Flexible Packaging
Fresh approach to flexible packaging in a post-COVID environment
Amidst the confusion and panic caused by the global coronavirus crisis, flexible packaging has truly shown its value
M
att Francklow, director of Eco Flexibles says, “The packaging industry has been under the
spotlight in recent years. Heightened media attention significantly increased consumer concern around sustainability, in which packaging – notably flexible packaging made using non-recyclable plastics - was invariably portrayed as the ‘bad guy’. But as the events of the past few months developed, necessity demonstrated the true value of flexible packaging.” The coronavirus outbreak led to a surge in demand for most household products, particularly those foods packaged in sealed flexible packs. The format itself is, after all, designed to protect contents from contaminants, which of course has extra significance in today’s environment. “Flexible packaging is noted for its resistance to the ingress of micro-organisms, as well as air, light and moisture,” said Matt. “The various grades and compositions of the substrate can be combined in such a way to achieve heightened resistance to contamination, which is of the utmost importance as we seek ways to safeguard the food and beverage supply chain.”
But as the initial pandemic panic-buying
gave way to the ‘new normal’, Matt says sustainability was now returning to the top of the agenda for many consumers. “With that in mind, flexible packaging is an invaluable tool for brands and manufacturers looking to deliver innovative, eye-catching packaging for consumers, while also satisfying the ongoing demand for sustainability.”
Eco Flexibles launched in 2018 in response
to growing calls for eco-friendly credentials in the packaging sector, with a mantra of ‘packaging today, protecting tomorrow’. “Despite its popularity, flexible packaging has traditionally been frowned upon by environmental campaigners due to the complexity it brings in the drive for a circular economy,” comments Matt. “The multi-layer laminates, combined with lack of investment in infrastructure, make it extremely difficult to recycle both on a consumer and industrial level. “We place the focus on lightweight sustainable innovation, using a blend of quality, expertise and service to cater to the needs of the growing global flexible packaging industry and to assist businesses in reaching their sustainability goals,” he says. “In the wake of the pandemic, brands and indeed consumers are looking for packaging that delivers both against their stringent safety standards and also their environmental ideals.” For the last 12 months, Eco Flexibles has
been breathing new life into the packaging sector with a range of solutions designed to meet high barrier performance requirements, while implementing thoughtful design and high quality printing. Solutions such as the innovative EcoLidd recycle-ready lidding films for a range of base and tray types and EcoLamm film packaging, designed for both vertical and horizontal form fill sealing machines are available immediately. The line-up also includes EcoLamm Pouch - available in both k-seal and doy
formats - and EcoSkinn top web vacuum skin films for use on tray sealers and thermoforming systems. The range weaves sustainability into
packaging at the substrate stage, bringing a tangible competitive edge to businesses of all sizes. “It’s easy to assume that sustainability has been all but forgotten in a retail environment that seems to be prioritising hygiene and availability – but that simply isn’t true,” Matt adds. “The retail supply chain reacted to panic-buying by strengthening its logistics, but as the situation stabilises, consumers are now exercising their right to make purchasing decisions based on more than just availability.” Eco Flexibles has developed resources
and tools that blend functionality with performance, while building sustainability into packaging on a fundamental level and offering a fresh, forward-thinking approach to versatile design. Using a wide network of suppliers, Eco Flexibles ensures customers receive the optimum combination of quality and practicality, meeting the exacting demands of modern retail. “Sustainable flexible packaging offers brands a way to keep the upward momentum of the environmental agenda through the ongoing changes in buying habits,” concludes Matt. “The pandemic has wrought many changes, but the consumer process very much remains the same, in that shoppers still prioritise brands and products with values that align with their own.”
ecoflexibles.com
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Remoistening to stop Curl and replace lost moisture to any sector of industries.
WEKO UK LTD.
sales@weko.co.uk www.weko.net
INNOVATION AT WORK
10
September 2020
convertermag.com
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