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Driving multipack success with printed shrink film

Converting multipacks from paperboard to colorful printed shrink film saves co-packers and CPGs a bundle while building brand appeal.

Pw 38453 Multipack1

 

The recent surge of multipacks is redefining value in retail segments from club and superstores to DIY and sporting goods—an uptick that’s creating a gold mine of opportunities for contract packagers and consumer goods manufacturers alike.


Since the beginning of the multipack phenomenon, contract packagers have used clear shrink film as a go-to bundling material, combining clear film with chipboard trays or paperboard sleeves and labels. But next-generation multipacks are now going solo, using only colorful, sustainable printed polyolefin film. The result is bottom-line beautiful.


Strong enough to eliminate trays, labels or corrugate master packs, printed shrink film delivers a more production-friendly, earth-friendly solution. And its unique ability to create bright 360° brand billboards is putting a fresh new face on multipacks from cleaning wipes to hair care products to breakfast pastries.


But what sweetens the proposition most are the savings throughout the packaging life cycle—including reduced material, transportation, inventory, and labor costs, with streamlined operational efficiencies.


Best yet—thanks to the strong technical expertise and development support available from shrink film and printing suppliers—contract packagers can move quickly to take advantage of printed film opportunities, without intense capital investment or know-how.


Business-builder with a low cost of entry
The ability to offer printed, shrinkwrapped multipacks is a natural door-opener and differentiator for contract packagers: ideal for building new high-value business while selling deeper into existing accounts.


Operations already using shrink film will find printed film can boost productivity significantly over traditional processes, reducing hand labor and increasing line speeds significantly.


Some contract packagers running printed shrink have experienced labor savings anywhere from 30%-50% and have nearly doubled production speeds, which has allowed them to realign resources and gain greater flexibility in their operations.
Perhaps the greatest advantage: the fast, easy entry into the printed shrink marketplace with minimum capital outlay. Current lines can be cost-effectively retrofit, while new auto-sensing shrink packaging lines can be placed in as little as 6 weeks, for around a $10,000 investment. Cost, naturally, will depend on desired line speeds, anticipated volume, and level of automation technology required.


Added sensor technology is the main difference between running clear and printed shrink films. Printed film is delivered with repeat impressions on a roll and special sensor codes. To read these codes and align products with the printed impression, printed film requires shrinkwrappers and tunnel systems with automated sensor eyes.


Other considerations include infeed and sealer technologies, which will be driven by desired product orientation and the need for hand vs. automated feeding.


Marketing power, sustainability shine for cpgs
Consumer Product Goods companies are quickly getting on board with printed shrink film because it addresses their top packaging challenges: sustainability, shelf appeal, and cost-reduction.

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