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4 more answers to flexible packaging questions from food manufacturers

The considerable response from our previous post about flexible packaging for food convinced us to follow up with even more information about this popular topic.

Below we tackle the subjects of sustainability, branding optimization, 

healthy/organic snacks, and some critical capabilities of flexible packaging providers to answer your most recent questions.

1. How can flexible packaging for food help me meet sustainability initiatives?

As environmental legislation and corporate sustainability initiatives influence packaging design, more companies are using flexible packaging to reduce energy and resource consumption. According to the Flexible Packaging Association , flexibles provide various sustainability advantages when compared to other package formats, such as:

Landfill usage reduction 

As a more lightweight form of packaging, flexibles require less landfill space. Flexible packaging also extends the shelf life of food, further reducing waste.

Material and resource efficiency 

The relatively light weight of flexible packaging typically allows organizations to reduce fossil fuel use, greenhouse gas emissions, and water use.

Reduced transportation 

Suppliers usually ship flexible packages in large quantities of rolls or bags, reducing the number of vehicles needed which can save costs on fuel and other resources.

High product-to-package ratio 

Analysts determine material efficiency by comparing the product’s and packaging’s weight. In nearly all circumstances, flexible packaging has a higher product-to-package ratio than other packaging formats.

product protection 

Flexible packaging preserves product integrity and reduces spoilage. Also, flexibles are effective during shipping because they can avoid spillage and resist denting and breakage.

2. How can flexible packaging support my company’s branding initiatives?

Flexible packaging represents an excellent opportunity for companies to boost their branding efforts. The materials that comprise flexibles are ideally suited for many visual options or modifications. 

A flexible packaging provider that offers diverse printing capabilities can also increase product engagement on the shelf or online (see below for more printing info).

And food manufacturers can get added value from sustainable packaging options by marketing their use of these products. Eco-friendly messaging generally resonates with key demographics, including younger adults and organic food consumers.

>Related: 4 problems that flexible packaging solves

3. Which healthy or organic snacks are good fits to utilize flexible packaging?

Food manufacturers need convenient packaging options as shoppers continue to demand healthy and organic foods. The list of healthy snack foods, for example that use flexible packaging is growing every day, including:

  • Protein bars
  • Protein drinks and powdered beverages
  • Granola, oatmeal, muesli, and cereal
  • Healthy chips/crisps (usually made from rice, kale, seaweed, mushrooms, or beans such as lupini, fava, lentils, or chickpeas)
  • Cookies/baked goods
  • Fresh produce
  • Chewy snacks (usually made from fruit or milk)
  • Seeds (such as quinoa) and seed butter
  • Organic chocolate
  • Green tea
  • Jerky and dried meats

4. What are some of the most important capabilities of a flexible packaging provider?

To gain the trust of global food manufacturers, a packaging vendor should offer specific characteristics that preserve freshness, grab consumers’ attention, and sync with the appropriate packaging machinery. These include:

High-quality packaging

Poor-quality packaging often fails to meet the expectations of consumers. Even worse, inadequate packaging may not pass inspections or withstand the temperature, humidity, or supply chain processes, leading to product decay and lost revenue. SigmaQ uses only certified raw materials in its flexible packaging offerings. We specialize in producing absolute air-tightness with multiple seals in low, medium, and high velocities.

Integrated printing capability

SigmaQ uses both rotogravure and flexography printing methods. Our Innovation & Development team helps customers determine which type of custom printing is appropriate for their packaging based on their preferred design and product needs. This adaptability helps optimize the packaging’s appearance to drive consumer intrigue and interaction. We also offer matte-finish printing, which is currently gaining popularity.

Packaging customization

Our team specializes in optimizing packaging for the preservation and transportation of your product. Instead of offering only stock packaging options, we offer seven types of flexible packaging, each with multiple modification choices. After analyzing a client’s product requirements and packaging machinery types, SigmaQ delivers products in either preformed bags or reels. Our team specializes in optimizing packaging for the preservation and transportation of your product.

>Related: Four more features to look for in a flexible packaging supplier.

SigmaQ excels in customer service! Contact us today for a quote. 

Interested? Need more info?

Contact a SigmaQ Flexible Packaging Expert.

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