When considering product packaging, and comparing flexible packaging to expanded polystyrene corners, there are a few things to keep in mind. For one thing, it is not necessarily an apples-to-apples comparison, as a company must consider product weight, the density of the cushioning, and even the cost and environmental impact.

Consider the Weight

The weight of the product packaging is the first thing to consider. What is the weight of the product being shipped? Different product weights may require different polystyrene foam corner weights and thicknesses. . Dhipping may require a different level of density and thickness based upon the weight and fragility (not to mention the cost) of the product.

Next, Consider the Thickness

The next area to consider is the thickness of the packaging. Often, this is based on the fragility and cost of the item being shipped. A product that is very sensitive would best be served with product packaging that absorbs shock, rather than transferring it. Denser product packaging, such as polystyrene foam, may not work for products such as a hard drive, because there is no “give” to absorb the shock.

Flexible Product Packaging Provides Better Cushioning

Flexible product packaging has better cushioning than polystyrene foam corners, which means it can absorb more shock. And because it is flexible, it can wrap around edges and corners more thoroughly and easily, and it can be reused. Hard drives and scientific instruments can be wrapped with flexible product packaging, which helps it resist shock and damage from all sides. Polystyrene foam not only has to be created to fit a single item, but any drops can still result in damage to sensitive instruments.

Environmental considerations

Although the environmental impact may not directly affect performance it is important to keep in mind. In this case, packaging that is recycled or recyclable is an important consideration. Keeping a product from going to a landfill at least one more time can make a great difference on the environment that are using thousands of packages. It can also help a company’s own disposal costs.

When protective packaging is friendlier to the environment, it can result in more usability. Packaging that uses 100% post-consumer recyclable foam may be a better choice than packaging that uses 100% virgin foam, and can only be used a single time.

Flexible Product Packaging Over EPS Foam

The comparison of the flexible product packaging versus EPS foam provides some clear benefits and advantages for the flexible packaging. Because a company will get more use, more durability, be less harmful to the environmental, and protect their products better it makes this a great choice.

Companies should keep in mind the many variables that come to making the best decision when it comes to packaging. They need to consider weight, cushioning, ordering and storage costs, ability to reuse, and even environmental considerations. Nine times out of ten, the flexible packaging will win the day.