The food industry takes a sizeable toll on the environment. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, food and food packaging materials make up over half of all municipal solid waste. Most food packaging is single-use and designed to be discarded, but most of this waste ends up in the landfill instead of being recycled. The food industry is becoming increasingly aware of its effect on the environment with an emphasis on reducing the impact of farming, electricity and water usage, as well as packaging waste, particularly waste from plastic packages.
Reusable flexible containers are a great alternative to traditional single-use plastic packaging. Your company can use these containers over and over again without putting your products at risk.
What is a Flexible Container?
A flexible container is a container with flexible dimensions. The shape of the container will usually adhere to the outline of the product. The more product you add to the container, the larger it will be.
Flexible containers are typically used for short-term storage, which makes them a great choice for the food industry. They are made with durable materials, usually Low-density Polyethylene (LDPE), which is more resilient than High-density Polyethylene (HDPE) found in rigid plastic containers.
Unlike rigid containers, flexible containers can be broken down, so they don’t take up as much space when they aren’t being used.
You can clean flexible packages just like other types of reusable containers. Use compressed air and FDA-approved cleaners to sanitize the interior before loading in more food products.
Why Food and Beverage Companies Should Use Flexible Containers
If the food industry is serious about reducing its impact on the environment, reusable flexible containers offer numerous benefits, including:
Space Utilization
Space can be a precious commodity in the food industry. Warehouse rental rates are going up every year. Your company will also need additional space if you decide to take on more customers in the future.
You can get your flexible containers out of the way when they aren’t in use, so they don’t take up as much space. Condense your fleet of bags and containers into a small pile to give your workers more room to move around. This will also help them keep track of which containers are full when fulfilling orders.
Versatility
Flex containers are extremely versatile, which can be an asset in the food industry. If you’re in the farming business, you never know how large your products are going to be or how much crop you’re going to harvest. Flexible containers adhere to the contents, so your containers don’t take up any more space than necessary. If your food products are extra large this year, you can store them in the same container as the sides expand, giving you more room.
Save on Shipping
You also don’t have to spend as much on food packaging when you switch to flex containers. Use an automated warehouse system to track your containers as they make their way through the supply chain. Your business partners and suppliers can then hand off the empty containers when you make another delivery or pick-up. You won’t have to order more supplies every other week to keep your shipping costs as low as possible.
Reduced Waste
Your business also won’t create as much waste, which benefits the environment. Single-use plastic are made using fossil fuels like oil and gas that contribute to climate change. Ordering less of these products reduces your company’s carbon footprint. Your team also won’t have to spend as much time recycling and disposing of empty containers.
Product Security
Nothing could be more important than the security of your food products, considering human lives could be at risk. Flex containers are more durable than single-use plastics, helping you insulate your products from the outside world, including bacteria, germs, and debris. You can also use tamper-proof packaging to prevent contaminated food from reaching the market.
Best Flexible Containers for the Food Industry
Add these flexible containers to your fleet to change your company for the better:
Super Sacks
Super sacks, or FIBC bulk bags, are used to transport large quantities of dry goods, including grains, powders, and other raw food ingredients. They are lightweight and adhere to the shape of your food product. You can also buy used super sacks online to save even more money. They also lay flat when they aren’t in use to help you make the most of your storage space.
IBCs
Industrial Bulk Containers (IBCs) are perfect for storing and transporting large quantities of liquid food ingredients, including water, syrups, gels, and other fluids. They come with a built-in sprout for quickly dispensing your products. There is also a pallet attached to the bottom, so your team can quickly move hundreds of gallons of fluids using a lift truck.
Collapsible Containers
You can also use collapsible containers to transport your food products. They usually come with an open top for added product visibility. They are often used to transport produce items like fruits and vegetables. You can quickly break down the container when it’s not in use to make extra room in your facility.
Flexible containers are the future of the food industry. Replace your single-use plastics with reusable containers to start saving money today!
