Understanding The Difference Between Flexible And Rigid Packaging

When it comes to selecting the right packaging for products, manufacturers have a lot of options to choose from. In fact, there are so many and this makes it difficult to find the ideal packaging to house products. Among the most preferred packaging categories are rigid packaging and flexible packaging.

This article aims to highlight the differences between these two so that you can make an informed decision while choosing packaging for your business.

Before we proceed, here are their definitions:

1. Flexible Packaging: It involves all forms of malleable packaging and is used to market a wide range of products globally. Some examples include shrink films, flexible pouches, stretch films, seal bands, clamshells and skin packs.
2. Rigid Packaging: It is made of stronger and heavier materials than those used in flexible packaging. This form of packaging tends to be more expensive than flexible packaging.

Let’s now look at the key differences between the two:

1. Flexibility in changing shape: Flexible packaging can be easily shaped and changed. However, the same cannot be said about rigid packaging. Examples of rigid packaging include glass containers and cans.
2. Difference in weight: Flexible packaging is lightweight because it is made of soft plastic, and this allows products to be transported easily. Rigid packaging is made from thicker and denser materials such as hard plastic, making it heavier than flexible packaging.
3. Level of protection: Rigid packaging is known to offer superior protection when compared to flexible packaging. Products with rigid packaging can withstand heat and other external factors better.
4. Level of product durability: Products that have flexible packaging are considered to be more durable with a longer shelf life.
5. Reaction during mishandling: As mentioned above, flexible packaging can easily be changed. It can bounce back to its normal shape during an accidental fall. Rigid packaging, on the other hand, is known to break or have dents after a fall.
6. Ease of customization: Flexible packaging can be customized to match the shape and finish desired by customers. Rigid packaging is not very customizable. Also, the customization process costs a lot more.
7. Level of environment-friendliness: Flexible packaging is known to be environment-friendly because it can be manufactured with less materials and resources. The ease with which it can be transported also helps save the carbon footprint. However, rigid packaging is more recycle-friendly since it is made up of easy-to-recycle hard plastic and glass.
8. Ease of printing: Flexible printing is great to print on with text and graphics. This makes it easier to boost the visual appeal of products.
9. Compatibility with food: Flexible packaging is not ideal to pack food because it can affect flavours. Rigid packaging does not affect flavours because it is not made of soft plastic.

To learn more about rigid and flexible packaging or manufacturers who produce them, we recommend that you visit PLASTIVISION 2023. The prestigious event will be held from December 7 to 11, 2023 at Bombay Exhibition Center, Goregaon, Mumbai.

This is a great opportunity to delve deeper into the world of plastic packaging, allowing you to make connections and get fabulous deals on plastic products. Call 022 6777 8846/48 / +91 99303 55494 or send an email to sanjeevani@plastivision.org to learn more about the event.