The flexible packaging industry is huge, with the global market forecast reaching $248 billion and a 3.4% growth rate between 2010 and 2015. In the U.S. specifically, the industry is expected to grow from the $74 million reported in 2012 to nearly $100 million by 2018. Many companies have adopted flexible packaging because of the unique packaging features that are offered. Here?s a brief guide to some of the features that can be found on today?s most innovative flexible packaging designs, and the benefits that they can provide for your company?s product.
Extrusion Lamination
This is a process that allows different materials to be combined together into a single structure. The most common materials used in extrusion lamination are plastics, paper, carton board, and aluminum foil. This process can be used to make many flexible packaging materials, along with other products such as toothpaste tubes, cereal containers, medical packaging, and even plastic coated tablecloths.
Inno-lok Zipper
This type of packaging uses re-closable fasteners to create a package that can keep products fresh and protected. There are many different types of inno-lok technologies that can be used for a variety of different products, including pour spots or wider openings for scoopable products.
Rollstock
These are large rolls of label material that can be placed into a machine to create thousands of custom labels. These can be made from a variety of different materials, such as paper, film, or foil. These can be used to make pillow packs, flow wrap, or stand-up pouches.
Shrink Labels
These labels are printed on flexible film, which can be shrunk down with the use of heat. When the label is shrunk, it wraps around the product or packaging, conforming to its shape. These are great for products with strange or complex shapes, and are often used on things such as beverage or medical packages.
High Barrier Films
High barrier films are a type of film that goes around packages to protect them from things such as gas or water vapors. They are most commonly used in the food industry, especially in meat or cheese packaging. Modern plastic food packaging such as high barrier films help keep food fresh and protects it from any contamination. Flexible packaging experts estimate that each pound of plastic packaging can reduce food waste by up to 1.7 pounds.