5 Modern Innovative Packaging Concepts

Flexible packaging can now been seen in nearly all consumer products across the board because it provides the durability, transportability, and convenience that buyers are seeking out. Pouches, bags, and tubes come in an endless variety of shapes, sizes, and features such as stand up capabilities and resealable options. In fact, demand for pouches in the US is projected to increase 4.6 percent per year to 9.4 billion dollars in 2018, according to a new study from The Freedonia Group. By incorporating flexible packaging materials for their products, brands will be able to differentiate themselves from the rest of the market and cut transportation costs and material usage in hopes of increasing operating profits. Aluminum plays a vital role in the flexible packaging sector because it is light weight, strong, and has the ability to keep contents fresher for longer. We took a deeper look into 5 clever concepts in modern packaging: 

This two part beer crate consists of a carrying case with classic plastic handles and an aluminum base with a separate 12 bottles beer holder. The aluminum used is lightweight enough to not add much added mass and the sturdy handles allow customers to carry the case more easily.

Boring milk containers can be replaced by this innovative packaging idea. The visually appealing jug is lined with aluminum to keep the milk cold and fresher for longer. The packaging is the same dimensions as a 2 liter milk carton making it a smooth transition for customers.

Delhaize soup brings to life the principle ingredient through photo-realistic images. The packaging is not only eye-catching but allows consumers to indulge even for those with an on-the-go lifestyle. The aluminum lining creates a barrier between the contents and outside label making it safe for people to hold even when the soup is extremely hot.

Affordability and convenience were the main ideas behind offering wine by the glass in tubes. Research showed that 88% of experts acknowledge that consumers are demanding more interesting wine by the glass and are willing to spend more to have a glass of wine, rather than a bottle.

Shepherd’s Purse artisan cheeses are kept fresh in aluminum foil that can easily be resealed and disposed of once finished making it a great appetizer to bring to parties. The brand was able to cut costs by reducing the packaging material used by sticking to aluminum foil.

Shanghai Metal Corporation understands the potential in the packaging industry and offers a wide array of aluminum foil for flexible packaging. We are committed to providing value-added quality products with competitive pricing and prompt delivery. View more information on this product and more at our website here. Be sure to join the conversation in our LinkedIn Group, Facebook, and Twitter. 

Sources: The Freedobia Group and Packaging World

By: Kristie K. // SMC Editor

Convenience is King: Value-added Packaging is a Must for Targeting Millennials

 In just a matter of years, a new generation will be leading the global economy in a different direction. Call them what you may – “Millennials,” “Generation Y,” “Generation WE,” “The Boomerang Generation,” “The Peter Pan Generation” – this generation were born between 1980 and 2000 and is bigger than previous generations. They have grown up in the digital age are characterized by their ability to multi-task, need to feel connected with their peers, and tech-savvy abilities. In order to target this generation, consumer products offer instant gratification or else they will not stand a chance.

The Boston Consulting Group identified of the most familiar attributes of U.S. Millennials is, “I want it fast, and I want it now.” This group puts emphasis on speed, ease, efficiency, and convenience in all their transactions. For example, Millennials shop for groceries at convenience stores twice as much as non-Milliennials. Marketers can take advantage of this by offering products in smaller quantities with on-the-go capabilities such as resealable options. Robert Hogan, director of global business development for ITW Zip-Pak, explains that retailers can implement zippers in flexible packaging in as little as six weeks, with little destruction to the manufacturing process and little-to-no capital investment.

The Boston Consulting Group discovered Millennials to outnumber Baby Boomers and to have greater influence on the market.

Millennials have been taught at a young age that collective action can make a difference and preserving our planet is a necessity. Millennials expect companies to show compassion toward social issues and are more likely to engage in brands that partner with the right causes. DDB Worldwide, a globally-renowned marketing connections network, discovered that Millennials are more willing to “pay more for an environmentally-safe version of a product” (46 percent) that Baby Boomers (41 percent).

Using more aluminum based packaging for consumer products provide an eco-friendly, sustainable, and convenient option to consumers. For manufacturers, aluminums light weight, durable, and oxygen-tight characteristics are a way to cut transportation costs and improve shelf life of products. Shanghai Metal Corporation offers a wide variety of aluminum options for flexible packaging and sustainable manufacturing. Visit our website here for more details.

Sources: FoodProductionDaily,com, The Boston Consulting Group,

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