3 Flexible Packaging Innovations That Help the Environment

As you're likely aware, flexible packaging has facilitated the development of many new products currently on store shelves. Yet improved consumer convenience and extended product freshness aren’t the only benefits flexible packaging has brought to the world of packaging. Get up to date on certain flexible packaging innovations and their impact on the environment. Material Strength Innovations The FPA cites that flexible packaging materials are now comprised of new polymer technologies that offer:

• Enhanced puncture resistance
• Improved equipment handling
• Increased protection strength

In addition to providing better product protection, this flexible packaging innovation enables less material to be used overall, reducing carbon footprint and energy use. Lightweighting Innovations Lightweight material advancements have enabled film thicknesses to be reduced by 50% in the last 10 years. In addition to improving consumer convenience and preference for on-the-go snacking, lighter weight products reduce energy consumption during manufacturing and packaging assembly. Barrier Innovations Flexible packaging’s barrier properties have improved to offer better protection from contamination while also using less material. This is due to enhanced application techniques and barrier sciences and further environmental friendly practices. --  Adhesives are another aspect of flexible packaging that has evolved to keep up with the changing landscape. From general purpose sealing to dual ovenable lidding and resealability, adhesives enable flexible packaging to meet consumer demands for:

• Convenience
• Functionality
• Re-usability

For more information on smart flexible packaging adhesives, visit www.bostik.com.