Flexible packaging: the latest trends and developments

Flexible packaging is a form of product packaging that uses non-rigid, flexible materials that include polymer films, paper, metallic foil, cellulosic, and bioplastic films to create a wide range of adaptable packaging types. This type of packaging requires less material than traditional rigid packaging methods and enables manufacturers to offer customised solutions, often with space saving benefits.

Growth of flexible packaging

MarketsandMarkets has predicted that the global flexible packaging industry will grow at an annual average rate of 4.5% over the next couple of years. Significant growth is expected among several markets: food, beverage, cosmetics, personal care, and household and pharmaceutical products.

The latest flexible packaging trends

Flexible packaging has become very popular because of its light weight, durability, graphic impact, convenience, and supply chains benefits. It is changing and influencing the way food producers, suppliers, retailers, and brand owners package their products.

This change is also visible in the choice of packaging material. The move from plastic to paper flexible packaging will continue to grow in for example confectionary packs. Paper is perfectly suitable for confectionary packaging, and it enables brands to enhance their heritage and environmental credentials. Though, plastic flexible packaging still provides benefits in terms of barrier functionality, delivering protection from gasses, moisture, light, and aroma.

Another form of packaging that has found its way into the flexible packaging industry is compostable packaging. It is mainly used in food and beverage industries and is a feasible alternative to non-recyclable plastic packaging. It offers a way of bio-recycling for consumers, decreasing landfill and improving the disposal routes.

The use of pouches has become increasingly popular as well. They are ideal for shelf visibility and vertical presentation. Durability and convenience are built into the pouch design making it appealing for consumers. With categories from pet to baby food embracing the benefits, the design will most likely be picked up by other flexible packaging applications.

From new eco-friendly substrates to disposal options, new opening and closure solutions, to embracing the latest technologies, manufacturers continue to develop new flexible packaging solutions.

Our Pressen™ range of flexible packaging adhesives

Partnering with packaging technologists across the food, e-commerce, and medical industries, we have developed a range of hot-melt adhesives to meet the ever-expanding needs of this growing industry. Our flexible packaging adhesives offer high and instant tack to surfaces that are difficult to bond.

Traditionally, Pressen 1968 is our all-round best performing adhesive for flexible packaging, notably for courier bags and e-commerce packaging. Since the introduction of the plastic tax and other regulations, manufacturers have introduced recycled plastic into their packaging to reduce expenses. This change in the composition of packaging material means that it demands more of the adhesive. The recycled material often makes it harder to bond, which our adhesives are capable of overcoming.

Pressen 2363 is specifically used for high security, tamper evident seals, such as money bags and duty-free packaging. These require a very secure bond that is tamper evident, meaning if someone tries to open the bag it must be obvious someone did indeed try to do just that. The adhesive has good high and low temperature resistance as well, which aids its tamper proof abilities.

Beardow Adams is trusted by packaging converters around the world as an innovative adhesive manufacturer for flexible packaging.

To find out more about our range of flexible packaging adhesives, and why customers use them for their multitude of different applications, contact us by sending an email to marketing@beardowadams.com

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