There is a lot more that goes into the flexible packaging market than the average person understands. It’s a much larger industry all together. The plastics industry contributes $375 billion to the U.S. economy and employs around one million workers. Flexible packaging is a major part of that. From pet food to sustainable shrink sleeves for bottles, flexible packaging is here to stay. Here is everything that you need to know:
- To deliver 10 gallons of liquid, it requires only 1.5 pounds of flexible plastic.
- Oxygen transmission rate equations are implemented into every flexible plastic campaign.
- Products being packaged go through a chemical compatibility test before distribution.
- Products are are mapped out digitally to answer any questions before production.
- Color management and treatment are part of the digital design process for each product campaign.
- Heat-sealed plastic pouches helps keep food fresh and protects from contamination.
- Flexible packing industry prides itself on reducing their carbon footprint. They offer sustainable shrink sleeves for bottles and many other Eco-friendly products.
- Rigid plastics like jars and pots have a 27% share of the packaging industry.
- The one-gallon milk jug weighs 30% less than it did in 1996 due to prudent plastic usage.
- Almost 95% of Americans are able to recycle plastic bottles and 40% can recycle other containers like lids, tubs, and cups.
- Manufacturers are useing more flexible plastic pet food packaging.
- Custom product packaging has evolved over the years, offering many different forms of packaging: sustainable shrink sleeves for bottles, containers, and pouches; custom zipper pouches, roll stock, any many more.
- For every pound of plastic packaging used, that can reduce food waste by nearly eight pounds.
- Flexible sleeves and labels are used for many cheese and meat packaging companies.
- Digital design and development are major contributors to the flexible packaging industry.
The flexible packaging industry is larger than ever and is only planning on expanding. By 2018, the global market is estimated to reach $100 million. With all the new technology being implemented as well, flexible packing will be more efficient than ever when it comes to sustainability. We’ll be able to customize any kind of packaging design, as well as take care of the environment by recycling them properly!