Month: March 2022

7 Primary Advantages Of Digitally Printed Flexible Packaging

As it is often said, change is the only constant. Adapting to change has so far been the most effective way of evolving and growing, especially for economies and industries across the globe. One of the sectors that have brilliantly embodied this phenomenon is the packaging industry.

Over the years it has strategically shifted from traditional packaging to flexible packaging to serve the new world that admires innovation, seeks convenience, and applauds eco-conscious efforts. This thoughtful and technology-backed transition has helped businesses keep up with the ever-changing consumer demands, and embrace the dynamism of the world.

Today, fierce competition is one of the biggest challenges that businesses face. No matter the product or the service, there are plenty of options in the market for consumers to choose from. In times of tough competition, flexible packaging printing has given brands a chance to stand out from the crowd. As such, they are now actively investing in digitally printed flexible packaging to make their products more visually appealing to consumers. Today, let’s explore the many advantages of digital printing on plastic pouches/polyethylene packaging.

Top 7 Benefits Of Digitally Printed Flexible Packaging

1. Quicker Package Production:

Traditional packaging entails extensive or partially manual processes that consume weeks in case of complex designs. When it comes to digital printing, the process is as simple as it gets. One does not need an elaborate set-up, any plates, or other expensive tools. The first step is to create a digital file of the design to be printed on the packaging and then sent it over to your digital printing company. This way, the packaging will be ready in a matter of days, significantly reducing the production and shipping time. The improved delivery speed always contributes to enhancing client satisfaction.

2. More Avenues For Personalization:

New-age packaging requires new-age printing solutions as well. Using traditional print plates with flexible packaging materials can be tricky. On the other hand, digital printing can be easily applied to both rigid and flexible packaging films. In addition, it brings the gifts of customization and flexibility in terms of design. High-quality brand logos and taglines can be easily printed on the pouches, enhancing brand recognition and recall. Digital printing on polyethylene packages works wonders. The packaging is transparent and it can accommodate attractive designs on the package, while also giving consumers a glimpse of the actual product inside. This can help increase the chances of your product standing out amidst similar products on the shelf.

3. Swift Design Updates:

Any and every brand packaging design has to go through multiple approvals from internal and client-side teams before being finalized. These approvals often come after a rather long list of changes. However, design tweaking is an easier process with digital printing. Minor to major updates can be easily incorporated into the design without delaying the production process by a lot. Updating the file involves lower costs and the dedication of fewer resources as well. For example, if the brand logo has to be updated on the new batch of products, changing the entire design with the new logo can be done in a matter of minutes.

4. Reduced Costs:

The most covenant part about digital printing is that it facilitates short and medium runs. Producing packages in small batches is one of the best ways of ensuring no excess production. Better inventory management always leads to cutting costs, helping businesses invest in more revenue-generating processes rather than repairs. In addition, with digital printing, the cost per unit is significantly less as compared to offset printing for low and mid-volume orders. Firms can save more on the equipment as there are no set-up costs involved, and no print plates are required. As the printing and shipping processes are much faster via automated processes, they ensure a stable cash flow.

5. Short-term Promotional Packaging:

Some of the grandest business strategies revolve around festivities and seasonal occasions. No matter the scale, brands never want to miss an opportunity to advertise and promote products during seasonal periods. This is where digital printing can play a key role. It brings flexibility in terms of both quicker production and better design integration. Brands can customize packages for shorter runs and in small batches – each one tailored to specific target audience groups. It also allows businesses to experiment with their messaging and designs, without risking a lot. Once the promotional period passes, the packages can then go back to featuring the old design.

6. Sustainable Printing Alternative:

The production speed is quite impressive with digitally printed flexible packaging. Consequently, brands do not always have to produce packaging in bulk. They can order as and when the demands roll in. This leads to less inventory, eventually ensuring that no excess waste is created in the process. Moreover, emissions produced by digitally printed flexible packaging are fewer when compared to traditional packaging. The energy consumption is relatively less as well.

7. Less Room For Human Errors:

As the processes associated with digital printing are mostly automated, there is less room for human error. The quality of the packaging is improved, while also reducing costs on errors that are expensive to undo. The artwork designed is precisely printed in all its glory and with impeccable consistency throughout the entire batch of packages. The fact that there are little to no errors also ensures a quick turnaround time.

When implemented correctly, digitally printed flexible packaging can prove to be a revolutionary change; one that is designed to simplify the ways of packaging, as well as bring a treasure trove of added benefits to the table for brands who aspire to stay ahead of the game.

Contact Ecoplast Ltd – Flexible Packaging Film Suppliers In India

Ecoplast Ltd, one of the leading flexible packaging companies in India, is home to an extensive range of quality packaging films. We hold expertise in designing and manufacturing Surface Protective Films that protect products such as steel, aluminum panels/profiles, carpets, tiles, and glass from dust, scratches, and other environmental impacts. Here are our offerings:

-EcoGen™ (Lamination Films)

-EcoProtect™ (Surface Protection Films)

-EcoBond™ (Adhesive Films)

-EcoPrime™ (Speciality Films)

Our services are now available in the global markets. We successfully run manufacturing and distribution operations in nine countries – India, Canada, USA, UK, Dubai, Ethiopia, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia, along with an active presence in all major regional markets. Browse through our premium products online, and select the ones that best suit your requirements. For any further queries, contact us at: +91-22-2683 3452 / +91-22-2683 1403, or drop an email at: [email protected]

Flexible Packaging Is The Future: Top 5 Reasons Why

Yes, the future is unpredictable. However, certain technological innovations come with the promise of thriving for decades after decades. One such product of technology is flexible packaging. The sector has come with a treasure trove of benefits and is here to stay. The prominent presence of this new-age packaging in diverse industries vouches for the fact that flexible packaging is the future. Let’s take a closer look at what it means, along with its types and the reasons contributing to the sector’s quick-paced growth.

What Is Flexible Packaging? 

Flexible packaging includes any products made of materials that can yield when filled or closed. These packages can be easily modified in terms of shape, as and when required. The best part about flexible packaging is the impressive range of choices readily available. Each type of packaging material serves a very specific purpose when it comes to protecting or enhancing the appeal of different products and packaging.

The dynamic trends in flexible packaging are designed to serve diverse industries for consumer, institutional, or industrial purposes. Let’s explore some of the main types of flexible packaging.

7 Primary Types Of Flexible Packaging

1. Low-density Polythene (LDPE):

LDPE is an incredibly flexible and lightweight plastic material. These films are known for their low-temperature flexibility, durability, corrosion resistance, chemical and impact resistance. They are quite easy to fabricate by using a high-pressure process.

2. Linear Low-density Polyethylene (LLDPE):

With an impressive potential to absorb impact without puncturing or tearing, it is essentially an evolved form of LDPE. Apart from flexibility, these films are also known for their durability and their chemical resistance properties.

3. Bi-axially-orientated Polypropylene Polymer (BOPP):

These films exhibit unquestionable durability and resistance to moisture, and excellent clarity, making them the ideal choice for retail packaging.

4. Bi-axially-oriented Polyethylene (BOPE):

BOPE is the ideal solution when it comes to the packaging of products that require a high degree of stiffness. The best features of these films are good puncture resistance, excellent heat-seal strength, durability, and moisture resistance.

5. Biaxially-oriented Polyethylene Terephthalate (BOPET):

These are made from stretched polyethylene terephthalate (PET). They are popular for their transparency, reflectivity, high tensile strength, chemical stability, gas and oil barrier properties, and electrical insulation.

6. Biaxially-oriented Polyamide (BOPA):

Much like BOPET, BOPA is also known for excellent tensile strength, durability, aroma barrier, and puncture resistance. But, its most esteemed feature is its high degree of transparency. It is a good barrier against oxygen and certain chemical substances as well.

7. Laminates:

Laminates usually comprise a multi-layer structure, with one of the polymer films or paper supporting the aluminum or metalized films. They are also designed to provide an excellent odor or aroma barrier.

Why Flexible Packaging Is The Future? 

The global flexible packaging market was valued at $182.3 billion in 2020. It is projected to reach $325.6 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.2% from 2021 to 2030 – these numbers are proof of the sector’s bright future ahead. Let’s explore some of the primary reasons that make flexible packaging a popular solution among businesses belonging to multiple industries, especially end-use domains such as food, beverage, personal care, pharmaceutical, and more.

Top 5 Reasons To Choose Flexible Packaging

1. Lightweight & Customizable:

Flexible packaging products are lighter than their alternatives such as glass, wood, and metal. Hence, they are easy to transport and are less likely to get damaged during shipping. This allows companies to ship more with higher profit margins while also saving on the damage costs. With flexible packaging, less CO2 is consumed while transportation. For example, glass jars for jams and pickles are much heavier and take up more space than flexible packaging pouches. In addition, flexible packaging can also be easily molded in different shapes and sizes to better fit the different brand or product requirements.

2. Sustainable Solution:

The flexible packaging sector comes bearing the gift of sustainable packages that can be recycled easily. Owing to features like zippers and seal top closures, flexible packaging films can be easily reused for several other purposes before being discarded completely. The amount of waste produced and energy consumed in producing these films is a lot less compared to that of rigid containers – almost up to 30-40% lower. It also generates fewer greenhouse gas emissions throughout its distribution than traditional packaging. Flexible packaging helps reduce food and plastic waste, helping brands live up to their promise of adhering to sustainable practices.

3. Online Consumption:

The E-commerce sector is growing fast as a result of spiraling digital transformations. Today’s consumers look for door-to-door services. They look for convenience not just in terms of product functionality but also delivery. This is where the e-commerce industry enters the picture. From daily use things like groceries to high-end products – everything is ready to be delivered online. Flexible packaging best benefits retailers with E-commerce businesses. Large quantities of products can be securely shipped across long distances. Flexible packages can accommodate themselves in smaller spaces, saving on excess transportation costs.

4. Easy To Use:

Apart from sustainability and convenience, there is a third-most important factor that consumers actively look for in a product, i.e. ease of use. One of the brilliant features of flexible packaging products is that they are easy to carry and open as well. Most packages can be re-sealed with zip locks, making it convenient to store food items for later. This benefits both retailers and consumers. Flexible packaging makes it easier for retailers to provide consumers with products that can be bought in smaller amounts from retail stores. This helps make their product look more appealing on a shelf full of other options.

5. Better Branding:

Flexible packaging has opened up interesting avenues for companies to create unique packaging for their products to entice more consumers and keep them coming back for more. These packages can be equipped with attractive designs with ease. With flexible packaging, brands can explore and experiment with their packaging strategies in a way that keeps them ahead of the competition. The package can communicate the brand essence to consumers via high-quality logos and taglines. Printing product packages with engaging designs and messaging goes a long way in terms of improving brand recognition.

Contact Ecoplast Ltd – Leading Flexible Packaging Company

With 40 years of experience, Ecoplast Ltd is one of India’s largest suppliers of multilayer co-extruded polyethylene and co-polymer films to the flexible packaging industry and other specialty applications. We hold expertise in designing and manufacturing Surface Protective Films that protect products such as steel, aluminum panels, carpets, tiles, glass, and more.

Our services are now available in the global markets. We successfully run manufacturing and distribution operations in nine countries – India, Canada, USA, UK, Dubai, Ethiopia, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia, along with an active presence in all major regional markets. Browse through our premium products online. For more information, contact us at: +91-22-2683 3452 / +91-22-2683 1403, or drop an email at: [email protected]

Plastics vs. Polymers: Know The Key Differences

The relationship between consumers and industries has always been a two-way street; a consistent chain of demand and supply. As consumer demands change, businesses have to evolve. On the other hand, as the products and services offered by businesses evolve, consumer perspectives are altered as well. Every once in a while, somewhere in between this dynamic pattern, there comes a wave of revolution that implores industries to change for the better. It prompts sectors and firms to grow economically, as well as ethically.

When it comes to the packaging industry, one of the recent catalysts of change is consumers’ newfound love for sustainability. They are more inclined towards solutions that not only ensure convenience, but also are designed in a way that respects the environment, and all that it has to offer.  This rising demand for sustainability has led to a massive shift to new-age plastics and polymers in the packaging sector. However, the newness of this shift in terms is still lingering among businesses and consumers alike, leaving them with the daunting dilemma of plastics vs. polymers.

Most people often wonder – Is polymer plastic? The truth is the other way around. The key difference here is that plastic is a specific type of polymer. To put it simply, all plastics are polymers, but all polymers are not necessarily plastic. Before we dive further into the particular differences between the two, let’s first understand what they mean individually.

What are plastics? Plastics fall under the polymer category. They are semi-organic materials that are extracted from oil or petroleum. Being a certain type of polymer, plastics do feature similar physical characteristics and flexibility in terms of diverse applications as well. They are generally produced by condensation and addition polymerization reactions.

What are the types of plastic and their uses? The classification of plastics can be done this way – they are either thermoplastics or thermosets. When heated and molded, thermosets take an irreversible form and pattern. Thermoplastics are a product of polymers that can be heated and reshaped as many times as required. Unlike polymers that can occur naturally, plastics are entirely man-made.

Plastics are known to be lightweight and feature excellent chemical resistance. Over the years, they have served multiple industries like consumer product packaging, textiles, transportation, electrical and industrial machinery, building and construction, etc. As such, they have a wide range of applications – shopping bags, bottles, containers, laminating films, fibers – are a few of the common examples.

What are polymers made of? Polymers are essentially long-chain compounds made of a molecule called a monomer. In the simplest sense, polymers are massive molecules that are formed by smaller, identical molecules. However, polymers feature different chemical and physical properties in comparison to the monomers that are made of.

What’s interesting here is that the properties of polymers can be easily altered to serve a specific purpose. Materials born out of polymers are cost-effective. They feature superior thermal and electrical insulation and are considered to be ultra-lightweight as compared to their alternatives. Another reason for their popularity is that they do not require any post-treatment finishing. Today’s most familiar plastic polymers include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), epoxy, and polyester (PS).

There are two main types of polymers – natural and synthetic. Natural polymers or biopolymers include materials like wool, cotton, wool, proteins, and such. Synthetic polymers shelter materials like Teflon, Polyethylene, nylon, polyester, epoxy, etc. Furthermore, synthetic polymers are classified into three types – thermoplastics, thermosets, and elastomers.

Polymers can also be categorized depending on their synthesis methods. If the monomers have double bonds between carbons from addition reactions, the polymers can be synthesized. These are called addition polymers. Condensation polymers, on the other hand, are formed through a polymerization process where smaller molecules or monomers react with each other to form larger structural units. During the process, by-products such as small water molecules are released.

Primary Differences Between Plastics vs. Polymers

Polymers	Plastics
Polymers are made up of uniform molecules that are smaller than plastic molecules. They have the same structural unit repeating over and over.	Plastic is a specific type of polymer that is known to feature a comparatively large molecular mass.
Polymers can be either natural or synthetic in nature.	Plastics are synthetic and cannot occur naturally.
Most of the polymers have long polymer chains, but there can be short chains as well.	Plastics essentially have very long polymer chains.
Polymers can range in strength and thickness – from a hard-shell container to a thin laminating film.	Plastics are generally made from oil and prove to be an ideal choice where durability is a mandatory requirement.
Polymers do not necessarily have to be plastics.	All the materials that fall under the plastics category can be considered polymers.

Contact Ecoplast Ltd – Leading Packaging Films Manufacturers

With 40 years of experience, Ecoplast Ltd is one of India’s largest suppliers of multilayer co-extruded polyethylene and co-polymer films to the flexible packaging industry as well as a variety of other specialty applications across the globe. We offer a comprehensive range of surface protection films for Stainless steel, UPVC, Aluminum Composite Panels, Aluminum sections/profiles, PVC and Carpets, and more. Here are our key offerings:

-EcoGen™ (Lamination Films)

-EcoProtect™ (Surface Protection Films)

-EcoBond™ (Adhesive Films)

-EcoPrime™ (Speciality Films)

Our presence now extends beyond boundaries and our services are readily available in the global markets. We successfully run manufacturing and distribution operations in nine countries – India, Canada, USA, UK, Dubai, Ethiopia, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia, along with an active presence in all major regional markets. Browse through our premium products online, and select the ones that best suit your requirements. To know more about our products, contact us at: +91-22-2683 3452 / +91-22-2683 1403, or drop an email at: [email protected]