Increasing supply chain efficiency with flexible packaging
Supply chains of today require cost-effective, efficient and agile solutions that can scale to changing needs. Flexible packaging is supporting a revolution in logistical optimisation, waste minimisation and product protection.
Advances in material science have led to more diverse technical flexible packaging films, allowing manufacturers to cater to the specific requirements of the food, medical and pet-food industries. These films are manufactured with attributes that meet the needs of supply chain issues such as lightweight construction to reduce transportation costs, compact structure for storage efficiency, and strength to keep the product safe while on the road.
With the global flexible packaging market forecast to grow to 37.5 million tonnes by 2026*, this blog focuses on how flexible packaging is supporting supply chain optimisation to meet the requirements of today’s demanding markets.
What are the disadvantages of using traditional packaging in the supply chain?
In the supply chain, using only rigid packaging – made from traditional materials such as cardboard, metal, glass or plastic – has become expensive and time consuming for brand owners. Key reasons why traditional packaging may not be the best packaging option for the supply chain are:
- Durability – It is observed that consumers receive goods in a damaged state** due to insufficient packaging that may not easily withstand the high impact of transit caused by factors such as vibration and improper handling by machines or humans.
- Protection – The contents of the products are often affected by the environment they are stored in and the transportation process. Extreme temperatures, humidity and microorganisms may contaminate improperly packaged products and degrade their quality. 5% of global products are damaged due to moisture. ***
- Weight – As traditional packaging is made of bulky materials the overall weight of the packaged product increases significantly. It may be necessary to use secondary and tertiary packaging materials around the packaged product to prevent damage.
- Transportation and storage – Using traditional packaging typically leads to products that are heavy, larger in size and require more space in storage. This also leads to more transportation journeys to complete deliveries of all products.
- Higher cost – With extra packaging, more storage space and additional deliveries the supply costs start to increase.
What makes flexible packaging the ideal choice for the supply chain?
Technological advancements have led to new flexible packaging materials being introduced to the market, resulting in smarter packaging solutions. Flexible packaging – particularly flexible packaging films – not only provides an enhanced consumer experience but also streamlines the supply chain, resulting in improved costs and production schedules. The below expands on the importance of flexible packaging in today’s supply chain management.
- Streamlined production – Flexible packaging gets rid of multiple packaging parts – thereby simplifying packaging. Printed films can be shaped and converted into bags, pouches and resealable packaging. Pouches can then be filled with hot or cold contents and sealed immediately, increasing productivity and improving efficiency. The flexible films can be printed and finished at the same time, creating a complete product.
- Customisation – Flexible packaging promotes creativity as it unlocks opportunities for branding through innovative printing and design. Vibrant, high-quality designs offer products a premium look and feel, while maintaining affordability.
- Consumer experience – Stand-up pouches and bags are a convenient solution for storage and display shelves, making the transfer from transit to shelf easy for retailers and convenient for consumers to handle. The films can be opaque or transparent – for easy identification or concealment of the contents.
- Protection and safety – Lidding films form a protective layer attached to traditional packaging like cardboard, aluminium and plastic containers, to make them sturdy and leak-proof. Barrier films increase shelf-life by balancing gases and moisture. The films are damage and puncture resistant and unaffected by pressure or temperature changes, protecting the safety and freshness of the products for longer.
- Storage and transportation – Flexible packaging is made of less bulky raw materials and is therefore lightweight. Products packaged with flexible packaging films tend to occupy less space and can be stored easily. During transportation, more products can be compactly packed and transferred in every journey, leading to fewer overall journeys. Optimising storage and transportation save time and costs.
- Sustainability – Through reduced fuel consumption and raw material usage, flexible packaging aims to reduce overall carbon footprint. Some films are compostable and recyclable, helping companies meet sustainability goals. For example, films such as Terinex Flexible’s OPP, CPP and PE films, including metalised and matt films, are OPRL-certified for recyclability.
Enhance your supply chain efficiency with Terinex Flexibles
Packaging is important to each stakeholder in the supply chain for different reasons, manufacturers want to improve productivity, brand owners want to appeal to the customer and offer convenience, supply chain logistics needs to avoid damage, spillages and waste and retailers want products that will save time unloading and stocking shelves, fit easily on the shelf, are visually appealing and have a good shelf-life. Packaging can help build supplier-retailer relationships and inspire trust amongst the consumer base, as it ensures products are delivered safely, to the right destination and on time. Flexible packaging film manufacturers play a key role in a smooth-running supply chain.
At Terinex Flexibles, we aim to add value to your supply chain with cutting-edge flexible packaging, finishing and design solutions. Get in touch with our team of experts who have helped transform flexible packaging for leading products and brands.
