When you sell a product, the first thing you have to notice is its packaging. By choosing high-quality packaging you have a lot of options. So many that it might be overwhelming to have perfect packaging. there are two broad categories of packaging one is flexible and the other is rigid. The flexible box’s name is literally “flexible”, one of the best qualities of this type of packaging is capable of bending easily without breaking.
So, you can bend it, fold it, and shape it easily. Flexible is available in numerous sizes and forms to work with just about any application, while rigid packaging as its name shows the hard one, is unable to bend or shape it. Rigid packing offers support and strength to the product. So, both flexible and rigid have a wide range of uses in the packaging industry. They have many applications, but both are different in construction, durability, and customizability. The following are the key differences between flexible and rigid packaging.
The Difference in Weight:
Both flexible and rigid boxes are different in weight because the rigid box is heavier than flexible packaging. This is due to rigid boxes being made of denser and thicker materials. For example, paper boxes, or glass. Flexible on the other hand uses plastic or polypropylene material packaging which is much lighter and softer in touch.
The Difference in The Size of The Packaging:
The size of any packaging solely depends on its requirements. Rigid packages normally take up more space than flexible ones because you cannot squeeze them together in a bundle. Rigid is especially for the protection of inner contents. Flexible boxes are flat and can easily bend or be bundled together to save space. In flexible packaging, flexible Kraft paper, or poly mailers are the go-to solutions to ship soft goods.
Customization and Branding:
One of the main advantages of flexible boxes is that this type of packaging can be easily customized. You can choose any printing method to add the color of graphics to your boxes. moreover, the size and shape of these boxes can easily be customized. this benefit can make your brand product stand out from other brands. while on the other hand, rigid is the hard one and comparatively difficult and expensive to customize.
For example, when it comes to printing first you need to print the design separately on the paper then you have to paste it using adhesive adding to the cost. Moreover, you cannot easily give shape to rigid boxes.
Environmental Impact of Packaging:
The environmental impact of packaging depends on the material that is being used for boxes. Rigid boxes are made of paperboard or corrugated cardboard material while flexible packing is made of plastic or polypropylene and these can be recycled on the base of their materials. However, recycling becomes difficult when materials are mixed with other materials. For example, in plastic packaging boxes, metallic laminates are added.
Which One is Good For Shipping:
When it comes to shipping products, the packaging is one of the most important things to be noticed. Rigid packaging protects the products better than flexible. But one of the disadvantages is it is prone to external deformation like the surface can easily be scratched, dented, or deformed. While flexible boxes cannot be easily deformed.
However flexible boxes could be damaged if they are hit by a sharp object. soft products are often shipped using rigid boxes. For example, cameras, computers, smartphones, or televisions come in rigid with an extra protective layer of airbags or Styrofoam. Flexible packaging is often used for low-cost products like food and cosmetic products. for example, chips, bread, milk, biscuits, or even frozen products come in flexible packing.
Easy in Boxing and Unboxing:
One of the main differences between flexible and rigid packaging is its boxing or unboxing. Rigid box packaging is easier to store. They are kept for a longer period – and hence can carry profound data about the product like expiry date or certain instructions. Flexible packing is easily reusable, offers the ability to be resealed, and is easier to carry and open.
Conclusion:
So, choosing the right type of packaging according to your brand product requirement is highly important. For that purpose, you have many options in packaging whether you need flexible packaging or rigid one here are the main differences between these two packaging.
