Flexible packaging offers undisputed advantages in the modern packaging industry. It is a lightweight, durable material that can keep products contamination-free and safe during transport. We can easily find flexible packaging in our daily lives, especially when it comes to keeping our favorite foods and beverages fresh and safe.
Thanks to technological advances, flexible packaging is now engineered to possess various functions and capabilities, including allowing some products to maintain modified atmospheres for long periods and ease of recyclability. This article explores five ways flexible packaging has made sustainable living more affordable for both consumers and businesses.
Saving Resources during Production: Flexible packaging requires less material compared to traditional rigid packaging. This impacts the amount of waste generated and resources used in production. Combines several materials to accumulate each material’s barrier properties. For example, a resealable pouch for your favorite coffee brand can replace several layers of rigid packaging, reducing the carbon footprint generated during production and transportation.
Lower Carbon Emissions: According to Flexpack Europe, flexible packaging requires one-sixth of all consumer packaging materials. This also results in more compact, lightweight products that take up less space and are easily transported. Most flexible packaging can be shipped in a single truckload — which reduces the number of trips needed and cuts down on fuel consumption. This will also impact its greenhouse gas emissions.
Enhanced Product Shelf Life: Flexible packaging is made of multiple layers of materials, condensed into a thin sheet that protects products from moisture, oxygen, and light. This film can create an airtight seal and keep perishable items fresher for longer periods, effectively reducing food waste — a significant contributor to global environmental issues.
Recyclability and Reusability: Many flexible packaging today are designed to be recyclable thanks to innovations in material science. Mono-material packaging is among the many techniques developed to help ease the recycling process of flexible materials. This technique uses a single bio-based monomer at its core, which will increase circularity, potentially reducing the environmental impact of synthetic materials. Mechanical recycling, a process that does not fundamentally change the material’s chemical structure, can be done easily with materials derived from a single monomer.
Convenience and Versatility: Flexible packaging is highly versatile and can be customized to meet various customer needs. Resealable zippers, easy-to-open tear notches, and portion control spouts enhance user convenience and reduce the likelihood of product waste. Flexible packaging also supports a wide range of product types, from liquids to solids, ensuring that sustainability does not come at the cost of functionality.
Read more about Sustainable Packaging for E-Commerce: Challenges and Solutions
With its lightweight, durable, and adaptable design, flexible packaging has contributed major changes to the packaging industry. As innovations continue to emerge in this field, flexible packaging will undoubtedly play an even more significant role in supporting a sustainable future. Adopting sustainable practices during production, distribution, and consumption will help consumers and businesses adopt a more sustainable lifestyle in the long run.
For more information on durable, mono-material flexible packaging, visit PT Argha Karya Prima Industry Tbk (https://arghakarya.com).
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