The rise of flexible packaging and the stand-up pouch
Flexible packaging is the second-largest packaging segment in the United States, representing 19% of the $177 billion U.S. packaging market.
Analysts expect that percentage to grow as consumer sentiments and behaviors shift. For example, more than 75% of Americans tried a new shopping behavior such as ecommerce or online grocery shopping during the pandemic, with around 40% reporting they have switched brands.
Additionally, millennial and generation-Z buyers have an established preference for products typically associated with flexible packaging, such as fresh and organic foods.
The rise in demand for flexible packaging can be attributed to the many benefits this type of packing offers, including an attractive presentation, extended shelf-life, and convenience benefits such as:
- A lightweight structure and custom shapes and handles for increased portability
- Zippers or valves for easy opening and resealing
Prolonged shelf life is also a benefit for manufacturers. But pouches demonstrate plenty of other perks, including resistance to:
- Ultraviolet light damage
- Oxygen and water vapor infiltration
- Temperature extremes
Flexible stand-up pouches help companies achieve sustainability goals
Perhaps the most crucial benefit to using flexible pouches is their sustainability attributes. Outside of any ethical obligations to introduce more ecofriendly practices, corporations also face rising pressure from regulations, the public, and internal initiatives to become more environmentally sustainable.
Flexible packaging helps manufacturers reduce their carbon footprints. Check out these facts and figures from the Flexible Packaging Association:
- Flexible packaging uses fewer natural resources, less energy in manufacturing, and creates fewer greenhouse gas emissions than other types of packaging.
- One-and-a-half pounds of flexible plastic packages the same amount of beverage or liquid foods as 50 pounds of glass.
- Producing a flexible food service pouch requires 75% less energy than making a metal can for the equivalent amount of product.
- Flexible packaging extended the in-store shelf life of cucumbers from three days to 14 days.
- Flexibles maximize packaging efficiency to reduce product warehousing and shipping costs while improving product protection.
Common uses for flexible pouches
Flexible stand-up pouches, also known as doypacks, are regularly used for solids, powders, and liquids in various industries. Examples include:
- Food
- Organic and all-natural food grades
- Vegan products
- Fruits, nuts, and vegetables (dried and fresh)
- Protein powders
- Vitamins and supplements
- Baking mixes
- Granola and cereals
- Salad dressings, sauces, and soups
- Cookies and crackers
- Meats and seafood
- Cheese
- Coffee (whole-bean and ground)
- Pet Food
- Dog food
- Dog treats
- Fish food
- Vitamins and medicines
- Home Care
- Liquid soaps
- Liquid detergents
The SigmaQ advantage
SigmaQ provides quick, friendly customer service, with experts available to help with issues such as expedited shipping and delivery, machinery optimization, printing and design, lamination, and shelf-life estimates. Additionally, we have locations in nearby time zones to reduce shipping times and eliminate tariffs.
Our customized stand-up flexible pouches are available with the following features:
- High-quality structures composed of aluminum, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, cellophane, nylon, or paper
- Flexographic and rotogravure graphic printing
- Matte or glossy finishes
- Flexible minimums
- Up to seven layers of co-extrusions
- In-house pre-press
- Multiple signals in low, medium, and high velocity
- Accessories include pre-cut laser, easy-open zipper, degassing valve, and dies for custom shapes and handles.
- Products delivered in rolls or individual bags.
The superior structures of SigmaQ’s flexible pouches
Following are three specification examples of our high-quality flexible pouches, along with typical product applications.
- Snacks – candies, cookies, confectionery
- Dried Foods and Drinks – coffee, sugar, beverages, isotonic powder
- Frozen Food – popsicles, chicken tacos
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