As the saying goes, you only get one chance to make a first impression. In the packaging world, flexible packaging is considered by many to be the optimal way for a company to put its best foot forward. Since the 1950s, flexible packaging has been driving innovation in the industry1, offering businesses a more affordable and customizable alternative to rigid packaging. Comprised of lightweight materials, often plastic or resin-based, flexible packaging has long been the preferred solution for food brands, consumer packaged goods and pharmaceutical companies, among others. But what is it about flexible packaging that makes it so impressive? And how can flexible packaging continue to evolve and innovate? There are three key insights that cement why flexible packaging is, and will remain, a premium packaging solution.

In today’s digital world, the “unboxing” of a package is a distinct and anticipated consumer experience. At its core, unboxing combines the senses of sight, sound, touch and sometimes smell to make customers feel valued by the brand. Done right, it can lead to strong customer loyalty. Leveraging digital printing on flexible packaging, companies can utilize the box interior to offer consumers a richer brand experience. By including a company or product logo, a QR code or promotional information, customized flexible packaging delivers a call to action driving consumers back to the company’s website, social channels or product promotion platforms resulting in enhanced consumer engagement with the brand.