Innovation is essential in packaging – but change can also introduce risk.
A new material might offer improved recyclability. A different format could deliver greater shelf impact or consumer convenience. A new closure or feature might enhance functionality. But before any packaging innovation reaches the shelf, there is one important question:
Will it actually work?
For brands, successful packaging innovation isn’t simply about finding the newest material or most exciting format. It’s about ensuring that the solution performs throughout the entire journey – from packing and production to transportation, retail and, ultimately, the consumer.
That is why testing, technical expertise and controlled trials are such an important part of introducing packaging innovation successfully.
Innovation Has to Work in the Real World
Packaging can look perfect on a specification sheet and still present challenges when introduced into a live production environment.
Changes in material structure, thickness, stiffness, sealing characteristics, dimensions or pack format can all influence how packaging behaves on a filling line.
Even relatively small changes can affect factors such as:
- Machine handling and running speeds
- Sealing temperatures and seal integrity
- Filling efficiency
- Pack formation and presentation
- Zipper or closure performance
- Product protection and barrier requirements
- Palletisation, transportation and storage
The objective therefore shouldn’t simply be to introduce something new. It should be to introduce something new without compromising what already works.
Start With the Filling Line
One of the most important considerations when developing new packaging is compatibility with the equipment that will actually pack the product.
Understanding the filling line early in the development process can prevent costly problems later.
Machine type, sealing technology, operating speeds, filling conditions and existing pack specifications can all help determine whether a proposed material or format is appropriate.
At Law Print, we believe this technical conversation should happen as early as possible.
By working with the customer, their packing operation, machinery providers and our manufacturing partners where required, potential issues can be identified before committing to full-scale production.
Test. Learn. Refine.
Moving directly from concept to a large commercial order can introduce unnecessary risk.
Controlled trials provide an opportunity to evaluate a new packaging solution under genuine production conditions before making a wider commitment.
Depending on the project, this could involve material samples, prototypes, unprinted trial bags or reels, small production runs or filling-line trials.
The results can then be reviewed and, where necessary, the specification refined.
Perhaps a dimension needs adjusting. A sealing parameter may need changing. A material structure might need further optimisation. Or the trial may confirm that the proposed solution performs exactly as expected.
Either way, the business has evidence on which to base the next decision.
Innovation becomes a process, rather than a gamble.
Making the Transition to Recyclable Packaging
This approach is particularly important as brands transition towards more recyclable packaging structures.
Moving from traditional multi-material laminates to recyclable mono-material solutions isn’t necessarily a simple like-for-like substitution.
Different materials can behave differently during conversion, filling, sealing and transportation. They still need to provide the required barrier properties and product protection while delivering the functionality consumers expect from the finished pack.
That means sustainability should never be considered in isolation from performance.
Through technical assessment, testing and trials, brands can explore more sustainable packaging solutions while making sure the resulting pack remains suitable for the product, filling process and supply chain.
Innovation Is About More Than Materials
Packaging innovation isn’t limited to changing the substrate.
Sometimes the greatest improvement can come from reconsidering the format itself.
A different bag construction, zipper, closure, opening mechanism or pack size could improve convenience, reduce material use, increase packing efficiency or create stronger shelf presence.
Equally, the right solution may involve looking beyond an existing packaging category altogether.
With Law Print’s expertise across flexible packaging and access to the wider SCGP Flexible + Rigid packaging portfolio, we can consider different formats and technologies rather than approaching every project with a predetermined answer.
The starting point should always be the same:
What does the product, packing operation, brand and consumer actually need?
Technical Support From Concept to Commercialisation
Successful packaging development is rarely achieved by one business working in isolation.
It requires collaboration between brands, packaging suppliers, manufacturers, designers, technical teams, packing sites and machinery specialists.
Law Print’s role is to help connect those different elements.
From reviewing an initial packaging specification and identifying suitable materials through to samples, trials, print production and commercial supply, our team can help customers manage the development process step by step.
For international projects, that support becomes even more important. A pack may be developed in one country, manufactured in another and filled somewhere else entirely.
Clear communication, technical understanding and careful project management help keep every part of that process aligned.
Innovation With Confidence
The packaging industry will continue to evolve.
New materials, recyclable structures, manufacturing technologies, formats and features will create exciting opportunities for brands – particularly as sustainability requirements and consumer expectations continue to change.
But being innovative doesn’t mean taking unnecessary risks.
The strongest packaging developments combine new ideas with technical knowledge, testing and real-world validation.
At Law Print, that’s how we approach innovation: understand the requirement, develop the right solution, test it, refine it and prove that it works before taking the next step.
Because the best packaging innovation isn’t simply something new.
It’s something new that works.
If you’re considering a new material, format or packaging feature, talk to the Law Print team about how we can help take your project from initial idea through testing and trials to successful commercial production.
Contact us on +44 (0) 161 440 7302 or sales@lawprintpack.co.uk. Alternatively, follow this link to complete our contact form.
