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Agnes Gianni

Flexible Packaging vs. Rigid Packaging: Which is Right for Your Product?

Delivering products practically and appealingly is a sure way of winning customers’ hearts everywhere. To do so, you will need proper packaging material and design that aligns with your product’s branding. 


Choosing between flexible and rigid packaging can be a daunting task. There are pros and cons that you need to consider and production costs to keep in mind. But, how do you know which one is ideal for your products?


Rows of white pouches of coffee on top of an aluminium table

Flexible Packaging and Rigid Packaging At A Glance

Flexible packaging refers to every malleable packaging available on the market, mostly ones made from paper, plastic, foil, paperboard, and other similar materials. Standup pouches, shrink film, blisters, clamshells, bags, and sachets are common forms of flexible packaging. Just as their name suggests, flexible packaging can be modified according to your needs and is manufactured at a lower cost compared to its predecessor. You can find them in snacks, cosmetics, medicine, and even frozen food. 


On the other hand, rigid packaging is thicker, and made of sturdy materials traditionally used to pack and store products. Glass jars, cans, bottles, and aerosol cans are categorized as rigid packaging. They are the heavier, more expensive counterparts to the flexible packaging but are still favored by many. Rigid packaging is often used to store fermented products, sauces, liquids, and cream-based products. 


Four jars of fermented products, from left to right: pickled sliced cucumbers, pickles, pickled chilli pepper, and pickled mushrooms

Which Packaging Is Right For Your Product?

Whether or not one is better than the other will depend on the type of product and what you intend to communicate through the packaging. Here are some things you might want to consider:


  • Cost. Overall, flexible packaging has lower manufacturing, warehousing, and shipping costs than traditional packaging. The lightweight material makes it easier for companies to mass-produce, transport, and store. They take up less space both before and after shaping them into the final product design we see on shelves. 


  • Durability. Both types of packaging offer sturdiness and barrier properties that can protect any type of product from external environmental influences. If you’re looking for prolonged barrier properties, then flexible packaging might be the one for you since most frozen foods utilize this feature. However, if you’re looking for extra protection from extreme weather conditions and possible physical damage, then you might want to take a look at rigid packaging. 

 

  • Branding. Flexible packaging not only offers clearer visual design printability, you can also create unique shapes that can increase product visibility. Meanwhile, the rigid packaging’s thicker material can build a high-end appeal for items. 

 

  • Customer Experience. Despite taking up more space, rigid packaging tends to keep for a longer time and keep the product integrity for a longer time. Meanwhile, flexible packaging is easily disposable. You can also reseal products using this material and can easily carry products everywhere you go. 



There are many things to consider when choosing the right material for your products. Make sure to take your budget, package design, and marketing goals into consideration before choosing the type of material that is right for you. If you are interested in using flexible packaging, be sure to source them from reliable suppliers that have proper certification and a good track record. Visit PT Argha Karya Prima Industry Tbk (https://arghakarya.com) website for more information on flexible packaging. 


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