Types of Flexible Packaging and How They Can Benefit Your Brand

 

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With almost countless applications and benefits, flexible packaging has become a go-to format for brands across industries in recent years. The Flexible Packaging Association (FPA) shares that flexible packaging is the second largest packaging segment in the U.S., garnering about 19% of the entire U.S. packaging market. Of the segments that have adopted flexible packaging, the largest are food, pet food, personal care and consumer products, according to the FPA.

Pouches are some of the most common and customizable types of flexible packaging. Often more sustainable than rigid formats and allowing for convenience features, pouch packaging is particularly useful for coffee, snack, cheese, pet food and nutraceutical brands. If you’re thinking about utilizing flexible pouch packaging for your product, here are three types you’ll want to consider.

Standup Pouches

Standup pouches are one of the most popular pouch packaging types. The standup function allows packaging to stand on its own on the shelf, distinguishing it from other product or packaging types. With multiple visible panels, standup pouches offer a strong billboarding effect and ample space for branding, key marketing messages, and product information. This function is particularly powerful in conjunction with the standup feature, as consumers are less likely to transfer your product into a secondary container (especially when the pouch features a resealable closure) and will have more exposure to your branding as a result.

Standup pouches tend to take up less space on-shelf than their rigid counterparts, making them popular formats among pet food manufacturers, coffee and tea brands, and snack products. Standup pouches are also easily transportable and especially convenient for on-the-go consumers.

Flat Bottom Box Pouches

Flat bottom box pouches are another way to experience the benefits of standup flexible packaging. Flat bottom pouches can hold more weight and are more stable than basic standup formats, making them particularly useful for heavier products, such as protein powder, whey or coffee. They are often used for larger quantities of these products, whereas a standup pouch would be more effective for single-serve coffee products, for example.

Flat Pouches

Flat pouches without the standup feature are an economical, space-saving solution for snacks, coffee and food brands. They allow for easy stacking, transport and storage of single-serve, shelf-stable or frozen products. Among these benefits, flat pouches are also efficient and easy to fill and seal during the packaging process.

Like other pouch packaging types, flat pouches are easy to customize. Adding laser scoring, vibrant graphics, Pour N’ Lok closures and other pouch packaging level-ups can set you apart on the shelf without the cost of more premium options.

Sustainable Flexible Packaging Types

Between consumer expectations, retailer demands and stronger sustainability regulations, sustainable packaging has become a must regardless of packaging format. Belmark offers several sustainable packaging solutions, including:

• tru-IMPACT®  Sustainable Packaging Solutions: Flexible packaging solutions with options for responsibly sourced materials and post-consumer recycled (PCR) content.

• eco-READY™ Recyclable Packaging: Flexible packaging that can be recycled through the Store Drop-Off stream featuring the How2Recycle® label.

Both of these solutions help you walk the talk when it comes to sustainability. Learn more about tru-IMPACT®  and eco-READY™ flexible packaging at Belmark.

Getting Started with Pouch Packaging That’s Right for You

With the numerous packaging types available, finding the right format doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Belmark can guide you through the flexible packaging types that are right for you and your products. Our research and development team, Launch™ Prototype program and flexible packaging experts can help you go to market with functional, on-brand and attractive packaging on the timeline you need it. And, we offer no order minimums and a lead time of three weeks or less so you can get to market faster.