Flexible Packaging: Shelf Life and Gas-Filled Considerations
When designing flexible packaging for perishables, customers often have initial ideas for graphics but lack clarity on functional aspects critical to product performance. Shelf life and gas-filled packaging are two essential considerations that significantly impact packaging design and material selection.
Here’s what you need to know.
Shelf Life Expectancy for Perishables
The expected shelf life of a product determines the protective requirements of its packaging. For perishables, maintaining freshness, flavor, and safety over time is paramount.
Key Packaging Features for Shelf Life:
- Barrier Protection
- Packaging should guard against oxygen, moisture, and light exposure, which can cause spoilage or degrade product quality.
- High-barrier films or laminated layers are commonly used to extend shelf life by minimizing exposure to external elements.
- Seal Integrity
- A strong, airtight seal prevents contamination and ensures freshness. Heat sealing is a common method for flexible packaging to create durable closures.
- Material Durability
- Packaging must withstand the storage environment, whether refrigerated, frozen, or at room temperature. For example:
- Refrigerated goods need materials resistant to condensation.
- Frozen products require films that remain flexible and crack-free at low temperatures.
- Packaging must withstand the storage environment, whether refrigerated, frozen, or at room temperature. For example:
- Labeling and Compliance
- Shelf life is often tied to regulatory requirements for perishables. Clear labeling and compliance with industry standards are essential.
Gas-Filled Packaging for Freshness
For products requiring extended shelf life or enhanced visual appeal, gas-filled packaging, also known as Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP), is a valuable solution.
Benefits of Gas-Filled Packaging:
- Extended Freshness
- Replacing oxygen with nitrogen or carbon dioxide slows oxidation and microbial growth, keeping products fresh longer.
- Physical Protection
- The inflated appearance of gas-filled packages acts as a cushion, protecting fragile items like chips or baked goods from crushing.
- Enhanced Product Presentation
- The puffed look creates a clean, appealing appearance, boosting consumer confidence in the product’s quality.
Packaging Requirements for Gas Filling:
- Specialized Films: Materials must retain the gas mixture without leaks or permeability.
- Precision Sealing: Ensures the modified atmosphere remains intact until the product is opened.
- Equipment Compatibility: MAP requires specialized machinery to inject and seal the gas mixture.
Practical Applications
Examples by Product Type:
- Snacks (Chips, Crackers): High-barrier films and nitrogen filling protect against staleness and physical damage.
- Fresh Produce: MAP with a blend of nitrogen and carbon dioxide slows ripening and spoilage.
- Meat and Dairy Products: Oxygen-free packaging prevents microbial growth and oxidation, extending shelf life.
Why It Matters
Incorporating the right flexible packaging solution for perishables ensures product integrity, reduces waste from spoilage, and meets consumer expectations for quality. Whether it’s a high-barrier film for extended shelf life or MAP for enhanced freshness and protection, choosing the right approach is critical to product success.
Need expert advice on flexible packaging? Let us guide you through the design and selection process to ensure your product performs flawlessly in its packaging.
Subscription packaging continues to expand across beauty, food, lifestyle, and specialty products. Buyers must balance branding, protection, and sustainability while keeping fulfillment efficient. This checklist highlights the critical areas buyers
As budgets tighten in 2026, packaging buyers are under pressure to reduce costs without increasing damage rates. Cutting too aggressively can lead to product loss, higher return rates, and frustrated
Product damage is one of the most expensive risks in packaging. Beyond replacement costs, damaged goods lead to lost sales, returns, and reputational harm. In 2026, complex e-commerce, global shipping,
Retail packaging continues to evolve as brands balance sustainability, supply chain performance, and consumer experience. In 2026, buyers face new challenges shaped by material innovation, compliance requirements, and rising consumer
By submitting your information, you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy.
When it comes to pouch packaging, the material and finish play a crucial role in the overall functionality, aesthetics, and consumer appeal of the product. These elements are not just about visual charm; they impact durability, product preservation, and brand perception. This blog post aims to provide an in-depth guide on how to consider material and finish in the design of pouch packaging. Understanding the Significance of Material and Finish in Pouch Packaging The choice of material and finish for pouch packaging is pivotal. It’s not just a matter of containing the product; it’s about preserving its quality, ensuring usability, and creating an appealing presentation that resonates with consumers. Choosing the Right Material Assess Product Needs: Perishability: For perishable goods, consider barrier properties like oxygen and moisture resistance. Weight and Form: Heavier items or liquids require stronger, more durable materials. Chemical Compatibility: Ensure the material is compatible with your product to prevent reactions or degradation. Sustainability Considerations: Eco-Friendly Options: Explore materials that are recyclable, biodegradable, or made from renewable resources. Lifecycle Impact: Consider the environmental impact of the material throughout its lifecycle, from production to disposal. Cost-Effectiveness: Balance the cost of the material with the value it adds in terms of functionality and consumer appeal. Selecting the Appropriate Finish Enhancing Aesthetics: Matte vs. Glossy: Matte finishes offer a sophisticated, modern look, while glossy finishes are bright and eye-catching. Choose based on your brand image and customer preferences. Texture: Textured finishes can provide a unique tactile experience, adding to the perceived value of the product. Functional Benefits: Protection from Damage: Finishes can offer additional protection against physical damage, UV light, and moisture. Visibility and Legibility: Consider how the finish affects the visibility of the packaging contents and the legibility of printed information. Printing and Branding: Print Compatibility: Ensure the finish works well with your chosen printing method for clear, vibrant graphics. Brand Consistency: The finish should align with your overall branding strategy, reinforcing brand identity. Innovative Material and Finish Combinations Windowed Pouches: Combine opaque materials with clear sections for product visibility. Metallic Effects: Use materials with metallic finishes for a premium look, ideal for luxury products. Consumer Experience and Interaction Ease of Use: Consider how the material and finish affect the opening, closing, and overall handling of the pouch. Unboxing Experience: The material and finish can significantly impact the unboxing experience, crucial for e-commerce products. Regulatory Compliance and Safety Ensure that the chosen materials and finishes comply with industry-specific regulations, particularly for food and pharmaceutical products. Testing and Feedback Conduct market tests and gather consumer feedback to refine your choice of materials and finishes. Conclusion The material and finish of pouch packaging are more than superficial choices; they are integral components of the product’s marketability and consumer experience. By thoughtfully considering these elements, businesses can create packaging that not only stands out on the shelf but also meets the functional demands of the product and the environmental considerations of the market. In the ever-evolving world of packaging, the right material and finish can make all the difference in capturing and retaining consumer interest. If you are interested in pouch packaging, then partner with Brown Packaging today to get started. (714)300-0650 request@brownpackaging.com Most Recent Posts: Categories: Subscribe To Our Newsletter Corrugated Ecommerce ESD Design Display Flexible Packaging Foam Folding Carton Packaging Plastic Packaging Pouch Printing Protection Retail Rigid Box Thermoform Sustainability By submitting your information, you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. Custom Pouches Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Relevant Posts
When you think about product packaging, your mind probably jumps to traditional solutions like plastic containers, cans, or cardboard boxes. However, a dramatic shift is taking place in the industry, with more and more brands embracing flexible packaging. This transition doesn’t just benefit the businesses adopting this approach, but it also has implications for consumers and the environment. Let’s delve deeper into why brands are turning to flexible packaging. Cost-Effectiveness One of the primary reasons businesses are gravitating towards flexible packaging is its cost-effectiveness. Compared to rigid packaging, flexible packaging often requires less material. This decrease in material not only reduces the upfront cost for the company but also means that less energy is consumed during production, which results in a lower overall manufacturing cost. Furthermore, flexible packaging is lighter and compact, which means it requires less storage space and reduces transportation costs. Consequently, the savings can be passed on to the consumer, leading to a competitive price point on the shelf. Enhanced Brand Appeal and Marketing Capabilities Flexible packaging offers a wide array of creative design opportunities. The surface of flexible packaging provides a larger area for product information, instructions, and branding elements compared to traditional rigid packaging. This allows companies to create more engaging and informative packaging, enhancing their brand appeal and increasing their product’s visibility on store shelves. Moreover, the ability to use high-quality graphics and vibrant colors on flexible packaging helps brands to stand out in a crowded marketplace and make a stronger connection with consumers. Convenience and User Experience In today’s fast-paced world, consumers prioritize convenience. They desire products that are easy to use, transport, and store. Flexible packaging aligns perfectly with these consumer demands. Packages can be resealable, easy to open, and can even include features like spouts for easy pouring. In addition, flexible packaging can be engineered to improve the freshness of food items, offering a more extended shelf-life. This enhanced preservation functionality is particularly appealing to consumers and can lead to increased brand loyalty. Sustainability In the face of increasing environmental concerns, brands are under pressure to minimize their ecological footprint. Flexible packaging often utilizes less material and energy during production and transportation compared to traditional packaging, thereby reducing CO2 emissions. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, brands that utilize sustainable packaging options are likely to be favored over those that don’t. Adaptability Finally, flexible packaging offers a high degree of adaptability. It can be tailored to suit a wide range of product shapes, sizes, and types, from food items to beauty products, and everything in between. It can also accommodate various product delivery methods, like squeeze pouches or stand-up pouches with zip locks. This versatility means that no matter what a company’s specific needs may be, flexible packaging can be customized to meet them. Final Thoughts: Why Brands Are Shifting Towards Flexible Packaging The shift towards flexible packaging signifies a crucial evolution in the packaging industry. It provides brands with a host of benefits, from cost-effectiveness and enhanced brand appeal to improved user experience, sustainability, and adaptability. With these advantages, it’s no surprise that more and more brands are choosing flexible packaging as their go-to solution. Whether you’re a brand looking to reinvent your packaging or a consumer keen to understand the changes you’re seeing on store shelves, the rise of flexible packaging is an exciting development that’s set to shape the future of product packaging. If you are interested in flexible packaging, then partner with Brown Packaging today. (714)300-0650 request@brownpackaging.com Most Recent Posts: Categories: Corrugated Ecommerce ESD Design Display Flexible Packaging Foam Folding Carton Packaging Plastic Packaging Pouch Printing Protection Retail Rigid Box Thermoform Sustainability Subscribe To Our Newsletter By submitting your information, you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. Custom Packaging Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Relevant Posts
Effective packaging can play a critical role in the success of any business. The right type of packaging can make all the difference when it comes to product protection, ease of transport, and customer satisfaction. In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards the use of pouches as a more convenient and eco-friendly option. Here are some of the main advantages of using these innovative pouches. Lightweight and Easy to Store Durable and Protective Preserve Product Freshness Flexibility and Customization Building Brand Recognition Customization Options Cost-Effective Packaging Brand Recognition Versatile Packaging Option Lightweight and Easy to Store Compared to traditional packaging materials like glass or metal, pouches are incredibly lightweight. This makes them ideal for businesses that need to transport and store products over long distances or in large quantities. Furthermore, because they require less material to produce, pouches are also a more cost-effective solution that reduces environmental impact. Durable and Protective The high-quality materials used to make pouches ensure that they are puncture-resistant and can withstand wear and tear during shipping or handling. For this reason, they are an ideal option for products that need extra protection, such as food, pharmaceuticals, and electronics. The water-resistant properties of these pouches also help prevent moisture damage to products. Preserve Product Freshness Pouches are known for their ability to keep products fresh for longer periods. Their airtight seal design helps prevent oxygen and moisture from entering the package, which is particularly important for products that are sensitive to air and moisture, such as food and pharmaceuticals. By preserving products, companies can reduce waste and increase customer satisfaction. Flexibility and Customization Poches come in various sizes, shapes, and designs, making them an ideal packaging option for companies that require different quantities and sizes. This flexibility allows businesses to tailor their packaging to specific product needs, ensuring that packaging is optimized and efficient. Customization options such as adding a resealable zipper or a spout can make them even more functional and convenient for customers. Building Brand Recognition Customizing pouches with a company’s logo or design can increase brand visibility and make products more recognizable to customers. This can help businesses build brand recognition and stand out in a crowded market. Customization Options Customization is one of the major benefits of using pouches for packaging, which can help a product stand out on store shelves and create a unique experience for customers. For instance, a company that sells coffee could use a it with a valve to keep the coffee fresh while allowing customers to smell the aroma. Similarly, a company that sells nuts could use it with a clear window to showcase the product’s natural appeal. Cost-Effective Packaging Pouches are also cost-effective. They require less material to produce than other types of packaging, which can reduce costs. Additionally, they are lightweight, which reduces shipping costs. Customizing the pouches means that companies can create packaging that fits their specific needs, reducing the likelihood of waste or excess packaging. Versatile Packaging Option Pouches are a versatile packaging option that can be used for various products. They are commonly used to package food products like snacks, pet food, and coffee, as well as non-food products like laundry detergent and personal care products. Their flexibility in size and shape makes them ideal for packaging different quantities and sizes. This type of packaging is often as a secondary packaging option. For example, a company that sells frozen food products could use it as an outer layer to protect the product during shipping and a smaller pouch inside for individual servings. If you are interested in custom pouches, then partner with Brown Packaging today to get started. (714)300-0650 request@brownpackaging.com Most Recent Posts: Categories: Corrugated Ecommerce ESD Design Display Flexible Packaging Foam Folding Carton Packaging Plastic Packaging Pouch Printing Protection Retail Rigid Box Thermoform Sustainability Subscribe To Our Newsletter By submitting your information, you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. Custom Pouches Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Relevant Posts