Sustainable packaging has become essential for CPG Brands. Modern consumers are looking for brands that prioritize environmental responsibility, and sustainable packaging is one of the strongest ways to demonstrate this commitment. Choosing the right packaging can help brands reduce waste, improve recyclability, and ensure long-term environmental impact.

Understanding your packaging needs

Before determining your packaging, it is critical to understand your packaging needs.  Once these elements are established, you can better make decisions that align with your packaging goals. Some of the questions you should ask yourself are the following:

1. What type of product are you packaging? 
2. Is it food? Is long shelf life important?
3. What type of look are you going for? Do you want matte or gloss? Do you want a window?
4. What are the most important factors in determining my packaging solution? Price? Lead time? Premium look? Sustainability?

How to Size Flexible Packaging

Determining the optimal size for flexible packaging requires careful consideration of the product’s dimensions, storage conditions, and handling requirements.

1. Product Volume and Dimensions – Begin with the product’s weight and size to decide on packaging dimensions. Too much extra space can lead to inefficiency and excess material, whereas insufficient space may risk product damage.
2. Usage Environment – Consider storage and transportation conditions. If your product is susceptible to temperature changes or needs to remain fresh over extended periods, packaging must provide the necessary insulation and protection.
3. Customer Convenience – Think about how consumers will interact with the packaging. Easy-open features or resealable options, which are common in flexible packaging, can significantly enhance user experience.

Material Composition and Layers

Flexible packaging often consists of multiple layers that provide a balance of strength, barrier protection, and sustainability. Each layer serves a unique purpose, and understanding their composition helps in making sustainable choices.

1. Primary Layers – These include barrier layers to protect against oxygen, moisture, and UV rays, essential for preserving product quality. Josh Packaging offers materials like polyethylene for moisture resistance and PET for strength and durability.
2. Adhesive Layers – In multilayer packaging, adhesives bind layers together to create a cohesive structure that resists separation.
3. Functional Layers – Functional layers may include anti-static, heat-sealable, or resealable properties, enhancing consumer experience and maintaining product integrity. Choosing the right combination of layers is crucial for product protection while minimizing environmental impact. The trend toward eco-friendly materials encourages brands to seek recyclable or compostable layer combinations that reduce waste without compromising on quality.

Aligning Packaging with Manufacturing Equipment

Once the packaging material, size, and composition are determined, ensuring compatibility with manufacturing equipment becomes the next essential step. Aligning packaging specifications with the equipment can significantly improve production efficiency and reduce waste.

1. Equipment Capability – Every piece of machinery has limitations on the types, thicknesses, and dimensions of packaging it can process. Understanding these limitations can help streamline the transition from packaging design to manufacturing.
2. Material Flexibility – Flexible materials must be compatible with high-speed machinery, especially when packaging is required to withstand the rigors of filling, sealing, and printing.
3. Working with Packaging Partners – By collaborating with packaging suppliers early on, brands can help address potential issues like material incompatibility or size discrepancies, reducing delays and production costs. Josh Packaging’s expert team works closely with brands to achieve seamless alignment with their equipment.

Sustainable Choices for the Future

The landscape of packaging materials is continuously evolving to meet higher sustainability standards. Future-forward brands are investing in research to explore biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable materials that lessen the ecological footprint. With emerging innovations in sustainable flexible packaging, the market is seeing new materials that offer strength and barrier protection without sacrificing recyclability.

For brands looking to make a positive environmental impact, partnering with a packaging supplier committed to eco-friendly practices is vital. Josh Packaging integrates sustainability into their product offerings through VOC reduction, solvent recovery, and recycling initiatives, enabling brands to provide eco-friendly packaging choices that resonate with environmentally conscious consumers.

Looking for a new packaging supplier who can meet your sustainability goals? Josh Packaging can help you design the perfect flexible film packaging.