Due to the COVID-19 pandemic that has affected the whole world, the food and food packaging sector has been observed as one of the most changed areas. With this negative factor, companies that make production by becoming ordinary started to try different methods to increase attention to the products by making some changes in the packaging policy. As it is known, the only purpose of the packaging used in the food industry is not to preserve the product and its shelf life. Today, product packaging is also the promotional face of the product. The methods used in the formation phase of the packaging, which is the first point where the attention of the customers is concentrated, may vary according to the current period. In this article, we have examined the popular manufacturing methods recently seen in the packaging industry.

Use of Flexible Packaging

The flexible packaging sector is seen among the packaging sectors that are growing day by day and becoming more preferred. The main reasons for this situation;

• Using less fossil fuel and water in the manufacturing of flexible packaging
• More cost-effective
• Less weight compared to other species
• Because it is shipped in flat or roll format, it takes up considerably less space than other rigid packaging and is therefore easy to transport
• Long shelf life
• More suitable for e-commerce
• Flexible packaging creates a smaller carbon footprint compared to other types of packaging
• It can be listed on the basis of headings such as supporting an environmentally friendly future.

Flexible packaging is a packaging invention that combines the mechanical and physical properties of multiple layers of different polymers to balance functionality, environmental concerns, and commercial considerations. Flexible packaging can take various forms such as sealed and resealable pouches, gusseted pouches, stand-up pouches, microwavable pouches, spout pouches, zipper pouches, and vacuum pouches. Innovations in flexible packaging designs make it possible to reduce size to reduce plastic waste in general and excessive material consumption in particular. More importantly, the multi-layered barrier materials in flexible packaging designs make it the packaging of choice to reduce food waste, material waste, and energy use, combat climate change, and ensure a sustainable future. In the end, flexible packaging trends will continue to respond to technology and adapt to business, environmental, and social needs. UCSA Packaging, which has set quality service as a mission, has been providing flexible packaging services to its solution partners for twenty-five years and has undertaken the qualification of being a company that makes a difference in this field.

Sustainable Packaging Utilization

Sustainable packaging, which can cause minimal damage to nature and has positive effects for the future, has become one of the most preferred applications in the packaging industry, especially in light of today's rapidly developing environmental awareness. The introduction of products that are produced with the idea of reducing single-use plastics and can be easily recycled by dissolving in nature has played a supportive role in the manufacturing of sustainable packaging that can be recycled and reused. UCSA Packaging, which cares about the health and quality of life of future generations and adopts these as an organizational value, is a company that supports the protection of global resources, and efficient use of energy and materials and continues to work on sustainable packaging manufacturing by focusing on environmental awareness.

Using Smart Packaging

In these years when smart gadgets dominate life, the paths of technology and the packaging industry are increasingly crossing, and the best example of this is smart packaging! Thanks to smart packaging technology, consumers have the opportunity to have access to a wide range of information about the packaged product, and they can satisfy their curiosity about the product or their concerns about the safety of the product through QR codes or smart packaging labels. Consumers can use their smart devices to access a variety of information from these codes or labels, including product freshness, aroma, quality, pH, fermentation information, safety, and compliance with health standards. In addition, smart packaging has the potential to be used in a design-oriented way to increase the interaction of the product in the market or to make its attractiveness visible in the market. Large packaging companies that use globally followed activities, special occasions, or social trends as opportunities for this promotion can easily manage the attention that will be directed toward their products through the use of smart packaging.

Use of Personalized Printing

Personalized prints on packaging, which have been brought to the forefront by global brands in recent years, are a trend that attracts a lot of attention. According to this strategy, which aims to personalize products by writing names on them and to establish an individual bond between the buyer and the product, the impact of personalizing products on packaging on customers and the reflection rate of this situation on the market is quite large. Thanks to personalized prints;

• The attractiveness of the product to the customer increases
• Customers are made to feel special
• Customers create an authentic connection with the product.
• Brand experience is improved
• Product availability and associated sales rates increase
• Customer attention is drawn to the products and services provided by the company.

To get a customized smart packaging service, you can contact UCSA Packaging for more!