Flexible packaging materials are used in a variety of industries to provide products with packaging that is easy to use for the consumer and simple for packaging companies to get the product into the packaging. Flexible packaging is made from many different materials, some of which include plastic and thin metals.

Companies that manufacture flexible packaging should know what material is best suited for packaging different types of products. There are many ways to learn about flexible packaging products and material. From classroom training to educational resources on the latest materials, you can find flexible packaging materials education and training opportunities through:

1. Classroom training that teaches all aspects of packaging.

2. Organizations that set industry standards for quality.

3. Industry events that showcase the latest in flexible plastic packaging.

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Train to work with bendable packaging materials by getting a degree in packaging

A few colleges and universities offer students a chance to learn more about the science of packaging through majors, minors and even master's programs in packaging science. These programs focus on creating new packaging materials, better design, and the marketing skills needed to sell packaging products to other industries.

I recommend: Clemson University offers a packaging science major that focuses on designing and marketing packaging materials. Michigan State University offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees in packaging science, with many classes available online.

Learn about industry standards for industrial flexible packaging materials

An International Organization for Standardization (ISO) rating shows consumers that your company provides quality products. ISO has developed standards specifically for the flexible packaging materials industry. All employees of a packaging company should have compliance training to meet these benchmarks.

I recommend: The ISO provides the standards for many packaging types, listed under the 9001 category. Caliso offers ISO 9000 training for those who want to work with flexible packaging materials. The company also provides lead auditor training.

Attend industry events to learn more about the latest innovations in plastic flexible packaging

Industry events for flexible packaging materials are held throughout the year across the United States. These events allow employees and companies to network with other professionals in the field, take a look at the latest technology in packaging design, and talk with experts about the business side of a packaging company.

I recommend: HealthPack is an annual industry event for packaging companies that specialize in making flexible packaging materials for the healthcare industry. South Pack is an annual event where packaging manufacturers in the southern United States gather to network and talk to experts about flexible packaging materials for food, medical and other consumer products.

Flexible packaging offers the packing protection you need to secure your products during shipping and handling. Flexible plastic packaging should fit your product to help maintain the integrity of your product during shipping, so it's important to find the right styles of plastic flexible packaging for your product.

Flexible packaging distributors can provide bendable packaging products that meet your product specifications. Whether you need flexible plastic packaging boxes, flexible packaging plastic sleeves or other types of flexible packing material, an experienced distributor of flexible packaging can help you. When you shop for flexible packaging products, you should:

1. Choose a distributor that offers a variety of flexible packaging material solutions.

2. Buy industrial flexible packaging materials in bulk to save money.

3. Pick eco-friendly flexible packaging materials.

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Buy from a flexible packaging distributor who offers a variety of bendable packaging materials

Choose a flexible packaging material distributor who offers a variety of plastic flexible packaging solutions to meet the changing needs of your business.

I recommend: The professionals at Paper Mart offer an assortment of plastic flexible packaging products to meet your product specifications. From bubble wrap bendable packaging materials to special packaging paper, Paper Mart offers a variety of flexible packaging at competitive prices. Use AllPackagingServices.com for a wide selection of flexible plastic packaging at affordable savings.

Buy flexible plastic packaging wholesale

Wholesale flexible packaging material is the cost-effective solution to your flexible packaging needs when you want to purchase large quantities. Distributors often offer volume discounts on large bendable packaging material orders.

I recommend: Choose ULINE as your supplier of wholesale flexible packaging products. ULINE offers convoluted foam products that supply versatile flexible packaging at volume price discounts. GlobalIndustrial.com offers a variety of flexible packaging material in bulk to save you money.

Choose flexible packing material that is friendly to the environment

Flexible packaging products that are environmentally-friendly not only help to save the environment, but also promote your business as being eco-friendly, an attractive attribute to potential customers.

I recommend: Use PaperNuts.com for your eco-friendly flexible packing needs. They offer environmental packaging made from 100% recycled paper. UFP Technologies offers Cushion Cubes, a biodegradable flexible packing alternative to plastic packaging materials.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Ask distributors of flexible packaging materials for samples of the bendable packaging products that interest you to ensure the products are sufficient for your business's shipping needs.

Flexible packaging is one of the largest sectors of the packaging industry. Flexible packaging materials are useful in various industries ranging from the food industry to the medical and pharmaceutical industry.

If you want to use flexible packaging material for your industrial applications, you will need to be aware of various technical terms that specify the types, standards and specifications of the flexible packaging materials. This guide will familiarize you with various key terms, including bubble wrap, barrier material, spout pouches and DIN EN 13628-2:2003.

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Bubble wrap

Bubble wrap is a light-weight flexible packaging material. Made out of low-density polyethylene, this material is perfect to protect fragile products, as it provides surface protection and prevention against shocks.

I recommend: To learn more about bubble wrap, you can read through information at the Bubble Wrap Shop, a bubble wrap supplier.

Barrier materials

A barrier material is a type of flexible packaging material that restricts the transmission of various gases through a material or product, thus protecting it from any kind of damage.

I recommend: For the definition of the term barrier material, read through the glossary at Mayor Packaging Enterprises, a flexible packaging company.

Co-extruded films

A co-extruded film is a flexible packaging material that consists of two or more different materials that are layered within a single ply during the extrusion process.

I recommend: You can read through the glossary of technical terms at Controlled Environment Packaging, Inc., a supplier of industrial and military packaging products.

Laminated structures (also known as lamination)

A laminated structure is another type of flexible packaging material that comprises two or more layers of separate materials. These materials are attached using adhesives to form a multi-layered material that provides specific protective functions.

I recommend: For more information about lamination, read through the glossary of common packaging terminology at Heritage Packaging.

Spout pouches

A spout pouch is a resealable pouch that is used in a flexible package, especially for liquids.

I recommend: For the definition of spout pouches, refer to the glossary by PackSealer, a supplier of impulse heat sealers.

DIN EN 13628-2:2003

DIN EN 13628-2:2003 is a European standard that outlines the quality control measures for monitoring the level of residual solvents used in the production of flexible packaging materials.

I recommend: For more information about this standard, you can browse through ANSI’s Web site.

There are many different flexible packaging materials types and styles available on the market today. You can find flexible packing material suitable for wrapping package exteriors, as well as flexible packaging plastic to cushion the contents. Flexible packaging is not just plastic, you can find a variety of paper flexible packaging products as well.

Whether you are looking for flexible packaging material to bind boxes on a pallet, or display delicate items on a display rack, you can find the ideal packaging for your goods. As you consider what is best for you, you should know:

1. The cost of the flexible packaging must figure into the final product cost of your product, so you should find efficient means of wrapping your items.

2. The amount of flexible packing you need will affect your cost. You can often get volume discounts or wholesale prices for larger orders that can save you money.

3. The purpose of the flexible packing can often affect the cost as well. If you have specialty items that need special packaging, it can cost more.

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Use flexible plastic packaging

Flexible plastic packaging, especially the clear type, is one of the most common types of flexible packaging material. You can cut and shape it to cover just about anything and use it to create an airtight vacuum seal. Most plastic flexible packaging solutions are inexpensive, so this may be the first type of flexible packaging material to consider.

I recommend: For small- to medium-sized packages, look at the plastic flexible packaging options available from flexible packaging distributors, Uline Shipping Supplies. It has sealable bags, cut-to-fit bags and vacuum seal flexible packaging solutions. To wrap larger containers and pallets, look at the flexible packaging material available from International Plastics.

Find flexible packaging materials made of foam

Lightweight foam products are a good way to make sure the contents of your packages arrive safely. From flexible foam slabs to convoluted pieces, you can find this type of flexible packing that can perform a variety of functions.

I recommend: See the foam flexible packaging materials at FoamOrder.com. It not only has traditional flexible packing in a variety of foam types, it also has convoluted foam bendable packaging. You can also find foam industrial flexible packaging materials from American Foam Group.

Consider environmentally friendly flexible packaging materials

You can find packaging materials that aren't plastic derivatives that work just as effectively. Outer wrappers can be paper products, while you can find inner packing materials from a variety of eco-friendly products.

I recommend: Cushion cubes are an eco-friendly way to use flexible packaging. UFP Technologies has a video that demonstrates how you can use this form of bendable packaging materials. The flexible packing material from PaperNuts gives you a variety of environmentally friendly options.