Choosing Between Rigid and Flexible Packaging

Have you ever taken a really good look into how much the industry of product packaging has changed in the last decade?   Look at the products sitting on your shelves right now.  What do you see?  My guess is that you will see a variety of different packages from paper packets to plastic pouches.  This is a significant change from years past when rigid packaging options were the norm.  A decade ago consumer’s shelves were stacked to the hilt with cans and hard plastic containers. Why the change?

There are a number of reasons that manufacturers choose to switch from rigid packaging to flexible packaging. Just because flexible pouch packaging is a good choice for the competition or one subset within your brand does not mean it meets the needs of all of your products.  There are many benefits of both rigid and flexible packaging.  It is up to you as a manufacturer to determine which option best meets the needs of both the product and consumer’s needs.

One of the main benefits of flexible packaging over rigid packaging options is its durability.  Pouches are far less likely to be damaged upon impact over several options in rigid packaging.   During shipping solid containers such as glass or aluminum are more likely to be damaged during shipping then flexible plastic pouches.

At first this might not sound like it’s a big deal but consider the last time you choose to buy a product in a package that was damaged.  If you do how many times are you likely to ask the retailer to offer the item at a discount?  It is just a simple fact that damaged products are less likely to be purchased than those without.  This is just one reason why manufacturers find flexible packaging desirable.

Another benefit of flexible packaging comes from the materials that are used to create the pouches.  Most flexible packaging is created from a laminated plastic.  The laminated plastic helps to strengthen the barrier characteristic of the package.  The design options with flexible packaging are also fairly unlimited including: laminated sacks, pouches, plastic form fill and seal film, bags and more.  Manufacturers can also choose from a variety of options including: velcro sliders, hooded sliders, top sliders, face zippers, re-sealable zippers and sliders.  The re-sealable nature of flexible packaging is what makes it of utmost attractiveness to most manufactures and consumers alike.

Choosing between rigid and flexible packaging should come down to each individual product within your company line.  What is right for one product may not be for another.

At Anchor Printing, we take pride in offering our clients cut & stack labeling, pressure sensitive labels, roll-fed labeling, shrink sleeves as well as flexible packaging options. Contact us today at http://anchorprinting.com for all of your product label design, printing and packaging needs.

Connecting With Your Clients Through Labeling

One of the most difficult things about being a business owner is finding ways to attract and connect with customers.  Reaching clients is made simpler by using techniques that appeal to their emotions.  One way manufacturers can achieve this is to utilize proper product packaging and custom labeling techniques.  A main aspect in labeling and packaging is color.  It is ideal that designers to correlate colors, fonts, images and materials that work to connect consumers to the product in order to achieve success.  Understanding the psychology of color is crucial in label design.  The guide below will allow you to see how color is used to convey emotion and the manufacturer’s message.

There are many classes that can be taken to help custom label designers understand color psychology.  Color on labeling is utilized to allow products to stand out from the competition when on display.  It is important that a product speak for itself when there is not a company representative speaking on its behalf; a properly designed product label does just that.

Start by examining the ideals of the color graphic wheel when beginning to consider color options to represent your company brand and product lines.  The color wheel is a visual aide that shows how complementary colors create a dramatic contrast and offer the pop element to wow consumers.  This is ideal when it comes to graphic imaging and elements within the content just be careful of using this technique in large quantities as that may overpower the product.  That is the exact opposite of what manufacturers are looking to accomplish.

Looking for a relaxed vibe where the color flows naturally together; consider analogous colors.  Unlike complimentary colors which stand out these colors when used in conjunction of one another blend together and appeal to more subdued feelings.  They work well for the label background to help create a differential between the text and design.

Label designers should seek to follow the rule of threes when choosing a color palette off of the color wheel.  It has been researched that groups of three are perceived in a more positive light.  Jokes are funnier when said in threes, foods are more tasteful in threes and colors are more effective in threes.

In our next installment on the affects of color in labeling we will discuss different colors and textures affect the look and feel of your product label.  It is amazing the difference in customer perception between brown craft paper differs from metallic paper in labeling.

At Anchor Printing, we take pride in offering our clients cut & stack labeling, pressure sensitive labels, roll-fed labeling, shrink sleeves as well as flexible packaging options. Contact us today at http://anchorprinting.com for all of your product label design, printing and packaging needs.

For Continued Success Evaluate Your Packaging and Labeling Options

Consumers have begun to recognize how their lives are impacted by product packaging.  They are making buying decisions based on packaging convenience.  It is crucial for continued success and growth that manufacturers take time to evaluate their packaging and options that are available.  It may be time to rebrand to ensure consumers are getting a quality product in the most convenient packaging available on the market today.

One option in packaging that is taking the custom packaging and labeling industry by storm is flexible packaging.  The benefits that arise from flexible packaging are not limited to the consumer alone which is another reason that it has become such a popular option.  Many product markets are switching away from cardboard or cans and transitioning towards bags and pouches to capitalize on their markets.

There are several benefits when choosing flexible packaging from a manufacturing stand point.  One of the major advantages over other types of packaging is the efficiency in manufacturing the package itself.  Flexible packaging offers a light weight packaging solution with little waste.  It also decreases the amount of shelf real estate that is needed when displayed.  These two factors in themselves give manufacturers an edge over other packaging options.

Manufactures that have switched to pouch packaging also report a decrease in production and shipping in handling costs.  The lightweight package decreases freight costs.  This is great for companies that are looking to cut costs.  The cost savings seen in flexible packaging are abundant.  Don’t simply focus on the savings seen within the manufacturing process.  Consider the additional costs occurred with other packaging options such as the need for separate custom labeling and more as well.

Another benefit with flexible packaging is its eco-friendly nature.  During all stages of a products lifecycle it is important that it is sustainable.  Flexible packaging maintains this requirement throughout from requiring less water and energy for production to lower fuel consumption in transportation to less package waste in landfills.

Flexible packaging is available in a number of varieties to accommodate a wide range of products.  Growth within the industry is occurring throughout the food and beverage industry and beyond.  Manufacturers looking for greater visual appeal, versatility, convenience, greater shelf impact, increased freshness and more should consider all of the options available when using flexible packaging.

Your products package must keep up with the ever changing demands of consumers.  Give your product a competitive edge by upgrading to flexible packaging where it makes sense in your company’s product line.

At Anchor Printing, we take pride in offering our clients cut & stack labeling, pressure sensitive labels, roll-fed labeling, shrink sleeves as well as flexible packaging options. Contact us today at http://anchorprinting.com for all of your product label design, printing and packaging needs.