4 key issues for flexible packaging in 2021

Looking for sustainable alternatives
Environmentally conscious packaging options are an important step towards a sustainable future. Choosing sustainable packaging means more than switching to environmentally friendly materials. Sustainability is also related to packaging form, function and manufacturing process. The uniqueness of flexible packaging is that its sustainable characteristics first come from generating less waste. By choosing flexible packaging instead of more traditional packaging forms such as glass, hard plastic, metal and cardboard, you are already taking steps to reduce landfill waste, greenhouse gases and excess energy consumption. Furthermore, the increasing popularity of sustainable materials such as recyclable LDPE, plant-based compostable and plastic-free paper means that it is easier than ever for brands to switch to sustainable packaging.

SOARAWAY has developed a series of flexible packaging options that can be used as an alternative to standard hybrid plastic laminates. Learn more about our sustainable flexible packaging here.

Make the most of your brand space
We have seen that one of the mistakes the company makes in packaging is not using the space to eliminate the brand. Gravure printing, flexographic printing and digital printing can all produce stunning high-quality images that can be enhanced with different material finishes and special paints. However, your packaging need not be limited to summarizing product information. Some of the most famous marketing activities in the world are distributed through product packaging. Coca-Cola’s “Share a Coke” and Oreos “Colourfilled” activities are just two examples of how brands can effectively use their packaging space to increase consumer engagement, market share and basic bottom line.

Designed for convenience
In the past decade, consumer, retail, and technology trends have all contributed to the increasing popularity of flexible packaging. One major packaging trend that shows no signs of slowing down is consumer demand for convenience. Having said that, it is important to understand the convenience of different customers in order to effectively design your packaging around it. Compared with environmentally conscious consumers who need resealable packaging to enable them to be refilled and reused, they may value snack packaging that can be taken away more than an environmentally conscious consumer, or choose A family-sized candy sharing bag while doing their weekly grocery store.

Use digital printing
In terms of flexible packaging, digital printing may be the most underrated printing option. Many companies have the impression that digital printing is only beneficial to start-ups with low-volume requirements, which is far from the truth. Digital printing prototypes allow companies to test their packaging concepts before submitting a complete production order. Prototype packaging is useful for companies of all sizes, whether they are promoting their products to retail buyers or presenting their concepts to the product development committee as part of their internal GATE process. The latest developments in digital printing technology enable packaging companies to provide a variety of variable data to the market, these data have a variety of uses, such as security measures against product counterfeiting, internal quality control tracking and tracing, and consumer marketing tools. The low MOQ associated with digital printing means that companies can launch multiple product changes at the same time with little impact on costs. This gives the market time to react and allow companies to adjust their order volumes, thereby eliminating the high prices and environmental impacts associated with obsolete inventory and packaging waste.

At SOARAWAY, we are responsible for the entire packaging life cycle. We advise our customers on the correct printing options for their product life cycle stages. From prototype packaging to mass production, our team is always ready to advise you on the best choice for flexible packaging.

If you are interested in implementing our flexible packaging solutions and want to get advice or information about your packaging options, please feel free to contact us.