Logistics

6 Advantages of Adopting Flexible Packaging in Food Related Business

Fredmeyer Grocery Store. Photo by Lyza. License: CC BY-SA 2.0.

Food packaging plays a great role in preserving the quality of the food that we consume. On the same note, if the packaging used is poor, it can also affect the quality of the food negatively. For marketers, packaging can make or break the profit margins. Because food goes through quite a long chain of supply before the consumer gets it, the highest quality means of packaging has to be reached to ensure that the quality remains intact, as well as the flavor and the taste. From the producer/manufacturer, to wholesaler, to the restaurant or the retail outlet, there is a lot of handling from one section to another. Because of this long process, better means of packing in the name of flexible packaging has been invented. It has many benefits to the food industry as you will see in this article.

Here are several ways in which flexible packaging is positively affecting the food industry:

1. Flexible Packaging Is Good For Many Types Of Foods

Flexible packaging is perfect for fairly all types of foods. This includes liquids, solids, and pastes, frozen, dry and even ready-to-eat foods. This kind of packaging provides wonderful storage for the food making sure that its color, flavor, taste and nutritional value remains intact over time. Where the traditional means of packaging were only good for certain foods, flexible packaging brings incredible flexibility in food packaging.

2. Flexible Packaging Lasts A Long Time

Because of the long chain that food products have to go through before they get to the consumer, the packaging has to be made in such a way that it remains intact for the longest time possible. Now, with flexible packaging, that issue has been sorted out way beforehand and the food will get to its expiry date with the packaging still intact. This also means that food products with the longest lifespan are best packed in flexible packaging.

3. It Does Not Harm The Quality Of the Food

There will be no food contamination along the way. The nutritional value of the food is not going to be affected in the flexible packaging and most importantly, this packaging is going to withstand all the rigors of the long handling and transport chain. The food is going to retain its freshness such that it gets to the consumer in the same state that it was packed in the truck from the factory.

4. Flexible Packaging Saves Money

Low packaging costs means that down the chain, the consumer also gets low prices on the commodities. Unlike the traditional packaging means that were pricey and used more resources, this new, robust kind of packaging is flexible in terms of materials used as well as in terms of price. Flexible packaging can also be used to carry more quantity than rigid packaging. Because of its durability, there is very low risk of damage in transit which means low or no returns.

5. Makes Very Attractive Packaging And Display

Because of the rife competition in the market, food processors need appealing packaging that can capture the attention of the buyer. If possible, the type that pops out from the crowd in the supermarket displays. Flexible packaging is very attractive, it can carry pleasing graphics and designs, and it can display your marketing and brand message prominently. In fact, marketers have been cashing in on this.

When packaging is playing a good role in marketing, it means that the company may not have to spend as much money on marketing as they would have. This eventually leads to lower costs on the consumer, and as a result, the products are bought in large quantities.

6. It Offers Great Customization Options In Low Costs

One of the best ways to win customers’ trust is to make them part of the product design. For example, a manufacturer can run a survey asking consumers of the product what kind of packaging they would love. Because of the highly customizable nature of flexible packaging, it is easy to give customers just the kind of packaging they want on their favorite products. In return, this means that when the customer walks into the market, they can be able to identify their product fast because it has been packaged to their specifications and needs. Say for example, the custom coffee packaging allows coffee companies to package high quality coffee that will last look and also look attractive. Today, flexible packaging has made it possible to meet the needs of consumers through packaging in the required dimensions.

Fredmeyer grocery store photo by Lyza. License: CC BY-SA 2.0.

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Paul Tomaszewski is a science & tech writer as well as a programmer and entrepreneur. He is the founder and editor-in-chief of CosmoBC. He has a degree in computer science from John Abbott College, a bachelor's degree in technology from the Memorial University of Newfoundland, and completed some business and economics classes at Concordia University in Montreal. While in college he was the vice-president of the Astronomy Club. In his spare time he is an amateur astronomer and enjoys reading or watching science-fiction. You can follow him on LinkedIn and Twitter.

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