Zip-Pak’s most recent research study, conducted by Franklin Associates, an independent third party research firm, demonstrates that flexible packaging is a more sustainable alternative than rigid packaging formats. The study included eight packaging systems:

- Six deli meat packages
- One package featured a resealable closure manufactured by Zip-Pak on a flexible pouch.
- The five other packages are qualified as rigid containers manufactured by companies unaffiliated with Zip-Pak.
- Two breakfast cereal packages
- One package featured a resealable closure manufactured by Zip-Pak on a flexible pouch.
- One package utilized a bag-in-box format manufactured by a company unaffiliated with Zip-Pak.

Key Findings

Fact: The Deli meat package in a flexible pouch with a resealable closure was found to have the lowest energy consumption, solid waste generation, and greenhouse gas emissions of the six deli meat packaging systems included in this analysis.

Fact: The breakfast cereal package in a flexible pouch with a resealable closure had the lowest energy consumption, solid waste generation, and greenhouse gas emissions of the two breakfast cereal packaging systems included in this analysis.

Fact: Transportation energy accounted for less than 17 percent of total energy for all systems, however, the life cycle results show that the transportation energy requirements for the reusable container systems are higher than for the flexible packaging systems.

This research demonstrates the smaller environmental footprint of flexible resealable packaging as compared with rigid packaging for the same product type due to:

- Superior product-to-package ratio
- Lower energy footprint
- Lower solid waste footprint
- Lower greenhouse gas emissions

For more information on the Franklin Research Study or to speak with a Zip-Pak representative, please contact Christina Nuzio at +1 212-529-4500 or at CNuzio@abipr.com.