Flexible packaging is an excellent choice for sustainability and product presentation. However, to maintain the integrity and visual appeal of these pouches, it’s crucial to understand the best practices for handling and packing them.
1. Avoid Stacking Pouches
When packing flexible pouches, it’s essential to avoid stacking or “belly packing” them. The weight from stacking can quickly add up, putting excessive stress on the seals of the pouches. This can lead to breakages and product leakage, undermining the benefits of using flexible packaging.
2. Pack Individually
To prevent damage during transit, ensure that each pouch is packed individually. If you must pack multiple pouches together, wrap each one separately. This prevents the pouches from rubbing against each other and causing potential tears or leaks.
3. Use Protective Packing Materials
Fill any empty spaces within the shipping box with protective packing materials. This is especially important for spouted pouches or those made from more delicate materials. Protective packing materials will cushion the pouches, mitigating any external impact during transit and preventing damage or leakage. For heavier products (e.g., over 1kg), consider the strength limitations of recyclable or compostable structures.
4. Label Correctly
Using box labels to indicate the correct orientation of the package and to encourage careful handling is highly recommended. Labels can significantly reduce the risk of mishandling during transit, ensuring your products arrive in perfect condition.
5. Use Double-Walled Boxes and Dividers
Double-walled boxes provide extra strength and protection for your packaged pouches. Internal box dividers can further reduce the stress on each pouch by preventing movement within the box. This setup is especially useful for larger shipments or for products that are more susceptible to damage.
Benefits of Proper Pouch Packing
Proper handling and packing of flexible pouches offer several benefits:
Brand Reputation: Consistently delivering well-packaged products enhances your brand’s reputation for quality.
Product Integrity: Ensures that your product reaches its destination without leaks or damage.
Customer Satisfaction: Receiving products in pristine condition improves customer experience and trust.
Cost Efficiency: Reducing damage during transit lowers the costs associated with returns and replacements.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overpacking: While it might seem like a good idea to fit as many pouches as possible into a box, overpacking can lead to damage.
Inadequate Sealing: Make sure all pouches are properly sealed before packing to prevent leaks.
Using Weak Packaging Materials: Avoid using flimsy boxes or inadequate protective materials that can compromise the integrity of the pouches.
Conclusion
By following these guidelines for handling and packing flexible pouches, you can ensure that your products remain safe and intact during transit. Proper packing not only protects your products but also enhances the customer experience by delivering items in pristine condition.
For more tips and best practices on packaging, stay tuned to our blog. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to contact us.
About the Author: Cameron Fisher
Cameron is our resident marketing and content expert, skills which he applies to his ever-growing knowledge of custom packaging and labels, helping push the Readability brand out to a growing audience.