Flexible packaging now has consumer conveniences, sustainability, reduced costs

By Tom Polischuk

Any casual observer (or not so casual consumer hurrying down a grocery store aisle to make a purchase) will see a multitude of products that have recently adopted a flexible packaging format—single-serve drinks, tuna fish (which made industry news not too long ago), health and beauty and personal care items, and baby food (a category into which flexible packaging is currently making inroads, see sidebar). Some of the novelty and distinctiveness that the flexible packaging format enjoyed several years ago has worn off, but the tangible benefits mentioned above will continue to carry it forward for some time to come.