Plastic packaging is suitable for purposes like protection from damage, preservation for long-term consumption of items, safe transportation, and easy labeling to display information on a product.
Finding the best plastic packaging for your company might be challenging given the abundance of options on the market. This article discusses the tips to follow when buying plastic packaging for businesses.
Table of Contents
Expected growth in the plastic packaging industry
Selection tips for buying plastic packaging
Types of plastic packaging
Conclusion
Expected growth in the plastic packaging industry
The current global market size for plastic packaging is worth $369.2 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow to $492.3 billion at a CAGR rate of 4.2% by 2030.
The reason for the vast market share in the plastic packaging industry is the need to preserve products like foods and cosmetics, which are highly-consumed products worldwide. Another reason that is contributing to the large growth of the plastic packaging market is the rise of retail stores that are dependent on plastic packaging products.
Also, the growing population is a major contributor to the need for the use of plastic material as the main option for packaging products. Plastic is cheaper than other products like wood, metal, or cloth material used for packaging.
Selection tips for buying plastic packaging
Compatibility with the product
The interaction of the plastic packaging and the product in it is what determines whether they are compatible with each other. A transformation in the shape, texture, smell, taste, or tightness, and the loss of moisture are probable outcomes of packaging and product interaction while a product is in storage.
Suppliers need to conduct compatibility tests to ensure that the plastic packaging product they stock goes with the right products. For instance, businesses should know which plastic packaging is well-suited for various food, cosmetic, or electronic products. If the packaging is incompatible with the contents, it may affect the quality and the overall shelf life of the product.
Size of the bag
Products come in different sizes, weights, and capacities depending on how they are intended to reach the final consumer. Suppliers stocking plastic bags for consumer shopping should have shopping bags available that are made in different sizes. This is so that they can suit people that are buying a few items and those buying in bulk in a retail shop.
Businesses should offer plastic bags meant for liquid contents in sizes that fit 250ml, 500ml, 1l, 2l, and 5l of contents. This makes it easy for consumers to fit contents of different quantities in plastic bags.
The same applies to plastic bags for hard solid products like cereals and grains whereby businesses should include bag sizes of 250g, 500g, 1kg, 2kg, 5kg, etc. on their shelves.
User-friendly
User-friendliness is key when choosing the type of plastic packaging product to be used for certain products.
For example, plastic bottles for less viscous fluids should be made with a wide body and a narrow neck, while those for viscous fluids can have a wide neck and body. This allows for an easy flow of contents in and out of the packaging.
Plastic containers should have lids that are also easy to open and close when consumers want to use the products.
Further, the bottles and containers should include a corkscrew that helps consumers to close them tightly without leaking the contents. The final consumer will be using the product at the end of the day. Businesses should acquire the items that will satisfy the needs of their customers.
Brand reflection
Plastic containers, bags, bottles, and other kinds of plastic packaging are customizable. Plastic packaging products have stickers that can display the name of a product on the label for differentiation from other products. In addition to the label of the product, the packaging should also help create consumer awareness of the brand.
Businesses should include packaging that is printable using any kind of inkjet printer. They should also include the packaging in different colors for companies that use one color for their clients to easily identify the brand.
Value for money
Plastic packaging is one of the best inventions. Its production cost is fairer than that of other types of materials for packaging.
However, plastics are non-biodegradable because they do not rot. Although plastics are not overall good for the environment, in some ways they are beneficial.
Suppliers can include plastic packaging products that are reusable and recyclable for sale. Additionally, they should add plastic packaging that is tough and lasts a long time.
Eco-friendly
Businesses should consider recyclable plastic packaging products because many countries are putting restrictions on non-biodegradable plastic products. Accumulation of non-biodegradable plastic waste can alter habitats and natural processes. Substituting single-use plastics for recyclable and reusable bottles, containers and bags, therefore, is a good idea.
Types of plastic packaging
Flexible plastic packaging
Flexible plastic packaging is made from non-rigid plastic and allows for its shapes to change during use. It can be in the form of bags, wraps, or pouches. These types of plastic packaging are effective for use in food and beverage, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products.
Pros
– Is lightweight, strong, and easy to transport
– Can be printed on with logos and other designs
Cons
– Is sensitive to heat and need storage in cool and dry conditions
– Is likely to attract bacteria and other contaminants if poorly handled
Rigid plastic packaging
Rigid plastic packaging is made from hard materials like high-density, thick polyethylene. Some examples include plastic bottles, plastic cans, and containers.
Pros
– Can protect contents better from contamination because of its strength
– Offers a huge variety of shapes
Cons
– Costs more to ship due to its weight
– Creates a higher carbon footprint
Recyclable plastic packaging
Recyclable plastic is a material that can be recycled to produce new products. Biodegradable plastics such as polylactide (PLA) and polybutylene succinate (PBS) are examples of environmentally-friendly options.
Pros
– Improves brand image
– Is easy to dispose of
Cons
– Absorbs flavors and smells easily
– Is not durable
Conclusion
Finding the right packaging for your business can be a difficult task. However, the guide above has broken down the steps to follow when buying plastic packaging. For more information on plastic packaging products, visit Alibaba.com.
