Finding the right packaging for food products can be a complex undertaking.
Globally, raw material shortages, the pandemic, labor shortages, political unrest, border closures, and fluctuating oil prices have significantly damaged the supply chain.
In the burgeoning flexible packaging industry, more than half of which focuses on food products, shortages of adhesives, paper, foil, polyethylene, and other materials have taken a heavy toll.
Add in unreliable packaging providers that fail to meet deadlines or quality specifications, and you’re dealing with a profound packaging predicament.
So, to streamline the process of enhancing your food products with the optimal flexible packaging solution, we’ve created this brief list of common questions and answers.
>Related: Flexible Packaging for food, everything companies need to know
What types of flexible packaging are best for food?
The unique properties of your products will determine the type of packaging that’s most advantageous. An important focus here is to consider packaging providers with multiple options.
For example, all of SigmaQ’s flexible packaging solutions have numerous food applications. Feel free to click the links below for more information on each option.
Should I use customized flexible packaging or cheaper stock options?
Comparing the quality and pricing of packaging options is part of any diligent purchasing process. But in most cases, customized flexible packaging is superior to stock options. This is especially true for food products. Here are our top reasons why this is the case:
- Compatibility with fundamental machinery – While stock flexible packaging can make it more challenging or impossible to utilize filling machines or other equipment, organizations usually customize flexible packaging to sync with this equipment.
- Optimal shelf life – Stock flexible packaging is not product-specific, so it often fails to maximize freshness, leading to product or revenue losses. Reliable suppliers design their flexible packaging considering factors that could negatively impact shelf-life.
- Improved consumer engagement – Whether in a physical display or on an e-commerce website, customized packaging boosts shelf appeal.
- Evolving marketplace – Changes in market conditions can compel companies to modify their products. Customized flexible packaging maximizes change opportunities, while standardized packaging severely limits them.
- More options – Many food products require specifications such as UV or moisture barriers to preserve the products’ distinctive properties, such as appearance, flavor, or aroma.
What kinds of food most commonly utilize flexible packaging?
The list of foods that use flexible packaging is growing every day, but here are the most common types:
- Baby and toddler foods
- Candy, nuts, and snack mixes
- Cereals, bread, and cakes
- Coffee and tea
- Condiments, dips, and salad dressings
- Dairy items such as milk, cheese, creamer, cream cheese, sour cream, and yogurt
- Fruits and vegetables
- Jerky, seafood, and other meats
What characteristics should I look for in a flexible packaging supplier?
To provide the solutions food manufacturers and distributors need, a packaging supplier should offer:
- Fast technical assistance
- Guaranteed high-quality flexible packaging
- Use of only validated raw materials in packaging production
- Quality and food safety certifications in all production facilities
- Locations in nearby time zones for:
- Faster delivery
- Reduced shipping costs
- Fewer supply chain issues
- Easier travel for in-person QA
SigmaQ offers all of these advantages and excels in customer service. Contact us today for a quote.
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a SigmaQ Flexible Packaging Expert
