An overwhelming part of food products (over 92%) is sold in a packed form. Modern food producers pack all sorts of food to make it more comfortable for selling, storage, and shipping. Flexible packaging for dry foods offers a plethora of benefits, transforming the way we store and consume staple items like grains, cereals, and snacks. In this exploration of the advantages of flexible packaging, we’ll discover how the incorporation of blast chillers elevates the efficiency and safety of dry food storage, preserving their quality for extended periods.
Different types of wrappers are distinguished in the industry. Proper covers are chosen, depending on the type of product. For example, dry food is usually packed in sealed bags or pouches. A proper wrapper performs a circle of important tasks, namely:
- ensures appropriate storage conditions;
- protects food from premature spoilage and contamination;
- preserves freshness;
- prevents cracking, quizzing, or breaking;
- protects from environmental aggressors.
As for dry products, moisture is the main enemy of this food. Dry products are afraid of moisture since it accelerates their spoilage and contributes to swelling, rusting, and loss of nutritional properties. Thus, a well-designed cover should prevent moisture penetration. The environment also has a negative effect on dried products. For instance, direct sunlight leads to going rancid. It is important to take into account these requirements when designing suitable dry food packaging solutions.
Another important issue for modern covers is to be sustainable since the damage to the environment rises exponentially with a daily increase of garbage. Regarding all these criteria, flexible wrappers come are the most popular and effective solution for dry food packaging.
Benefits of Flexible Covers for Dry Food
Flexible covers come as the most common type of wrapping for dry food due to the next benefits:
- Versatility. Flexible packaging comes in different shapes, sizes, and formats to allow every manufacturer to choose a suitable option for his products. Dry fruit packaging pouches are the most popular type; they can differ in size and allow pouring different quantities of food.
- Extended shelf life. Flexible covers possess high barrier properties against environmental impacts, punctures, and other aggressors, which allows for preserving food freshness, tastiness, and nutritional benefits. Due to high resistance to external influences, manufacturers can reduce food waste and prolong product shelf life.
- Convenience. Flexible packages are favorable to customization for improved convenience. For instance, handles are used for easy portability, zippers are attached for resealability, transparent windows are designed for the ability to assess the quality of the product, etc. Thus, such packages are more user-friendly.
- Cost efficiency. Flexible wrappers require fewer resources for production, which reduces business expenses. Consequently, the final product cost is also lower, which means that customers benefit from it.
Sustainability in Dry Food Wrapping
One of the main advantages of flexible packaging of dry fruits is its sustainability. Wrappers are more favorable to the environment and leave a lower carbon footprint. Flexible cover sustainability is determined by the following advantages:
- Reduced material usage. The manufacturing of flexible covers requires less raw materials if compared to rigid containers. The use of less material saves natural resources and eliminates the need for non-renewable product consumption.
- Recyclability. Note that some dry fruit packing materials are recyclable, meaning that such wrappers can be reused after primary application. One-component plastic (mono PP and PE) wrappers are favorable to recycling. Thus, a significant share of flexible wrappers can have a second life, which reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills.
- Energy efficiency. The manufacturing process is lightweight and efficient, which reduces the amount of consumed energy. By optimizing production to flexible covers, enterprises can save kilowatts of power.
The issue of sustainability is topical in the modern world since the amount of garbage and the territory occupied by landfills rise daily. Thus, a shift to flexible wrappers contributes to the reduction of waste and makes the industry more eco-friendly.
Market Perks of Flexible Wrappers for Dry Foods
Modern covers are more than just a tool to store and protect food. Packaging also performs a marketing purpose, promoting products on store shelves and attracting customer’s attention. A properly developed cover can communicate with consumers and increase their loyalty toward a brand. Flexible packages provide manufacturers with a competitive edge due to the following features:
- Brand differentiation. A well-designed wrapper can attract consumers and stand out against competitors. The main thing is to find the best combination of colors, images, and associations.
- Cost savings. Flexible wrappers occupy less space; they are more compact, which simplifies shipping and allows for saving money on logistics since less space is needed to accommodate products.
- Market trends. After all, the packaging industry does not stand still. New technologies allow for upgrading wrappers and making them more perfect. For example, the replacement of multi-layer covers with mono-layer wrappers allows for achieving 97% recyclability.
Dry products require strict compliance with storage conditions. Otherwise, their taste and nutritional properties will be spoiled, and their shelf life will be reduced. Flexible wrappers come as the best solution for packing such products due to a wide range of sizes, formats, and materials. Their barrier properties are high, which allows for preserving food freshness and preventing moisture penetration. Moreover, it is a sustainable option, which is highly appreciated in modern society.
