Save on Inventory With Flexible Packaging

Manufacturers across the country can find benefit in transitioning the packaging for their products to flexible materials. Along with the numerous benefits flexible packaging offers, from minimizing production costs and promoting reusability to extending the shelf life and customizable design options, flexible packaging also offers the possibility to save on inventory costs. There are many different avenues manufacturers can view flexible packaging from to discover the ways inventory and production costs can be drastically reduced.

What Is Flexible Packaging?

Flexible packaging has continued to rise in popularity over the years for manufacturers across the country. Versatility and functional design both play a large role in its appeal for these companies. According to the Flexible Packaging Association, flexible packaging is a package or container made of flexible or easily yielding materials that, when filled or closed, can be readily changed in shape. Many different materials can be utilized in flexible packaging such as packaging films and stand-up or lay-flat pouches. In today’s market, flexible packaging can be found in a variety of designs, from bags and pouches to tubes and sleeves. Flexible packaging has continued to transform and impact the packaging industry as a whole since the early 1950s. Manufacturers who have chosen to utilize flexible packaging for their products have reported numerous benefits that positively affect both the company and the consumer market:

• Minimizes production costs
• Customizable packing
• Environmentally friendly
  
• Promotes reusability
  
• Consumer convenience
  
• Shipping and handling
  
• Extended shelf life
  
• Shelf appeal
  

Product Integrity

Manufacturers will instantaneously save on inventory by choosing flexible packaging because of it’s impressive durability and protective features. This packaging design is less likely to get damaged during transport since the materials utilized prevent it from denting or deforming easily. The barrier materials not only protect the product from getting damaged but also prevent unnecessary amounts of oxygen and moisture from reaching the product. The durable structural design helps keep the product safe during shipping, and the exterior materials and design are less likely to be affected by cosmetic abrasion.

Flexible packaging also offers manufacturers resealable and tamper-resistant features for added protection. Depending on the type of product you’re producing, tamper-resistant capabilities will ensure your product is fresh once it reaches shelves at retail locations, thus giving your customers peace of mind. This will also help you save on inventory as your product is less likely to get damaged during transport. There are many different resealable options available to promote reusability and convenience for the consumer market, from audible and pocket-zip to push-to-close and slider.

Sustainability

While sustainable packaging may be costly upfront, manufacturers will likely notice the benefits that come with this option quickly, resulting in lower inventory costs down the road. Sustainable and eco-friendly products have continued to rise in popularity with minimalist and zero waste lifestyles on the rise, meaning the consumer market is drawn to products that support these decisions. When flexible, sustainable packaging is designed, less energy is required, meaning manufacturing facilities have less of a negative impact on the environment. Making the transition to sustainable packaging will help communicate to the consumer market that your company is invested in making a change in its effect on our environment. This packaging design also encourages the consumer to utilize the packaging in other ways before disposing of since many include resealable features and include recyclable polyethylene film. Uses less energy and fewer natural resources

• Lower CO₂ emissions
  
• Less landfill space
  
• Reduces carbon footprint
  

Space-Saving Design

Flexible packaging is a versatile packaging design that works with many different product types, both small and large. Flexible packaging is available in a variety of styles, such as stand-up and lay-flat pouches. When designing your packaging, it’s important to remember that the more space your products take up, the less that can be stored, shipped, or fit on a retail shelf at one time. Choosing flexible packaging for your product will help you save on inventory. This packaging option is lightweight and compact, meaning space is saved, and your products are protected during transit. Shipping and handling costs are already expensive as is, and if manufacturers have to pay for multiple shipments, the cost and chances of damage increase drastically. Flexible packaging material has the capability to weigh up to 70% lighter than other traditional packaging options during shipping, meaning manufacturers can ship more products at once and receive a higher profit with this space-saving design.