Rigid Packaging vs Flexible Packaging: Which Packaging Should You Use?

There are many types of packaging prevalent these days, each and every packaging displaying efforts and creativity. But, if we look at it broadly, there are only two types of packaging.

One being the Flexible Packaging and the other being the Rigid Packaging. Both types of packaging serve their own purposes distinctly. 

But you need to find out the right packaging design for your business, depending upon the type of commodity you are serving. This will benefit you in the best possible way. We need to know if a rigid box manufacturer is what you require or a flexible one, so let’s take a look at the article for the same. 

What is Rigid Packaging? 

Rigid Packaging is a type of packaging which includes rigid designs. Rigid designs like those of cans, tins, cardboard boxes as is shown in the image, and containers of glass. Examples of such types of packaging would be bottles, soda cans, jars, etc.

Features of Rigid Packaging

• Heavy
• More expensive than flexible design counterparts
• Offer better protection
• Durable

Due to the above-mentioned features, if you are worried about the protection of the product that the packaging is set to carry, in that case, you should go for the Rigid Packaging type as it offers good protection which will keep your product safe. 

Rigid Packaging Materials are way better at keeping the products safe and sound. They will ensure that the product is delivered safely to the customer’s place. 

Rigid Packaging Materials

For Rigid Packaging, mostly the materials used for making the packages include:

• Metals
• Glass
• Paper
• Plastic

It is important to note that plastic packaging dominates the global market in the field of rigid packaging. It’s because plastic doesn’t deteriorate and helps to keep the packaged materials in a good shape for a long time. Along with that, plastic is one of the cheapest options for rigid packaging. 

If you are looking for a reputed and trusted custom rigid boxes wholesale provider, then you can always check out Hongyi, as they have a good collection of plastic, wooden, and cardboard packaging options. 

Common Applications

Rigid Packages are made up of materials that can’t be bent and are fixed. Hence, Rigid packages provide good strength and support to the products. 

The rigid box design is made up of hard materials like metals and plastics. The most popular applications of rigid packaging incorporate:

• All kinds of glass bottles
• Aluminum cans
• Cereal boxes
• Corrugated boxes used for packing
• Boxes used for luxury packaging
• Luxury Perfume packaging
• Cigar packaging

Pros of Rigid Packaging

Below are the key advantages of rigid packaging:

• Superiority in Strength:

Rigid packages are superior to flexible packages in terms of strength. They can carry the product more safely and securely than the flexible one. 

• Good Impression of Quality of the Material:

Glass is an example of the good quality materials used in packaging. Luxury rigid box manufacturers should work to make the quality even better.

Cons of Rigid Packaging

Below are the key drawbacks of rigid packaging:

• Shipping costs are much higher since they will need more space during the transport
• Higher carbon footprint owing to the materials used like plastic 
• More expensive than the traditional packaging
• Takes more area in the landfills, if not recycled. 

What Is Flexible Packaging? 

Flexible Packaging Definition– Flexible Packaging incorporates all kinds of malleable packaging. Examples of such types of packaging are stretch film, shrink film, flexible pouches, seal bands, clamshells, and blister or skin packs. Flexible Packaging has taken the packaging industry by storm and it is preferred more by people these days. Rigid packaging is losing its place to flexible packaging because of several reasons- 

• Flexible packaging does not require much energy or materials to make it up, hence it is preferred more than rigid packaging. 
• Flexible Packaging promotes the process of recycling which adds up as a perk for the environment. 
• Flexible packages can be designed the way the user wishes to and can be easily shaped into whatever shape the consumer wishes. This is not the case with Rigid Packaging and hence people go for flexible packages. 
• Flexible Packaging allows one to reduce the shipping costs and they can be stored easily. Flexible packages are light weighted and are easy to carry and transport from one place to another. 

Features of Flexible Packaging

• Flexible packaging is resealable and is easy to store and use 
• Are safe, low breakage 
• Have a longer shelf life
• It is convenient for the customers, as they can directly use the packaging. For instance, a ketchup pouch
• The packaging appears more modern and can also be customized.

Flexible Packaging Materials

The below materials are used in the flexible packaging process:

• Plastic
• Paperboard
• Foil
• Paperboard coated with wax
• Paper
• Combinations of all the above-stated materials

Common Applications of Flexible Packaging

• Packaging of food products (the most common)
• Packaging of confectionery products
• Packaging of snacks
• Packaging of coffee
• Packaging of powdered milk
• Packaging of biscuits
• Packaging of milk pouches and ketchup packs

Pros of Flexible Packaging 

• It is environment friendly 
• Is very easy to use
• Is cheaper than rigid packaging. This is due to the less space that it takes up while in the packaging process
• Are more aesthetic and impressive in appearance. 
• Can be easily customized using prints
• Uses less material as compared to rigid packaging 

Cons of Flexible Packaging

• It might affect the flavor of the food product it carries. 
• It is difficult to recycle the flexible packages as there has been no development for the same till now.
• It has very low resistance against extreme temperatures. 
• It takes more than a thousand years to totally degrade into a landfill. 

Key Differences Between Rigid Packaging and Flexible Packaging

1. Weight, Size of the Packaging

As we have discussed earlier, rigid packaging is way heavier than flexible packaging. It is because of the material used in rigid packaging which is mostly metal, wood, cardboard, or plastic. 

On the other hand, light material is used to make flexible packages. Material such as polypropylene, causes the packaging to be light weighed. 

2. Durability

Rigid packaging protects its contents in a much better way than flexible packaging. However, rigid packaging is prone to deformation due to the external environment sometimes. In the case of flexible packaging, it does not deform or get dented easily. 

Overall, flexible packaging is less likely to be affected due to the external environment and does not get affected by cosmetic abrasion either. Also, flexible packaging is preferred over rigid packaging these days. 

3. Customization and Branding

As we stated earlier that flexible packaging has one advantage over rigid packaging that it can be modified and made aesthetic. Flexible packaging is open to customization whereas this is not the case with rigid packaging. 

Rigid Packaging is really difficult to carry out and has less scope for customization. Designs can’t be printed on the packages just like that, they have to be printed separately and then attached to the package. Custom rigid boxes are hard to make. 

Considerations When Choosing the Packaging Solution for Your Brands

When we have to choose between the two, rigid or flexible packaging, there is no right or wrong option. It depends on what feature you prefer in your packaging and what kind of materials you wish to use. Here are seven factors that you must consider before making a choice: 

Factors that influence the choice between the two are:-

1. Type of Product (Solid, Liquid, or Gaseous) 

Does the product, which the packaging will carry, need any kind of protection? If the content is liquid in form, you should go for flexible packaging. However, if the content is of gaseous form in nature, prefer rigid packaging instead. 

2. Luxury Packaging Needs

If you want to showcase the good quality of the package, you should go for rigid packaging undoubtedly. The quality of the rigid packages is strong in nature. 

3. Branding Needs

Flexible packaging can be customized and made aesthetic whereas rigid packaging adds a high-end appeal to the items being packaged. 

4. Shipping Conditions

Rigid packs are very easy to store whereas flexible packages can also be tossed into the air and nothing would be damaged. Rigid Packaging is done in such a way that it protects its contents and delivers it safely to the customer. Flexible Packaging can be bent in any form or shape. 

5. Budget

If you have a low budget and wish to accommodate it only, you should then go for flexible packaging as it is less expensive than rigid packaging. 

As for the costs for both the type of packaging, there you go:

• Rigid Packaging is the most expensive option if you only look at the budget, it ranges from $4-5 for a fully printed corrugated box. Which is quite expensive for a middle-class person. 
• Flexible Packaging includes bags, stand-up pouches, and woven poly for instance. Flexible Packaging rates range from about $0.25- 0.75. It is comparatively cheaper than rigid packaging and one should go for flexible packages if you want low costs and good aesthetics for your package.

6. Sustainability

If your product requires protection from extreme temperatures then rigid packaging is ideal for you. Due to the immense strength of the rigid package, no harm is likely to be inflicted upon the content inside the box. 

7. Conventional Packaging or Unique Packaging

If you wish to have a great impression through the packaging, you should go for flexible packaging as it will allow you to be creative and will help you to customize the packaging according to your own needs. 

Conclusion

All the information we displayed in the article above will help you to make a good choice, it will enlighten you on the merits and demerits of both packaging systems. We hope that this helps you in making the right choice. 

In the end, it all depends on your choice, if you wish to have an aesthetic box or a normal package. However, if you require rigid packaging, then you should contact a reliable rigid box manufacturer like Hongyid for all your needs.