Benefits of Adopting Flexible Packaging for Retailers
A few years ago they were supposed to be the next big thing and the prediction is turning out to be true. Flexible packaging is changing the way we look and feel the products. Adopting flexible packaging is crucial to both retailers and their customers. It also plays an important eco-friendly role in reducing our plastic usage.
What is Flexible Packaging?
According to the Flexible Packaging Association, flexible packaging is a packaging or any part of the package whose shape can be readily changed. The common examples of such packaging are bags and pouches.
Packaging happens when 3 major fields – science, arts and technology blend together. Flexible packaging is a great invention of this venture.
If you are in the FMCG or related business you must have definitely heard of flexible packaging.
But if you are yet confused about adopting flexible packaging here we list 8 amazing benefits of flexible packaging for FMCG manufacturers and retailers.
1. Durable than Traditional Packaging
Flexible packaging has longer durability than the traditional glass and plastic materials, which can be easily damaged when exposed to pressure and force. Flexible packaging has a relatively higher resistance than most of the traditional packaging. This feature is a boon for FMCG manufacturers and retailers as the danger of products getting damaged during transportation is considerably reduced.
2. High scope for customizable products
Everyone knows the importance of packaging in brand messaging. Flexible packaging provides an excellent opportunity to design a highly customizable product. This ability has given brands the power to use their creativity and create more engaging products. Flexible package printing is much easier than traditional packaging. The versatility we achieve adopting flexible packaging is amazing, and it is helping brands gain an edge over their competitors. The food packets become attractive and delightful to look, playing a huge role in driving customer decision and boosting revenue. Many top FMCG companies have in-house experts to design customized packaging to derive maximum benefit.
3. Reduced Packaging Cost
When compared to traditional packaging like glass and plastic, flexible packaging is lightweight and requires less material to manufacture. This is a great feature from FMCG retailer’s point of view as it reduces their cost of production and distribution considerably. Lower input means that manufacturers can produce more amount of packaging using the same amount of economic input.
4. Low storage Space and Ease of Transportation
As a result of flexibility offered, the outer packaging takes the same amount of space as that of the entire product. As already mentioned, flexible packaging is light in weight and it takes less complex transportation measures as the traditional packaging. It is also economically viable since you can transfer more products at the same cost as that of traditional products.
5. Ensures Product Safety
The durability of flexible packaging is also playing a vital role in increasing the preservation of the product. With flexible packaging in use, the food products are becoming capable of staying fresh for a longer period of time. The inner side of the Package is coated with materials to enhance and maintain the quality of the product. It is providing extra protection from external factors like moisture, oxygen, sunlight and other harmful substances that can damage the product.
6. Low Waste Generation than Traditional Packaging
As mentioned above, flexible packaging requires fewer materials to manufacture than traditional packaging. Similarly, it also requires less energy to dispose of the waste. Majority of environmental problems are not because of usage of plastic but it’s due to our inability to discard it. Traditional packaging requires a huge amount of energy and hence organizations show resistance to optimize waste generation methods. Flexible packaging can significantly cut down your waste generation as they are small and light in weight.
7. Recyclability
Many consumers today are looking for packaging which is environment-friendly. One of the primary reasons why FMCG manufacturers are adopting flexible packaging is that it is made up of highly recyclable materials. When you include the methods of recycling a packaging product, people actually do it. It is your duty as a manufacturer, to make the customers believe that they are part of something greater good.
8. Re-usability
Many people will argue that it is similar to the above mentioned point, but in practicality, it is quite different. Your packaging must have clear instructions and information that the packaging is re-usable. It should not happen that your packaging has the ability to be reused but since the customer is unaware they are discarding it in their dustbins. Adding this information can make your consumer aware that the packaging can be reused and they may find your brand helpful.
Conclusion
If you are operating as a retailer or a manufacturer in the FMCG industry and not yet managed to adopt flexible packaging, it is advisable to incorporate it as soon as possible. It will definitely give you an advantage over your competitors. Flexible has the advantage of being both economical and environment-friendly. If you have a huge requirement of packaging you can have your own manufacturing facility. But if your requirement falls in a small batch, you can always outsource the production to large manufacturing houses.
