If you think that flexible retail packaging is an industry that’s on its way out, a new report is telling a different story. Research and Markets has released a report on an in-depth market analysis for four categories of retail packaging. The report indicates that flexible retail packaging growth in the United States is on the rise, and it’s quickly becoming the country’s go-to option for food packaging.

The report’s content starts in 2015 and forecasts predictions for the market going into 2019. The market is expected to grow up to 4.48% through 2019.

Research and Markets broke down the report into four categories of protective packaging: paper, plastic, aluminum foil, and others. The key vendors involved with the research include Amcor, Bemis, Berry Plastics, and Sealed Air. In addition, other prominent vendors include, AEP Industries, American Packaging, Printpack, Exopack, and Sonoco Products.

Flexible Packaging is in Demand

According to Research and Markets, flexible packaging is experiencing growth in the United States, and it all comes down to the country’s consumers. As convenient and attractive packaging, a growing number of consumers reportedly prefer flexible retail packaging over other forms food packaging.

Increased Demand for Flexible Packaging

The Research and Markets report indicates that plastic is beginning to take the packaging world by storm. Until recently, glass protective packaging along with metal was primarily used to package a variety of products, especially food.

With the demand for plastic protective packaging on the rise, flexible packaging is beginning to take center stage as organizations recognize its convenience and affordability factor.

Review the Full Report

The entire report is available at Research and Markets, where they answer the following key topics:

• The growth rate of the flexible packaging market and where it will be come 2019
• Key market trends
• The driving force behind the market
• Market growth challenges
• Opportunities and threats faced by vendors in the industry
• Vendor strengths and weaknesses

What’s Attracting Vendors to Flexible Packaging: Our Take

While the statistical data concerning growth rate and trends is in the official report, we have our own analysis on several focus topics.

One of the key discussions within the report is the increased demand and growth rate. There are multiple reasons why vendors are demanding flexible packaging over other packaging selections. The reasons essentially come down to the following criteria:

It is Reasonably Priced

While the subject of reasonable prices is subjective, overall, flexible packaging offers affordable packaging solutions for a variety of products.

Some manufacturers in the industry offer bottom dollar quotes that are impossible to compete against. The unfortunate part of this is that the quality of the packaging suffers along with the tempting price tag. It comes as no surprise that you get what you pay for, and this is especially true in the food packaging industry.

However, there are, in fact, reasonably priced quotes that can give vendors both quality and a price point that isn’t sky high. For example, consider a strategic process and approach to locate affordable food packaging that keeps the contents fresh first…and from there take artwork into consideration in terms of cost vs. quality graphics and presentation.

Keep in mind, there are several steps vendors can take to ensure they are receiving the lowest price possible. This includes:

• Familiarity with the product you are packaging
• The weight of your product
• Shelf life of your product
• Film structure
• Features such as zip locks and tear notches
• Graphics and artwork

With the proper resources, it’s entirely possible to have the best of both worlds in terms of quality and price point.

Crisp Graphics for Powerful Presentation

Speaking of graphics, flexible packaging allows for vendors to take complete control of their package designs. With the design, you can select up to 10 custom colors. Color has a big impact when it comes to connecting to customers on an emotional level. With a wide variety of color options, you can hit almost any emotional trigger with your customers.

Furthermore, high quality rotogravure printing enhances artwork and creates graphics that are bold and attractive. Rotogravure printing can handle projects with intricate details; it’s the cherry on top of your flexible packaging presentation.

Top quality presentation matters to your customers. As you compete against thousands of other packaging on store shelves, flexible packaging gives your brand an opportunity to stand out with innovative design and powerful presentation.

Flexible Packaging Turns Start-ups Into Industry Leaders

This might sound like a bold claim for something like flexible packaging, but it’s nothing but the truth. In fact, we’ve seen vendors rise from dehydrating bananas via a skylight in Brazil, to offering their products on the store shelves of Whole Foods and Wegmans. Their food product was already top notch and delicious; all they needed was innovative food packaging to build their brand and keep their product fresh.

Barnana was in need of packaging that stood out from the competition, especially in the crowded market of health food. They soon discovered the benefit of flexible packaging: it offered a new presentation and new perspective for the product Barnana was selling in stores. With the combination of brand-building ability, affordability, and top quality freshness, investing in flexible retail packaging was a no-brainer for Barnana.

Today, Barnana’s product is in over 2,500 stores across the United States and Japan. They have recognizable product packaging that packs a punch. Flexible  packaging helped take their company from a Brazilian start-up to an international health food product.

As you can see, it’s no surprise that flexible retail packaging is experiencing a positive growth rate. Its quality and presentation is a highlight to any vendor looking to increase the profitability of their company and build their brand. It isn’t often that vendors discover a powerful marketing tool within their packaging, but consider working with a supplier that focuses on helping vendors grow their business and make an impact in their market and you might have a powerful marketing tool too.