If you vend a product, chances are that your product needs some kind of packaging — but what type? Two main categories to choose from include rigid packaging and flexible packaging.

Let’s take a close look at the particular characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of these two forms of packaging to see which category makes more sense for your brand’s products, mission, values, and bottom line.

What Is Rigid Packaging?

Rigid packaging includes any packaging meant to hold its shape under various conditions. The packaging materials use for this form of packaging can vary extensively, from single-ply or corrugated cardboard containers to plastic boxes and glass jars. It is considered rigid packaging if it isn’t designed to crush or distort. 

Their protection might be pretty good, but at the same time, they are way heavier and more expensive than their flexible packaging counterpart.

What Is Flexible Packaging?

Flexible packaging can be distinct as a type of packaging that can be quickly shaped and altered. It uses less material and combines the finest qualities of plastic, films, foil, and paper. Nowadays, it is used for the marketing of a vast array of products across the whole world.

Typically, it is the best thing to minimize waste, and protect products from the heat. And extend their shelf life, which provides minimal protection. 

Due to the lightweight nature of flexible, packed items, they can be simply transported from one place to another without difficulty. Flexible packaging is reusable, resalable, and supportable for a more extended time, saving a decent amount of money.

What are examples of flexible packaging?

Flexible packaging contains all malleable packaging. Some common instances of flexible packaging include shrink film, flexible pouches, seal bands, blister or skin packs, and clamshells.

What Are Rigid Boxes Made Of?

Made of solid paperboard overlaid with printed and inflated paper, leather, or fabric wraps, custom rigid boxes offer an excellent mix of product safety and perceived luxury.

Generally, greater than folding cartons, rigid (set-up) boxes are made of thick 36 to 120 pt board overlaid with a print paper wrap. These boxes generally do not fold flat. They’re available in various outstanding structural arrangements, and the graphics for the paper overwrap (exotic foil or texturized paper, paper-backed fabric, or print plain white paper) are closely endless.

Visually attractive and structurally impressive, rigid boxes carry a sense of prestige, luxury, and elegance. And the quality is ideal for lesser, high-end items such as jewelry or electronics. Many customers even keep and recycle rigid boxes long after the original purchase, thus providing excellent opportunities for long-term product/brand recognition.

Is Rigid Box Recyclable?

No, all the custom rigid boxes are not recyclable because of the thin layer of thin plastic film used for the lamination procedure on top of the wrapper. 

Excluding that small share of lamination, the remaining rigid box particles are recyclable. Kraft-based rigid boxes are 100% recyclable, ecological, and reusable.

We at The Cosmetic Boxes USA offer you the best rigid and flexible packaging that is 100% recyclable. So, don’t look further; book your orders now!

Below are some of the crucial differences between them:

• Regarding box size and weight, rigid packaging weighs more than flexible packaging because of the packaging material use in making rigid packaging. Rigid packaging is made from denser and heavier materials, while flexible packaging is typically made from plastic, foil, and paper, making them less heavy than rigid packaging.
• Rigid packaging offers better protection against heat. And other barriers when associated with the other.
• Flexible package items are sturdier, and their shelf life is much longer than rigid packaging.
• Flexible packaging just bounces back when it falls off the transporting vehicle during conveyance or the shelf, while rigid packaging dent and sometimes breaks when falling.
• It is easy to modify flexible packaging items in any shape and finish with sturdy branding messaging, while rigid packaging is not effortlessly customizable and costs more when customizing.

Advantages of Rigid Packaging

You may have some of the pros of rigid packaging from the section above. Rigid packaging provides:

Mass availability – Since custom rigid packaging has been around forever, there’s no deficiency of packaging providers to choose from when shopping for solutions.

Impact protection – As noted above, rigid packaging can offer superior impact protection. In addition to the rigid nature of the packaging materials, you can stuff loose space inside the wholesale package with foam peanuts or air pillows.

Advantages of Flexible Packaging 

Flexible packaging boasts many necessary qualities for companies who require its specific combination of advantages. Some of these bests include:

Sustainability – Flexible packaging classically requires less material than rigid packaging, with less waste from vacant interior volume. You can also find flexible packaging that provides recycle materials such as kraft paper, helping your company or brand help the environment.

Compactness – The same super-efficient use of internal volume that allows you to use your packaging well. And lets you use slighter packages in general. This means that sellers can fit more of your goods on the same number of shelves.

Freshness – Unlike typical rigid packaging, flexible packaging often contains resealable zipper tops that can lock in freshness even after the goods have been opened. This advantage is especially critical if you sell foods that can go bad after exposure to air or moisture.

Cost-effectiveness – In most situations, you’ll find that you can get more flexible packages when you use flexible packaging. These pack products may also prove lighter in weight, less costly to ship, and less prone to losses from breaking.

Branding and Customization – This flexible packaging is simply customizable. You can pick from several printing methods to add any theme color or striking graphic that imitates your business or brand.  

Moreover, the custom shape, design, and size of flexible packaging can simply customize. This advantage lets you come up with a brilliant design to make your goods stand out on shelves.

Rigid packaging is hard and luxurious to modify. For instance, designs must print separately on paper when it comes to wholesale custom printing. And then pasted using adhesives, adding to the cost. To stay durable, rigid packaging shapes can’t be significantly modified.

Which Packaging Should You Select for Your Products?

So which type of packaging will best suit your desires? Flexible OR Rigid? To answer that query, let’s do a quick rundown of your requirements and priorities:

• Environmental influence – Flexible packaging inclines to use of less and more supportable materials.
• Impact protection – Go with custom rigid packaging if you sell a fragile or hassled product.
• Freshness defence –flexible packaging wins this one, with the possible exclusion of resealable jars.
• Brand personalization – Flexible packaging certainly stands out on the shelf compared to ordinary, traditional rigid packaging.
• Cost-effectiveness – You’ll spend less on shipping and handling when using lightweight, flexible packaging.

Take time to plan out your budget, package design, packaging materials, and marketing goals to decide on flawless packaging for you. And if you have any related questions, ping us now! Our packaging development specialists can help you with the right solution!

We Pack the Best, So It Unpacks the Best!

Are you ready to buy rigid packaging and flexible packaging? If yes, look no further than The Cosmetic Boxes USA! We are the top packaging company in the market, and customers trust us. 

In addition, you don’t have to worry about its quality because we use excellent and durable quality material that won’t break or damage during transportation. If you want further information about our printing and packaging services, ping us now and book your orders.

Don’t miss a chance to be great!