The packaging industry has developed many different solutions to preserve and protect a huge range of products and, year after year, it continues to reinvent itself and deliver optimum adaptations to meet developments and changes in consumer habits and preferences.
Endeavours in the industry have led to the launch of innovative packaging solutions that make life easier for users in industries such as food and cosmetics. Here, we take a look at the advantages of innovations in packaging, including increased customisation and cost savings along every step of the logistics chain.
VSTEAM: THE INNOVATIVE FOOD PACKAGING THAT CONSUMERS WERE WAITING FOR
Over the last few years, when consumers have made purchase choices, they have coveted features that deliver immediacy. Applying immediacy to the packaging industry might seem like an impossible task but, if we look at the food sector, we can see how this has already been achieved. Few packaging solutions have been so easy to use and have satisfied our need for immediacy as well as the VSteam bag.
This flexible food packaging with a Vsteam valve means we can put a sterilised, pasteurised or frozen bag directly in the microwave without having to pierce it. Heat from the microwave and internal pressure in the bag open the valve and, as steam is released from the inside, the product is cooked.
This packaging is suitable for steaming all types of frozen and pre-cooked foods and works particularly well with vegetables and fish. This makes it easy for us to eat a healthy and balanced diet based around natural ingredients that are free from additives and ready to eat in a matter of minutes.
FLEXIBLE BABYFOOD PACKAGING WITH LIDS: THE EASY WAY TO PREPARE KIDS’ MEALS
If you have children, you will most certainly have enjoyed family days out. Today, we can purchase baby and toddler food in innovative packaging that is very easy to transport and use but also prioritises nutrition.
These developments mean that children can eat anywhere and at any time, and flexible packaging with caps are a top choice for families on the go. Furthermore, they can go hand-in-hand with sustainable choices such as PP HB ECO, our mono-material that can be sterilised and recycled and that is perfect for applications of this type.
SINGLE-DOSE PACKAGING: ONE OF THE MOST IN-DEMAND INNOVATIVE FOOD AND COSMETICS PACKAGING OPTIONS
Single-dose packaging is another of the wonderful innovations that can be applied to fields such as the cosmetics industry. It has become increasingly popular and, thanks to its advantages over traditional packaging, is positioning itself as a preferred choice among consumers.
One of the main advantages of this packaging is that it guarantees products have not been tampered with or exposed to anything that could damage its properties or cause contamination. The size of single-dose packaging makes products very easy to use, transport and store. Plus, since they provide us with just the right quantity each time, there is less product waste.
Single-dose packaging is increasingly common in the HoReCa industry for products such as sugar, salt and sauces.
REFILLS: THE IMPORTANCE OF SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability is undeniably a key concern among consumers when it comes to packaging. There are many ways of making packaging sustainable. One option consists of combining sustainable manufacturing materials with more responsible usage or, in other words, refills. This innovative packaging is particularly suitable for personal hygiene products such as shampoos and shower gels, detergents, and foods such as sauces and liquids. Refills can be purchased in flexible packaging formats.
By using thinner packaging, we can save lots of plastic and gain access to a product that facilitates transportation right across the logistics chain and between the point of sale and homes. For personal hygiene products, it is one of the most convenient and practical solutions on the market.
CUSTOMISED PACKAGING: A NEW MARKETING TOOL
Considering that the first thing we see when we buy a product is the packaging and this is the first opportunity companies have to make their products stand out, customisation is a huge ally for innovative food and cosmetics packaging, as well as packaging in many other industries. These innovations have also led to improved printing techniques that mean we can create very detailed designs and order limited print runs, which is perfect for products designed for special events or entirely customised editions. Digital printing makes this possible. Consult our guide to get an idea of how you can apply these printing techniques to your packaging and boost your sales.
Many brands have already put customisation options to fantastic use to enhance their brand image. Innovations in this sector mean that large and small businesses alike can choose to customise.
At SP Group, we champion innovation and are always developing new solutions that adapt to the market and consumers. In addition to sustaining very demanding quality standards, we are aware of the positive impact that we can have as a company and this is why we favour efficient and sustainable packaging.