When it comes to managing the costs of your business, some factors are beyond your control, such as fluctuating fuel prices or energy expenses. However, one aspect you have complete influence over is your packaging choices.
The realm of packaging offers a diverse array of options, each with its own set of advantages, disadvantages, and associated costs. Amidst this landscape, flexible plastic pouches continue to emerge as a prominent trend in product packaging. Major companies are increasingly turning to flexible bag and pouch formats, with the stand-up pouch gaining significant popularity. While these large corporations can easily absorb the costs of printed flexible packaging, the question remains: Is it a viable choice for new or smaller businesses? When comparing the costs of printed stand-up pouches to other packaging types, what emerges as the optimal solution?
To truly understand the cost implications of packaging, it's essential to consider the following seven factors:
1. Production Costs
The efficiency of your package manufacturing process plays a crucial role. Printed flexible bags, like the stand-up pouch, are crafted by laminating multiple layers of film, each serving a distinct purpose. This method not only ensures strength and moisture protection but also provides a platform for essential product information. The efficiency gains in producing thin layers of film compared to glass or plastic jars are undeniable.
2. Materials Costs
Certain flexible packaging styles, such as the stand-up pouch, require up to 12% less material than other bag formats. Additionally, flexible packaging offers inherent protection, eliminating the need for additional inner liners, outer boxes, cartons, or secondary containers. This reduction in extra packaging materials translates to decreased production costs and storage expenses.
3. Energy Efficiency
Printed flexible packaging also yields savings in other energy areas. Due to their lightweight nature, pouches require less fuel per unit for shipping compared to heavier alternatives, contributing to reduced energy consumption.
4. Waste Reduction
The robustness of printed stand-up pouches, especially in food product applications, translates to fewer returns and damages. Returns not only result in short-term costs but can also lead to long-lasting customer dissatisfaction. It's worth noting that printed flexible packaging is often recyclable and landfill-friendly, aligning with sustainability goals.
5. Marketing and Branding
The design of stand-up pouches offers extensive branding opportunities. With ample space on the front and back panels, these pouches provide room for labels, prints, windows, or a combination thereof. Eye-catching designs on flexible retail packaging can significantly enhance visibility on store shelves, setting them apart from competing packaging types.
6. Convenience and Customer Appeal
Beyond quality, convenience plays a pivotal role in consumer preferences. Printed stand-up pouches offer exceptional ease of use. Their ability to stand upright facilitates convenient storage in various settings, including garages, closets, kitchens, refrigerators, RVs, or picnic baskets. Tear notches make them effortless to open, while zip lock closures ensure freshness and seal in flavor.
7. Packaging Machinery
A common concern is the investment required in new packaging machinery to support flexible formats. However, utilizing stand-up pouches doesn't have to be daunting for new or small businesses. Many stand-up pouches are premade, meaning the supplier conducts quality checks before delivery. Packaging machinery for premade pouches is often straightforward to operate and maintain. Well-developed filling and sealing machines for premade pouches are not only affordable but can also help reduce downtime, enhancing operational efficiency.
In conclusion, while the initial costs of flexible packaging may seem daunting, a comprehensive assessment reveals numerous cost-saving benefits across production, materials, energy, waste, branding, convenience, and machinery. By exploring efficient solutions such as premade pouch packaging machinery, businesses can embrace the advantages of flexible packaging without compromising affordability or operational efficiency. At Yeaman Packaging Systems, we offer tailored solutions to help businesses of all sizes optimize their packaging processes. Contact us today to discover how flexible packaging can transform your operations!
