The future development momentum of plastic film soft packaging materials is good.
2014-07-25
Packaging boxes offer more opening methods that are easier to use. Compared to the past, current packaging boxes utilize small components as switches; for example, some stand-up pouches use zippers, eliminating the need to tear open the packaging; simply unzipping is sufficient. Significant advancements have also been made in machinery. With increased functionality, it's possible to provide one-stop service from filling to packaging in the shortest amount of time.
Clear high-barrier film. The barrier properties of the new generation of clear films and coatings are approaching those of metal foils and aluminum-coated films. This provides an opportunity for showcasing products, allowing people to directly see the appetizing food. This packaging structure also facilitates microwave heating of food.
The preferred packaging for new products. After years of development, it is widely believed that flexible packaging will sweep across all products. Typical examples include tuna and pet food; after decades of canned packaging, aseptic packaging pouches are prevalent. Recently, even baby food glass bottles have been replaced by aseptic packaging pouches.
A step ahead of others. Since using larger, flexible stand-up pouches for ketchup is no longer novel, small pouch packaging for other condiments is not far behind. Successful test marketing in Europe, Asia, and Latin America proves this to be a remarkable achievement. New packaging for shampoos and detergents was launched at the opportune moment, as was canned fruit.
Global cereal flexible packaging industry progresses slowly. In both low-end and high-end markets, flexible packaging has entered the sights of cereal manufacturers. However, experts acknowledge that switching to flexible packaging in a short period would require significant investment in packaging machinery for manufacturers. Moreover, although renewable resources possess numerous advantages, it is improbable that flexible packaging materials can be directly replaced with recycled cardboard. This is mainly because flexible packaging doesn't mean acceptance by consumers nationwide, especially Americans.
More layers will be involved in the coextrusion process. At first glance, this statement may seem incorrect, but adding layers to flexible packaging structures can save costs and enhance performance. How? It requires more precise control over the layers. 3-5 layer film coextrusion lines are constrained by the size of the extruder and the design of the die. 7-9 layer coextrusion lines can produce better performing, thicker flexible packaging materials, and the cost will be lower because no structural redesign is needed. One approach uses cheaper resins for the expansion layer material. Another method is to separate the moisture-proof layer into two thinner layers, with one layer in reserve in case of pinholes and connection with other layers. This method also increases the number of moisture-proof surfaces, further reducing permeability. Several techniques exist to split moisture-proof materials into multiple layers; data indicates a linear increase in waterproof performance.
Suitable flexible packaging shapes. Contemporary packaging styles allow for more shapes than before. Packaging consumer product companies crave new packaging shapes; for them, product prominence on shelves is paramount. Stand-up pouches with nearly two curved spaces are no longer popular, although machinery companies worldwide are still producing this conical stand-up pouch. At the same time, as stand-up pouch shapes become more complex, controlling design waste is a challenge that needs to be addressed.
The wide-ranging impact of packaging pouches. Because pouch structures are customizable, many new product physical structures have emerged: liquid, viscous, powdered, granular, and particulate. Consequently, product overlap has occurred across various sectors including food and beverages, cosmetics, healthcare, pet food, automotive, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural products. Currently, the filling speed of flexible packaging has not yet reached that of common packaging boxes, but the gap is narrowing, particularly in the field of dried products.
Despite the rapid growth in the current plastic flexible packaging industry, flexible packaging companies must keep pace with market recovery and adjust their product structure promptly and effectively. While potential is crucial, finding the right direction is key to sustained enterprise progress. Efforts should be spared to research the market and understand demands, conduct in-depth development, focus on quality improvement, and develop functional packaging materials with technological content to embrace the next wave of global green economy. Product packaging should gradually shift from the previous simple, protective, and passive forms to Brand, market-oriented, and proactive forms.
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