Flat-Bottom Flexible Bags Stand Out In Food Applications

By Kevin Young and Markus Hoedebeck, Mondi

Steady growth continues to mark flexible packaging’s food sector. According to the Flexible Packaging Association’s 2014 State of the Industry report, food accounts for 59 percent of all U.S. flexible packaging expenditures, with the food sector growing about 3.2 percent annually. The surge is fueled in part by the popularity of single-serving containers and value-added packaging that offers enhanced freshness and ease of use.    

The growing demand is spurring a wave of innovation. One notable example is box-style, flexible bags that resemble standard cartons. They come in many styles and sizes, but typically have a flat bottom and rectangular front, back, and side panels. Made of multilayer flexible materials, the bags offer food packagers an attractive alternative for many applications. For instance, they can package lightweight granular materials, such as cereals, granola, or rice, without the need for a separate liner.      

Consumer goods manufacturers can utilize flat-bottom bags to address challenges at various points along the supply chain, from the production line to point of sale. The bags’ advantages include improved shelf impact, a wide array of convenience features, more complete product fill, and efficient shipping and handling.  

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