This is the type of packaging that has gained higher popularity among many consumer goods in the current world. Many flexible packaging materials exist, and it can be daunting to decide which one is suitable for a given product; this requires factors such as target market, product characteristics, distribution requirements, an environmental standpoint, and a branding plan. This detailed guideline will provide you with necessary information on the factors that should be considered in order to come up with the most appropriate flexible packaging options for your specific product.
Evaluate the product requirements and situation
The first criterion is to establish if there are certain characteristics, conditions or demands of the specific product that the packaging should fulfill. Consider the following:
- Substances that go into making of the products and the chemical composition of the final product. For example, does your product have an attribute such as moisture that needs to be sealed in thereby needing good barriers? Does it contain products that can generate heat, give off toxic fumes, or undergo reactions that require containment? It is important to understand how products interact with these packaging materials in order to realize effective packaging.
- Required shelf life. If the packaged product is for sale, how long should customers be able to still use the product after purchasing it? However, some types of flexible packaging provide more advantages in terms of shelf-life in appropriate products.
- Transportation and stock requirements. Is the product to be shipped and/or stored in conditions which expose it to extremely high or low temperatures? Packaging must protect quality.
- Product form. Is your product more of liquid, powder, granules, capsules? Flexible packaging varies and it is appropriate for various forms and shapes of the products that it is used for.
- Required packaging features. Is your product involved in a type that needs reclosability, stand-up pouches, spouts, handles or valves? Include reasons for features you require especially when it comes to basic needs.
Consider Target Consumer Preferences
It is essential to determine the target audience and understand what could interest them, since flexible packaging is not only about product protection but also about the variety of possibilities in branding and marketing.
- Preferences on sustainability. Through the lens of sustainability, consumers, particularly the young population, seek biodegradable packaging, including recyclable and compostable packaging.
- Convenience and portability. Consider whether product attributes such as light weight, single-serve or resealable pouches hold any added value for the customer.
- Shelf appeal. Shelf visibility, attractive bright colours, attractive shapes and clear visibility to see the products on the shelves is what you desire.
- Tamper evidence. In the case of products such as medicine and food supplements, the presence of tamper-proof evident seals have that added value.
Select Packaging Materials
Once you have your product conditions and target market appeal, you can focus on hunting for functional materials that fit all your needs. Common flexible packaging materials include:Common flexible packaging materials include:
- Plastics: Moreover, other types of plastics such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and others have distinct advantages in terms of barrier qualities, durability, and clarity.
- Foils: Aluminum foils, subdue gas/moisture and retain foods while preserving the latter. More often used in conjunction with other layers of films.
- Papers: The coated papers give grease resistance and strength to the containers.
- Bio-based Films: Sustainable structures that can be decomposed using bio-degradable structures derived from plant starches and other earth products.
Identify specific layered systems incorporating the most desirable characteristics for your special product. Also, consider the thickness/ gage of the material and any safety/regulatory concerns as applicable to the process. Depending on the outcome, getting the right material is the key to setting up the packaging properly.
Evaluate Structural Options
Having established the materialsthe next step is the structural design. Common flexible packaging configurations include:Common flexible packaging configurations include:
- Pouches: Roll, pack, or stand types suitable for lightweight products with emphasis on retail sales. The consumer is willing to pay more if the package offers reclosability, spouts and handles.
- Bags: Pallet display bags that have handle for stocking large pack sizes of dry foods or bulk packs of personal care products. Some have zipper closures.
- Stick packs: Individual small and tall packs for coffee or medication or any product that is sold in single portions, or snacks.
- Wraps: This should be done in their respective transparent film wraps that offer the critical barriers against moisture and oxygen.
- Sachets: Pre-Meal, condiments, towelettes, personal care items container – small packet like; a cube or rectangle.
- Structural packaging styles should be chosen based on required features, filling processes that must be utilized and aesthetics, and placement on shelves or other surfaces.
Conduct an assessment on whether it is time to close the account and/or how the account will be dispensed.
Screws and dispensing systems ensure that products are properly sealed and kept safe when not in use as well as easily accessible to the consumers. Common options include:
- Zippers: Capable of being sealed again and to keep from leaking even when pressure or temperature increases.
- Spouts: For controlled pouring of viscous liquids such as sauces and other liquids that may be difficult to pour in normal flow.
- Tear notches: Accommodate deliberate opening of the package at the assigned notch or slit.
- Valves: It also allows the entrance of air to slowly release powders, pills, capsules in a continuous manner.
Make sure that you have the filling equipment to handle the closures and dispensing options and that the consumers insights collected are available to back the closures.
Conduct Prototyping and Testing
The best way to determine if your flexible packaging selections meet all goals is prototyping sample packages and conducting physical tests mimicking real-world conditions:The best way to determine if your flexible packaging selections meet all goals is prototyping sample packages and conducting physical tests mimicking real-world conditions:
- Materials and components sealing effectiveness and leakage should be examined under pressure, vibration, and drop testing.
- Assess protective characteristics with tests consisting of temperature and heat, shock and vibration, and moisture.
- Validity of the test should be checked on gases, moisture loss /gain, grease and light in a controlled environment with measurements taken periodically over time.
- The current measures of performance during the shelf life of the product should be done with actual filled packages which are to be stored under anticipated storage conditions and time.
If there are any failures, correct and redesign the packaging as required to ensure they are not repeated during high-volume production.
In today’s market where every company is surrounded with so many packaging choices applying this strategic method of selection procedure based on product characteristics and consumer attraction, materials, structures, and testing establishes that particular particular item for versatile packaging triumph. For instance, color, transparency, use of ecological material, resealability, and the capability to stand tall on a shelf and display your product – the right FP can go a long way.
