The food and beverage packaging industry is facing innumerable pressures at the moment. Packaging companies are required to do more with fewer resources in addition to offering greater product variety and demonstrating environmental sustainability to an increasingly discriminating consumer base. Fortunately, flexible packaging can help companies meet these demands without incurring significant productivity losses. By using less material per package and expanding the options for colorful and creative visual presentations, this strategy promotes environmental health and helps different products stand out on retailer shelves.

There are still some challenges with flexible packaging, however. The changeover process, if not done properly and with the right equipment, can be a sinkhole for productivity. When machinery is overly complex or operators lack the right training, changeovers take longer, making it less lucrative to offer a variety of products. Packagers also need to ensure the reliability of their equipment while washing it down with harsh chemicals and high-pressure water jets. This white paper will explore several current industry trends in flexible packaging and suggest possible ways to mitigate its challenges.

Benefits of flexible packaging

Capable of dramatically expanding customization options, supporting environmental sustainability, and improving overall production efficiency, a flexible packaging strategy is the gold standard for many companies. The value of this strategy is greatest, however, when packagers invest in the right machinery that can improve seal integrity, changeover speed, ease of use, cleanability, and reliability. Choosing the right automation supplier can ensure that a transition into flexible packaging serves to reduce complexity and boost efficiency.