Packaging Methods

Pouches and bags see frequent utilization in the packaging of food and non-food products alike. They offer endless usage possibilities and are appropriate for a considerable range of products. Some of the products most frequently packaged in pouches and bags include:

• Granulated powders
• Liquids
• Capsules
• Spices
• Salts
• Pet food

Bottles and jars offer excellent product protection in cases where goods are stacked or transported. They are manufactured utilizing a variety of materials, including:

• Glass
• Plastic
• Tin
• Ceramic

Two types of form fill and seal flow wrapping exist: horizontal and vertical. Flow wrapping makes for an excellent low-cost packaging solution—especially for high-volume production runs. Flow wrapping is utilized for both primary and secondary wrapping and packaging.

• In primary packaging applications, a manufacturer uses flow wrap to package small, flat items such as candies.
• Secondary applications center around utilizing the wrap to create multipacks and kits.

Shrink wrap is known for both its visual appeal and the protection it offers. Shrink wrapping helps provide product protection through a number of avenues. First, it helps to prevent the puncture and abrasion of products. It can also help mitigate impact resistance. It also offers the same protection regardless of whether it’s used as individual product packaging or for secondary purposes.

In primary applications, shrink wrap is used to package actual products—for example, the shrink wrap that goes around CD cases or loose-leaf paper. In secondary applications, shrink wrap may be used for purposes such as wrapping pallets of product. This keeps pallets together and renders them easier to move.

Kits come in various sizes and are ideal for myriad uses and applications. They can be applied to a variety of primary packaging setups, including:

• Baskets
• Window boxes
• Trays
• Canisters
• Cartons
• Bags

Kitting is achieved through combining a number of individual products to create one item. This can be carried out for a number of reasons, but the most popular reasons to kit products include convenience, gifting, and creating kits for special occasions.

Labels make for versatile packaging components and offer several options for application. They can be pressure-sensitive, shrink sleeve, or made of glued paper or gum. Depending on the application, labels can be colorful or black and white. They’re easily removed or covered up for purposes such as rewording, returns, resales, or product salvage.

Marking is typically reserved for lot coding and best-by dates. The process is achieved through ink-jetting or the use of a laser. 

Club store display pallets are comprised of products stacked and assembled onto standard Grade A 48-by-40-inch grocery or block-style pallets. They require special attention and consideration due to their size. Trays and bundles must be able to properly support the load throughout the transportation process. ActionPak offers services that help design and test pallets to ensure they meet retailer standards. 

POP displays are available in numerous styles. Which one your organization selects will be dependent on industry and application. Options include:

• Counter displays
• Free-standing floor displays
• End aisle sidekicks
• Rainbow pallets

These displays are specifically engineered to keep product intact during transit. They also offer the benefit of being ready to use immediately following delivery. This minimizes store assembly labor.

Shrink sleeving features colorful designs that are used for full, 360 degree coverage. Graphics on shrink sleeve packaging form-fit items like bottles and cans from top to bottom. Different films and equipment are used during the packaging process depending on application. Sizing and testing are imperative. Shrink sleeving is especially helpful for applications that necessitate tamper evidence, cover-ups, and multi-packs.

Poly bundling is a low-cost packaging solution ideal for the assembly of variety and single-SKU retail display multi-packs. Applications featuring consistent item sizes tend to benefit the most from poly bundling. It makes the arrangement of value packs simple and is ideal for creating club store appeal. Trays of items like cans or jars can be over wrapped and marketed as discount packs.