PACKAGING
Open and shut case: consumers like reclosability Benefits of pre-applied zipper packaging film Reclosable packaging is in a period of rapid growth as many manufacturers realise the added value reclosable features offer consumers. This is especially true in the food industry, where a push towards reclosability has led to the implementation of a number of reseal technologies: traditional zip locks, slider locks, re-usable adhesives and even Velcro-like closures. Pre-applied zipper film can provide a way for companies to make the shift from traditional to reclosable packaging without significant cost or lag time.
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lexible reclosable packaging offers benefits both to consumers and end users as well as to manufacturers. For end users, the primary benefit of reclosable packaging is freshness. From food products to cleaning supplies, items packaged in reclosable containers maintain their freshness longer. In this way, reclosable packaging adds value to consumers, and in many cases is more efficient. Take, for example, frozen food items like chicken nuggets. This product is typically packaged in a carton, often with a plain, flexible plastic bag inside. When consumers use only some of the food items from the original package and wish to store the rest, they must choose between leaving the food items in their original package or in the open plastic bag within, or removing the chicken nuggets from their original packaging and placing them in a freezer-safe container. With the first choice, the customer has opted for ease of use; with the second, they have opted for sustained freshness. Storage efficiency also comes into play in this scenario as flexible packages are more space-efficient than rigid ones. When the frozen food items in this example are packaged in a reclosable package from the start, consumers need no longer choose. They gain the added value of sustained freshness and 48
January/February 2016
storage space efficiency without compromising ease of use, and without having to purchase additional packaging. Consumers are often drawn to these efficient, value-added packages. Also, the frozen food manufacturer gains added value from switching to flexible reclosable packaging. Usually the consumer will discard the original carton, with all associated brand recognition, after first use. With the use of reclosable packaging, that likelihood is considerably reduced. Flexible, reclosable packages are better marketing collateral, with improved brand recognition, than other types of packaging that are more likely to be discarded early in the product’s life.
Pre-applied zipper packaging film makes reclosable feasible While many companies can benefit from packaging their products in reclosable packages, many may not consider making the shift from other types of packages due to the perceived high cost. The change from a traditionally sealed package to a reclosable package requires a significant capital expenditure if the reclosable feature is to be added in to the packaging line. While this investment may pay off for some companies, it is simply too risky for others. Even those companies that decide the capital expenditure is worthwhile must contend with long lag times.
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