Do More for Less: Why Flexible Packaging is Changing the Game
In the dynamic landscape of today's business environment, effective packaging holds paramount significance. Beyond protecting products and shaping brand identity, the right packaging can revolutionize efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability. Enter flexible packaging – a solution that not only trims costs and protects products but also facilitates easy storage and promotes brand visibility.
What is Flexible Packaging?
Flexible packaging refers to a versatile and adaptable form
of packaging that utilizes materials such as films, foils, and paper to create containers or pouches that can conform to the shape of the product. This type of packaging is known for its ability to accommodate various shapes and sizes, providing a lightweight and convenient solution for packaging a wide range of products, from snacks and beverages to household goods and pharmaceuticals. In addition to its versatility, flexible packaging offers advantages such as reduced material usage, improved shelf life, and cost-effectiveness in both production and transportation. Its flexibility not only enhances convenience for consumers, but flexible packaging also contributes to sustainability efforts by minimizing waste and promoting efficient use of resources, in turn reducing our carbon footprint. Producers and consumers are realizing the benefits, and the numbers show it. Flexible packaging is 19% of the $177 billion dollar U.S. packaging market, making it the second largest method in the United States.
Printing Methods for Flexible Packaging
Flexographic Printing
Because flexible packaging is so versatile, restrictions are few a
nd far between. With the printing capabilities of flexographic printing, the branding and design possibilities are limitless.
Flexographic printing is a type of printing technology that uses a flexible printing plate wrapped around rotating cylinders on a web press to transfer ink and is a widely used printing method. This printing method is a cost-efficient method for medium to large volume runs on various paper and film substrates, making it a great fit for the flexible packaging industry.
ATL has numerous flexographic printing presses up to 17" web width and can print up to 10 colors with water-based, UV, metallic inks, and more.
Digital Printing
Additionally, digital printing technologies for flexible packaging now allow for variable and dynamic content for flexible packaging printing applications. Digital printing is a rapidly developing technology that is changing the printing industry. In comparison to flexographic printing, digital printing is great for short runs various art versions as customers as there is no need for flexographic printing plates. This allows for a vast array of graphic and text applications for targeted subgroups of consumers and buyer personas.
At ATL, our digital printing capability uses UV, 4-color process inks with high-resolution output. Our technical versatility to print on coated and uncoated substrates supports a wide range of products and applications.
How ATL Can Help
With nearly 70 years of printing experience, our Graphic Design and Pre-Press team have the knowledge and technology to deliver consistent high-quality products. No matter what design you need, our full-service team will walk you through the printing process, from design to delivery, to help you develop the best printed flexible packaging for your products.
Contact one of our Technical Sales Specialists today to learn more about how flexographic and digital printing at ATL can enhance your flexible packaging product.