Flowpack

Significance, legal requirements & best practices

What is a flowpack?

A flowpack is a flexible tubular bag packaging in which products are wrapped horizontally or vertically in a film and then sealed. The packaging is created using the so-called flowpack process, in which the product is continuously inserted into a film tunnel and sealed on the long and short sides.

Flowpacks are used particularly frequently in the food sector for bars, cookies, confectionery, cheese, baked goods, fresh products and portion packs. They combine high product protection, material efficiency and fast filling processes, making them one of the most widely used packaging formats in the food industry.

For food brands, the flowpack is a versatile solution that is suitable for both individual products and multipacks and offers great design freedom.

Why flowpacks are so relevant for food brands

Flowpacks reliably protect food from moisture, oxygen, dirt and mechanical influences. At the same time, they can be produced economically and offer sufficient space for branding and product information.

The most important advantages:

• Efficient product protection: good barrier properties depending on the film structure
• Material efficiency: low material usage compared to many rigid packaging solutions
• High production speed: ideal for large quantities
• Design freedom: printable films for a strong shelf impact

Especially in the snack and convenience segment, flowpacks are a key packaging format and characterize the appearance of entire categories.

Best practices for packaging & brand strategy

Match the choice of material and function to the product

Depending on the product requirements, flowpacks can be equipped with different barrier layers, sealing seams or reclosure solutions. Aspects such as shelf life, aroma protection and recyclability should be incorporated into the material decision at an early stage.

This is where material consulting, packaging development and packaging design come together.

Using flowpacks as a brand touchpoint

Despite limited space, flowpacks can convey strong brand messages. Clear colour codes, concise typography and strong key visuals ensure that products are quickly recognized on the shelf. Sustainability information, icons or QR codes can also be integrated to communicate added value.

You can find inspiration for effective flowpack designs here: