than plastic bags. More people opt not to get a bag at all, bringing their own reusable bags instead.

But for the packaging industry, the move is more difficult to make. If you are a manufacturer looking for a more sustainable packaging for a product, there are a few pointers that might benefit your search.

First, remember to look for the right supplier. It does not make sense to settle for less than what you need—doing so may end up causing you time, money and trouble. Ask the supplier if they are experienced in the kind of packaging you want done. Don’t forget to ask for samples as well, to ensure the quality of their product.

You should also know your materials. “Environmentally-friendly” is thrown around these days, so you should know just how worthy a material is of that term. Is the process to create it friendly to the environment? Will it biodegrade over time? While degrading will it release harmful material into the environment? Is your material recyclable, or if not, do they come from sustainable and renewable resources?

For something to be truly environmentally friendly, it should come from renewable sources, be recyclable, and biodegradable. Aim for all three. If you need help with the process, reach out to an organization or an expert in the matter.

Naturally, the move to greener packaging may affect your company’s bottom line. Green packaging is more costly, so take a hard look at your company’s finances before you start making concessions that could end up harming you financially.

Can your company take a temporary drop in profits while you make the switch? Will the sustainable packaging eventually gain you more customers? If it doesn’t make financial sense to switch packaging to environmentally friendly right away, you can make small changes. Ditch plastic components in your current packaging. Choose not to vacuum seal products (when applicable).