The Complete Guide to Flexible Packaging
Flexible packaging — polyethylene films, bags and hoods — protects most of what South African industry makes and ships. This guide breaks down the main types, how to choose the right film, and where to save cost and plastic without risking protection.
What is flexible packaging?
Flexible packaging is any non-rigid material — film, bag, liner or hood — used to contain, protect and transport product. It is lighter, cheaper and more material-efficient than rigid packaging, which is why it dominates industrial and food supply chains.
What are the main types of flexible packaging film?
Pallet-stabilisation films
Stretch hoods, pallet wrap and shrouds keep unitised loads intact through transport and storage.
Bagging films
FFS film and heavy-duty bagtube form sealed bags for powders, granules and high-mass product on automated lines.
Bundling and food-grade films
Shrink film collates multipacks; food-grade sheeting and liners protect food and liquids directly, under certifications such as FSSC 22000.
How do you choose the right film?
- Product — weight, shape, abrasiveness and whether it is food-contact
- Process — manual, semi-automated or high-speed automated line
- Protection — puncture, seal strength, weather and storage conditions
- Presentation — clarity, print and branding requirements
- Cost & sustainability — gauge and stretch performance that lower material use per unit
How can you cut packaging cost and plastic?
The biggest savings usually come from better-engineered film, not cheaper film. High-stretch wrap, optimised gauges and the right format reduce material per pallet while maintaining or improving protection — cutting both cost and plastic at the same time. A manufacturer that can specify film to your line, like Gundle, finds those savings.
The bottom line
The right flexible packaging protects product, runs cleanly on your line and costs less per unit. Gundle manufactures the full range locally in Germiston and helps customers specify the best film for the job.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is flexible packaging?
Flexible packaging is non-rigid material — film, bag, liner or hood — used to contain, protect and transport product. It is lighter and more material-efficient than rigid packaging.
How do I choose the right packaging film?
Match the film to five factors: the product, the process or line, the protection needed, the presentation and branding, and the cost and sustainability targets. A manufacturer can specify film to your exact line.
How can I reduce packaging cost?
Use better-engineered film rather than just cheaper film. High-stretch wrap and optimised gauges secure loads with less material per pallet, cutting cost and plastic together.