2019 Shifts More Toward Consumer-Focused Flexible Packaging

General, Innovation, Preformed Pouches, Sustainable Packaging / February 11, 2019

Flexible packaging growth far outpaces the growth in other packaging formats—evidence of not only a growing economy, but also a shift toward greater responsibility and sustainability. But it’s not only about the interests of manufacturers and retailers, but increasingly about the consumer—and that’s the running theme of flexible packaging in 2019. What impact will this have on your company and customers?

Sustainability Takes the Focus… for Everyone

Sustainable business practices are a win for everyone, and consumer demand is at an all-time high. More than 9 out of 10 customers with expect your business to be environmentally responsible, and 2/3 will willingly open their wallets to pay a premium for it. The large Millennial generation is largely to thank for the changing sentiment, but there are benefits for your bottom line too.

• Flexible packaging saves material, space (in shipping, storage, and disposal), energy (in production), and can often be produced from recyclable, compostable, or reusable materials.
• Plastics are under attack, and flexible packaging is widely regarded as a preferable alternative—which is good for your brand.
• Sustainable, water-based inks are a better printing choice available for flexible packaging (and what we use on all our products).

Customer Convenience Drives Packaging Choices

Grazing has become a new norm for many young adults, so convenient, resealable packaging drives purchase decisions and is in turn motivating manufacturers to adopt packaging with features that cater to Millennial habits. Important features available with flexible packaging include:

• Single-serve
• Portable
• Resealable (for multiple servings)
• Squeezable
• Pourable
• Aligned with brand values (including natural and/or sustainable)

Ecommerce vs Local Shopping

In-person shopping where buyers browse local shelves drives the choice of manufacturers toward certain types of packaging. Standing out in a crowded visual environment is essential, but the needs are different with ecommerce where product selection is much less dependent on the branding and advertising features packaging must deliver in person. For ecommerce, the priorities are protecting products during delivery, reducing overall weight and shipping costs, convenience and ease of opening, and effective communication of important product information (including branding adequate to facilitate easy reordering). However, over time manufacturers are expected to shift toward the features of ecommerce packaging and migrate them to local store shelves as well.

How have you seen shifts in consumer packaging demands impact your business? If you’re looking to migrate to or expand your flexible packaging, give us a call or contact us. We’d also love to connect with you at Natural Products EXPO WEST® in Anaheim, CA, in March. Visit with us March 7-9 at Booth 3560!