Archive: Jan 2020

What Is Flexible Packaging?

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Flexible Packaging 101

Flexible packaging is a means of packaging products through the use of non-rigid materials, which allow for more economical and customizable options. It is a relatively new method in the packaging market and has grown popular due to its high efficiency and cost-effective nature. This packaging method uses a variety of flexible materials, including foil, plastic, and paper, to create pouches, bags, and other pliable product containers. Flexible packages are particularly useful in industries that require versatile packaging, such as the food and beverage, personal care, and pharmaceutical industries.

Benefits of Flexible Packaging

At Star Label Products, we offer a wide range of flexible packaging options with numerous benefits, including:

Improved Production Efficiency

Flexible packaging uses less base material than traditional rigid packaging, and the easy formability of flexible materials improves production time and reduces energy consumption.

Environmentally Friendly

Flexible packaging requires less energy than rigid packaging. In addition, flexible packaging materials are frequently designed to be reusable and recyclable.

Innovative Package Design and Customization

Flexible packaging materials allow for more creative and visible packaging shapes. Coupled with our top-of-the-line printing and design services, this ensures conspicuous and striking packaging for superior marketing value.

Enhanced Product Life

Flexible packaging protects products from moisture, UV rays, mold, dust, and other environmental contaminants that can negatively affect the product, thereby maintaining its quality and extending its shelf life. 

User-Friendly Packaging

Flexible packaging is less bulky and lighter than traditional options, so it is easier for customers to buy, transport, and store products.

Simplified Shipping and Handling

Shipping and handling costs are significantly reduced since this method is lighter and takes up less space than rigid packaging.

Different Types of Flexible Packaging

Flexible packaging comes in a variety of materials, shapes, and sizes, and is typically produced in either formed or unformed configurations. Formed products are pre-shaped with the option of filling and sealing yourself in-house, while unformed products typically come on a roll that is sent to co-packers for forming and filling. The materials used in flexible packaging are easy to manipulate and combine into innovative and customizable styles, such as:

  • Sample Pouches: Sample pouches are small packets composed of film and/or foil that get heat-sealed. They are typically pre-formed for easy in-house filling and sealing
  • Printed Pouches: Printed pouches are sample pouches on which the product and brand information is printed for marketing purposes
  • Sachets: Sachets are flat packets made of layered packaging material. They are frequently used for single-use pharmaceutical and personal care products. These are great for trade shows where you want to distribute samples
  • Printed Roll Stock: Printed roll stock consists of unformed pouch material with product information pre-printed on it. These rolls get sent to a co-packer to get formed, filled, and sealed
  • Stock Bags: Stock bags are simple, blank formed bags or pouches. These can be used as blank bags/pouches or you can adhere a label to these in order to promote your brand

In Need of a Co-Packer? Ask us for a referral. We work with a variety of co-packers and fulfillment businesses. 

What Industries Benefit From Flexible Packaging?

Flexible packaging’s versatility makes it an excellent option for many products and industries, including:

  • Food & Beverage: Food pouches and sachets; stock and custom printed bags
  • Cosmetics: Sample pouches for concealer, foundation, cleansers, and lotions; resealable packages for cotton pads and make-up remover wipes
  • Personal Care: Single-use medicines; sample pouches for personal products
  • Household Cleaning Products: Single-use detergent packets; storage for cleaning powders and detergents

Recyclable Materials Classification Codes

Plastic materials come in a variety of classifications: 

  • PET or PETE: Polyethylene Terephthalate is the easiest to recycle, and is often used in soda bottles and food packaging
  • HDPE: High-Density Polyethylene is typically recycled into plastic bottles and bags, and is used for heavier bottles for motor oil, bleach, and hair products
  • LDPE: Low-Density Polyethylene is thinner and used for grocery bags, plastic freezer bags, and similar products. It can be recycled back into plastic bags
  • PVC: Polyvinyl Chloride is used in pipes and furniture, among other items. It is difficult to recycle and can be harmful to the environment
  • PP: Polypropylene is a fibrous plastic used in clothes and rope, which can be recycled into fibrous materials
  • PS: Polystyrene is used for packing materials, foam cups, and other lightweight products. It is difficult to recycle due to its lack of density but can be reused
  • Other: Other plastics including polycarbonate, acrylic, polylactic fibers, nylon, and fiberglass

Flexible Packaging at Star Label Products

Star Label Products is proud to provide the highest quality custom printed pouches with the fastest turnaround in the industry. With extensive experience in the labeling and packaging industry, we have the equipment, materials, and knowledge to ensure your final product is exactly what you imagined. 

In Need of a Co-Packer? Ask us for a referral. We work with a variety of co-packers and fulfillment businesses. 

For more information on our superior flexible packaging services, contact us today.

FLEXIBLE PACKAGING