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Common flexible packaging performance descriptions

Historically, packaging professionals have thought about the functions of packages in major ‘buckets;' one set of buckets is comprised of Protection, Utility, and Motivation...

In this construct, a package protects a product (and itself) from the rigors of shipping, distribution, storage and use, with the objective of minimizing waste through the entire chain of production and use of a product. A consumer pays for a product and expects to receive full value - packages play a crucial role in delivering that value.

Packages provide utility to consumers and users by doing more than containing the product to the point of use; opening and reclose features, detailed instructions or tips for using the product, ability to perform as a cooking device or reuse possibilities are examples of functions a package can provide to simplify the consumer’s experience of extracting the value they’ve paid for the product.

Before consumers realize the value of the product/package combination, a positive purchase decision must take place. Packages help motivate these decisions by presenting the product and its desirable attributes to consumers in a way that the product/package standout from the cacophony of choices available at the store. Appearance and style connect the consumer’s needs and expectations to the product, and in this respect in particular, the package truly is the product. 

Getting beyond the big buckets, let’s think about some, but by no means all, of the more detailed functions that film packages provide. The remainder of this article will help you focus on which attributes.

Physical Containment

• Able to achieve hermetic seals that completely contain the product, protecting it from spilling or gross contamination from the environment.
• Opening and reseal features that facilitate multiple package accesses/uses while securely containing the product;.
• Toughness that prevents breaching of package walls by outside physical forces or abuse.
•Tamper-evident features that help ensure the product integrity for use (or that its even there!).
• Bundling multiple objects, including packages, together for transport or sale.
 
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