There are a million reasons to love flexible retail packaging. They are convenient, high quality, affordable, and make a statement on the store shelf. But beyond those reasons, one of our favorite elements of flexible packaging is its ability to use it in a creative manner. You can only stretch creativity so far with cereal boxes and soup cans. But with flexible packaging, there’s opportunity for innovation around every corner.

If you have fallen flat on ideas and your product image needs a boost, these innovative uses for flexible retail packaging just might give you the inspiration that you need.

1. Shape Pouches: Crafting Your Packaging Into Imaginative Options

How’s that rectangular box working out for you? If you’ve had your fill of rectangles and squares for product protective packaging, hope is on the horizon. Innovators in the packaging industry have recently introduced Shape Pouches— packaging that is produced in just about any recognizable shape imaginable. There are so many directions that you can take Shape Pouches, it will boggle your mind.

Here are a few fun ideas that you can use with Shape Pouches:

• Kangaroo shaped packages for animal crackers. We’ve all come to know and love the small red animal cracker box that looks like a circus cage full of animals. However, how fun would it be to have an animal cracker package in the shape of an actual animal? Kids would love the kangaroo shaped packages— and imagine what it could do for sales!
• Dog bone dog treat packages. You already know that flexible packaging is the perfect option for packaging pet food products. Why not take your statement a step further? Dog bone dog treat packages would delight dog lovers and likely fly right off the shelves.
• Fish-shaped fish food packaging. Another play on animal shapes, fish shaped fish food packages will sure to be a hit at the pet store. Your fish flakes and pellets will be kept fresh and secure within your packaging, all while looking like a rock star on the shelf.

These are just a few ideas that you can take away for innovative product packaging shapes. If you are looking to craft your package into a unique showcase for your product and brand, let’s talk. We can help you make it happen.

2. Squeezable, Flexible, Spouted Stand Up Pouches

If you are packaging products such as applesauce, baby food, or liquid cereal, you don’t have to rely on outdated glass packaging. Unique spouted stand up pouches can give you just the right protection and quality freshness that you need. The good news is that you aren’t stuck with only one size spout or pouch. You can select from a variety of sizes and cater to your customer’s specific needs.

For example, liquid cereal is popular for children. You can customize a squeezable, flexible, unique spouted pouch that is just the right size for smaller hands. Don’t forget, you can incorporate fun, bright, and bold graphics that children will love. Not only will they love your liquid cereal, they’ll ask mom for your product again and again while they’re shopping at the grocery store.

You can also opt for a spot where customers can click your unique spouted stand up pouches onto diaper bags or strollers. That way your pouch will be in a convenient location at all times. Customers love when you make their lives easier, especially when it comes to caring for their kids. You can’t go wrong with adding the feature of convenience.

3. Microwavable Packaging: Convenience in a Pouch

Speaking of convenience, how about allowing your customers to cook product from directly inside your bag? Perfect for busy professionals, college students, and people on the go, microwavable packaging is perfect for a variety of product. A few popular products for microwavable packaging include frozen vegetables, rice, and pasta, and even chili.

4. Completely Clear Stand Up Pouch

A dairy product producer has recently blazed a trail for clear flexible retail packaging. The company achieved clear packaging by removing the carbon black light barrier and calcium carbonate that contributes to making milk packages opaque. However, it retains an EVOH gas barrier layer so it continues to have six months of shelf life while unrefrigerated.

The company told a leading marketing magazine that the design is intended to entertain children. They can watch juice move through the packaging and creates an entertaining experience.

5. Flexible Wine Pouches

Who says that wine can only be enjoyed from a glass bottle? With flexible packaging, wine lovers won’t have to worry about corks or glass. Convenient spouted stand up pouches for wine is designed to function just the same as glass bottles, but it brings additional benefits such as:

• Single serve wine pouches won’t break when dropped
• They don’t require extra protection from a cardboard box
• They’re sturdy enough to stand on store shelves
• No cork to fuss with
• Weighs twenty times less than a glass bottle

Wine lovers will surely unite with spouted stand up pouches.

6. More Non-Traditional Uses for Flexible Retail Packaging

Luckily for you, you can think outside the box with flexible packaging. Although this form of packaging is quite popular for items such as rice and pasta, there are tons of other options you can use, such as:

• Iced coffee
• Seaweed chips
• Laundry detergent
• Paint

With this type of packaging, your protective packaging is only limited to your imagination.

Innovating Your Way to Thought Leader Status

The market is wide open for brands waiting to innovate their protective packaging. Brands can easily become trendsetters and industry leaders by using flexible retail packaging and it’s flexibility for design. Your brand colors will be more vibrant, crisp, and attractive. Not to mention, your product packaging will easily one-up the competition with innovative shapes and sizes.

If you are looking for ways to innovate your protective packaging and transform your brand, don’t hesitate to contact your packaging partner. They can bring your brand to new levels with top quality protective packaging and original designs.