It doesn't matter whether American consumers are buying a new car or shredded cheese from a store shelf - quality matters. And as quality control standards and practices have changed over time, so too has how quality is perceived. It's always evolving, and therefore it's important to continuously reassess how we determine what's a quality product and what's not. Though David Garvin's eight dimensions of quality was published in 1987, the criteria he outlines has rung true for decades. We decided to dedicate this blog to covering these dimensions and how flexible packaging stacks up accordingly. Here's a look:
1. Performance
Arguably the most important aspect of quality is product performance. In packaging, this means that it has to protect the product - and depending on the type of product it's packaging, this can apply in more ways than one. For example, when it comes to packaging food, a flexible bag or pouch has to ensure freshness upon consumption and help prevent premature spoilage. Flexible packaging also has the potential to offer value-added performance, such as resealable zippers and closures, or built-in handles for carrying convenience.
2. Features
Like we mentioned above, value-added features like zippers, closures and handles all bring functionality to flexible packaging. So too do the likes of easy-pour spouts to help with portion control and easy-tear features so bags and pouches can be quickly and conveniently opened. Further capabilities of flexible packaging include modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and vacuum-sealed packaging to keep products fresh and free of spoilage for longer. Finally, flexible bags and pouches also take up less space than conventional packaging formats in the likes of cupboards, refrigerators and storage units - another key feature.
3. Reliability
All products have a shelf life, but the right packaging can ensure this shelf life - especially for perishable foods - is longer. That's a big benefit of flexible packaging - it's a reliable packaging format that can help ensure longer freshness and help manage food waste. And it can do this for a wide variety of products, from cheese to produce to meats.
4. Conformance
Does your packaging meet regulatory standards? Flexible packaging formats are designed to - and for all types of products. Flexible packaging formats aren't just functional, reliable and solid performers, but they're also designed to be safe and meet all the regulatory standards necessary.
5. Durability
Packaging needs to be durable enough to adequately support the product that it's packaging. Today's advanced film technologies offer ideal strength-to-weight ratios, so you can rest assured that products won't "bottom out" the packaging or break through it elsewhere. Even heavier products like cat litter, water and pet food aren't at risk for breaking through the packaging of a well designed pouch or bag.
6. Serviceability
The nice thing about a well designed bag or pouch is that it won't need to be serviced if it has done its job right. All users will have to do is throw it away in the garbage or recycle it accordingly after they're through with it. That's perhaps the serviceability dimension when it comes to flexible packaging: What do you do with it after it's been used? Because flexible packaging is lightweight, discarding it will mean less material goes to landfill. And being that many bags and pouches are now recyclable, returning the empty package to store drop-off locations or dedicated recycling facilities will help ensure the materials see new life.
7. Aesthetics
No packaging format has the aesthetics of flexible packaging. With standup pouches that are able to display prominently on store shelves and multiple printing technologies that are able to produce high-definition graphics all around the package, the look becomes a major selling point for brands.
8. Perceived Quality
The perceived quality of flexible packaging formats is largely based on the previous seven dimensions of quality that we discussed in this post. Bags and pouches can help extend product shelf life, and value-added features help with convenience and portion control. Today's advanced films are durable, bags and pouches are becoming increasingly more sustainable and, last but not least, printing helps complement innovative package design to truly help portray a high level product.
Disrupting the Packaging Industry
We know how important it is for you to consistently deliver the variety of goods our packaging holds: food and beverage, paints, cosmetics, lubricants, and inks, among them. We’re committed to applying comprehensive quality processes to provide you with the superior, innovative packaging CDF is known for. We wrote a blog on the 6 Quality Questions to Ask Your Flexible Packaging Supplier.
We set out to disrupt the packaging industry with concerted efforts to meet the needs of our customers while also taking care of the planet. CDF Corporation has a long history of innovation in flexible packaging, from accordion inserts to unique IBC liner valves. CDF’s high level of expertise and service ensure a reliable partner for custom food packaging. As an SQF-certified facility, CDF has your food packaging needs covered. Download our Meta KD8 with Smart Pail brochure and watch two videos for more details about this innovative packaging system.
