Rigid Packaging vs Flexible Packaging: Which one should you consider?

Rigid packaging and flexible packaging come with its own set of opportunities and setbacks.

All packaging is something that you look at with your unique requirements and that can be something you can also consider when you talk to our representative. Here is our infographic to look at if you are already in the ballpark of Rigid Packaging and explanation on how to select within the category. You may also want to understand the most commonly used packaging to help you get the bird’s eye view of packaging options.

Now taking the conversation forward, let’s try and understand each for what they are before we jump into differences and choices.

Rigid Packaging is a hard packaging. The term rigid primarily defines the form of the packaging that does fold nor can be changed once it set it. One of the major reasons for considering rigid is to its strength of form that products that is set inside of it. This is more suited for luxury products like phones, watches, alcohol and even sweets.

Flexible Packaging are light bags or pouches sealed using heat or pressure. These are usually pouching with ziplock, laminated tubes and vacuum pouches, etc. These are great for sealed food, fresh food packaging and dry materials.  They are easy to customize and low cost, but that said are not the best option for something you would want to protect inside.

Rigid packaging market is growing as they are deemed as a upgrade, give a sense of value to the product inside and great way to brand your product. According to research, the global market is set to reach 802.43 Billion by 2024. However, the preference is based on budgeting, timelines, and costing.

There is no right and wrong in this case, but the kind of brand and product you are selling. Some brands end up using both for thier product based on what they want to take forward. The general preference for Rigid Boxes is for Luxury and Premium products, while the flexible is more of value segment.

• Budgets: Flexible is cheaper to store, manufacture and warehouse due to thier size, weight and flexible shape.
• Type of Product: Products that premium, like watches, wallets, electronics consider rigid as it gives them protection inside the case and provide an premium experience. While Flexible can house liquids, mullti-units (chips) or can just act as a weather casing
• Shipping: Flexible packs withstand being thrown or tossed without damaging the food contents. On the other hand, rigid packs are easier to stack and store.
• Assembly cost: Rigid packaging comes in a ready to use format, the product just has to be placed in it. While Flexible, is different. Some packs are need mechanisms to seal the packs others can also be zip lock based.
• Branding: With its ability to customize, both are great options. But Rigid boxes tend to last longer for the consumer therefore might add to more value in the long run.

Packaging is a great deal for any organization. It’s like a physical manifestation of your brand on your in your consumers hand, so it’s something you should take your time to consider. But again, it’s also something that evolves with your brand. You can always change your packaging based on your needs.