Are Flexible Pouches Better Than Rigid Packaging?

08 Jul.,2024

 

Are Flexible Pouches Better Than Rigid Packaging?

Spouted pouch packaging is gaining traction in the United States, and for good cause.

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Jars, canisters, bottles, and other traditional, inflexible containers are too uninteresting and inefficient to compete with the creative design of contemporary spouted pouches.

Are flexible pouches better than rigid packaging?

Below are five reasons why liquid spouted pouches, squeeze pouches, stand-up pouches, and other types of bags with spouts would be worth ditching rigid packaging containers for.

Any questions or need any clarifications regarding the benefits of bags and pouches and need specific information related to your print project?

Don't hesitate to reach out to us. Consultation is free and always welcome.

1. Why are flexible pouches better than rigid packaging: Sustainability is a big factor

Stand-up pouches dispense flat as well. While consumers can utilize reusable plastic materials to make rigid containers and flexible pouches, a portion of them will inevitably end up in landfills.

Rigid containers take up a lot of room with empty space, whereas pouches with spouts save space in the disposal location and have a lower environmental impact. 

To maintain its shape, a rigid jug or bottle consumes a lot of plastic.

With spouted pouch packaging, you can help the environment while also feeling good about your packaging choice because it uses far less plastic to accomplish the same task.

Reduced plastic messaging appeals to today's environmentally responsible buyers as well. 

2. Why are flexible pouches better than rigid packaging: Ergonomic and literally flexible

With the efficient structure of spouted stand-up bags, you can fit more of your products on the shelf.

Flexible packaging can flex and adjust to the space's requirements without wasting room that you might use to contain more of your product. It also looks fantastic on the user's shelf since the package shrinks when customers fully consume your product.

3. Why are flexible pouches better than rigid packaging: Big savings on cost and space

By opting to use flexible spouted pouches, you can substantially lower the cost of packaging. This is due to the decreased use of plastic in production, the savings on storage space for shipping, the little space necessary to keep your inventory, and fuel costs.

A shipping truck can only hold so many large empty rigid containers. How many deliveries would you have to make before you have adequate packaging to complete all of your product's orders?

When it comes to spouted pouches, the answer is straightforward: one. You can order tens of thousands of pouches at once and have them delivered to your business in a flat, space-saving shape that can be easily stored until needed.

4. Why are flexible pouches better than rigid packaging: Easy to use and very convenient for dispensing contents

Pouches with spouts are often far more user-friendly than a hefty and bulky plastic bottle.

Instead of a top-mounted spout, you can opt to attach a spigot spout to the bottom edge of the packing so that the customer may leave it where it is and simply pour out the product without ever lifting it up like in boxed wine and water coolers.

5. Why are flexible pouches better than rigid packaging: Easy to design and big opportunities to stand out on the retail shelf

Your worst enemy is having the same packaging as your competitor.

When all your major competitors are stuck with almost identical packaging, do something new to make you stand out from the crowd. Jugs are plain and uninteresting, and they will end up making your product appear drab and identical to all the others. 

Stand-up pouches with spouts are unique, forward-thinking, practical, and eco-friendly.

It's also easy to cover the whole package with vivid and appealing laser-printed branding without having to go through a separate labeling process.

If you require professional custom labels, make sure to measure your packaging first and testing out different sizes to see what harmonizes best.

Reasons to Choose What&#;s Best for You

Contact Pouch Me to learn more about our cost-effective and flexible spout pouch solutions. Beyond the actual printing of your packaging, we are seasoned press and Prepress designers who can give you peace of mind.

We're your reliable packaging partner who can provide you with the pouches you need without the long lead periods and high overheads that traditional suppliers are notorious for.

For more information, please visit HaiPak.

We're always ready to talk if you'd like to learn more about how spouts with pouches may benefit your business.

5 Reasons Why Flexible Pouches Are Better Than Rigid Packaging: FAQs

+ What are the advantages of flexible packaging materials?

Flexible packaging materials are a good choice for manufacturers because they are lightweight, customizable, eco-friendly, cost-efficient, convenient, innovative, and make for safer distribution.

+ What are the main advantages of flexible packaging as compared to rigid packaging?

  • Aesthetic and branding capabilities: Flexible pouches can be printed using edge-to-edge full-color graphics which allows for eye-catching packaging.

  • Cost-effectiveness: The vast majority of flexible packaging is less costly than rigid alternatives.

  • Uses less material: Unlike rigid packaging, flexible packaging is made with soft plastics and less material.

+ What is the difference between flexible and rigid packaging?

While rigid packaging is constructed using denser and heavier materials, flexible packaging is made mostly of paper, foil, film, and plastic, making it lighter than rigid packaging.

+ What is the disadvantage of rigid plastic containers?

The greatest disadvantage of rigid packaging is its high transportation costs. Since this type of packaging is inflexible, the items it holds take up more room in shipping containers.

The increase in volume and weight leads to increased expenses across the supply chain.

The Pros and Cons of Eco-Friendly Packaging

Nowadays, a majority of businesses are switching to eco-friendly packaging. As a result, the green packaging movement is likely to stick around for the next couple of years.

But is the switch really worth it? What are the benefits and drawbacks of doing so?

Let&#;s find out..

Environmental Pros

Helping the environment is simply one benefit of using eco-friendly packaging, but the truth is there&#;s a lot more it offers!

  • Reduces your carbon foot print

Carbon footprint is the amount of greenhouse gases that are released in the environment as a result of human activities.

Since eco-friendly packaging uses recycled waste material, it reduces the consumption of raw heavy-energy resources. In turn, the production of eco-packaging releases fewer carbon emissions.

  • Biodegradable

In addition to reducing your carbon foot print, green packaging offers an advantage even in its last stage! Depending on the material in use, the packaging will break down in industrial composting facilities.

  • Zero toxins and allergens

Unlike traditional packaging which is made from synthetic and petrochemical materials, most bio-degradable packaging is non-toxic and uses allergy free materials. This reduces environmental burden and can allow your customers to live a healthier lifestyle.

As a matter of fact, did you know that when you add heat to petrochemical products such as Styrofoam, they release toxic chemicals into the food which causes harm to one&#;s health? This can be avoided when you switch to eco-friendly packaging such as paper takeout boxes!

Economic Pros

In addition to environmental advantages, there are economic ones that can benefit your business as well!

  • Versatile uses

Depending on the material in use, you can reuse and repurpose eco-friendly materials several times to create multiple products for different industries.

For example, bamboo fibres are easily malleable to create not only cutlery, but takeout containers and makeup packaging as well!

  • Improves brand image

As more people become environmentally conscious, they are constantly seeking out ways to make a positive impact on the environment without making any major changes in their existing lifestyle. 

As a result, when you switch to green packaging, it can drastically improve your brand.

On the other hand,  when you continue to use plastic packaging, it can actually do even more harm and can destroy your company&#;s image. Interested in finding out why? Be sure to read our blog post!

  • Reduces costs

By switching to eco-friendly materials, you can successfully reduce packaging waste by cutting down on excessive space. Moreover, unlike heavy-energy resources, eco-friendly packaging is lightweight.

In turn, you can successfully reduce shipping and overhead costs!

  • Expands customer base

Last but not least, eco-friendly packaging can help you expand your customer base and attract new customers.

In the beginning of ,  Trivium Packaging and Boston Consulting Group (BCG) released a report on the topic of sustainable packaging. The report largely bases itself on a survey that was conducted by BCG and includes responses from more than 15,000 U.S., Europe and South American consumers.

Within the report, they found that 74% of consumers said they would pay more for sustainable packaging!

Similarly, papers published by Evergreen Packaging notes an upward trend in consumer preferences towards green packaging as well.

Consequently, this is an opportunity for you to push your company as an environmentally conscious organization!

The Cons to Eco-friendly Packaging

Given that there are a lot of advantages to green packaging, it&#;s important to consider their cons as well!

First of all, the cost of switching can be expensive for many small businesses. In some cases, the switch to using green materials can lead to higher costs in your production process or elsewhere in your operations.

Likewise, although green packaging can bring cost savings in the long run, it&#;s difficult to anticipate at what point that&#;ll happen.

Another criticism for many eco-friendly packaging materials is that they require the cultivation of crops. For example, corn-starch packaging, better known as PLA comes from corn.

Corn in itself is a renewable and cost effective crop. However, the use of it in packaging is criticized by those who feel it can serve a better purpose to help alleviate poverty and hunger.

Lastly, the materials in use can effectively breakdown only if disposed of correctly. There&#;s a high risk of cross-contamination when these products end up in recycling facilities.

The cross-contamination can impact the recyclability of other products and result in even more waste than intended.

So is it worth it?

Taking into account the pros and cons, going green can be a worthwhile business pursuit.

The concern for social responsibility is already being reflected in the shift in consumer preferences to more sustainable food and household products. Going green may help your business expand, improve its brand image, and result in increased revenue!

Nonetheless, it costs time and capital investment. Going completely green may not be economically feasible or meet your current needs.

Moreover, social responsibility can really only be achieved if packaging is properly disposed of!

At the end of the day, it all comes down to personal preferences!

Here at LeKAC, we understand at times this can be a difficult decision to make. Whether you choose to make the complete switch or would like to start with small changes, we&#;re here to support you!

Our experienced packaging specialists can help the decision-making process easier by taking into account your individual needs and wallet.

Interested in finding out more? Contact us today for a free consultation,

Looking for some inspiration? Be sure to check out our paper bags, reusable bags and alternative packaging material options!

Want more information on custom printed food pouches? Feel free to contact us.