Brands that sell consumer packaged goods can choose from many packaging providers. Stakeholders often ask what sets the leading packaging service apart from the competition. Beyond the efficiency of a global interconnected digital manufacturing platform, the best packaging company offers a wide range of barrier packaging choices and design options. Find out more about what sets the best flexible packaging provider apart from the rest.

Sustainable Films

Recent research indicates that nearly 40% of consumers consider the environmental impact of packaging. A packaging company that responds to changing market demand is different from conventional businesses in this sector. 

The ability to choose from recyclable and post-consumer recycled films gives brands the option to choose the most cost-effective sustainable films that align with their environmental initiatives. Many packaging services do not offer both recyclable and PCR films. If sustainability is a priority for a brand, decision makers should seek out a packaging company that gives clients a choice of sustainable films for flexible packaging.

Sealant Films vs Barrier Films

A packaging company that offers many choices of sealant and barrier films also stands out, as some services have limited options in each category. Sealant films or laminates protect the external presentation of packaging by locking in digitally printed designs. Barrier films protect the contents of packages from exposure to environmental factors and lock in odors.

The best packaging provider also offers solventless lamination, which eliminates volatile organic compounds from the production process. The ability to choose from several types of films, such as mono-material custom Mylar bags and multi-material packaging with a metallized barrier film layer, enables brands to design packaging that has the look, feel and protective properties necessary to give any products the best presentation.

Complete Customization

Some packaging providers only offer basic design options or have high minimum order quantity requirements. Brands of any size can benefit from working with a packaging partner that gives clients the freedom to design every aspect of custom stand up pouches.

Customization begins with flexible packaging design, from a choice of pouch styles to complete control over materials. The process continues with comprehensive digital package design and in-house printing services to produce packaging that has a specific look and feel.

Digitally Printed Designs

A global digital manufacturing platform based on HP Indigo printing technology ensures that custom designs on any type of films are of consistently high quality. The affordability of digital package printing can enable consumer packaged goods startups to compete with established brands. Low minimum order quantity requirements and the ability to print variable runs for multiple SKUs or unique package designs are two more ways that the best packaging provider differs from the rest.

The top packaging provider also excels when it comes to fast order fulfillment. A global digital platform can allow for packaging lead times that are as short as 15 days after design approval. Brand representatives should consider sourcing product packaging through a service that offers the widest range of films and options for custom design with timely order fulfillment.