The packaging industry seems to be growing each year, with the total packaging market in the United States being worth $145 billion. 18% of that packaging market is taken up by flexible packaging, which is the second largest packaging segment in the U.S. Flexible packaging recruiters have found a fertile ground that directly employs 79,000 people, despite the fact that little is widely known about this industry. For those who are considering working with flexible packaging, let’s take a look at what it’s all about.
What Is Flexible Packaging?
Flexible packaging refers to a certain kind of package or container. These products are typically made of materials that yield: that is, material that can change shape depending on what it’s holding. The material can be made up of everything from plastic to paper, and even foil or film. You may recognize flexible packaging as something you see every day: it can come in the form of pouches and bags, as well as lids and shrink sleeves.
What Does It Do? What Is It Used For?
Although the uses of this packaging are many, it often comes back to material handling. But in what context? The largest market for flexible packaging is actually food. It has to do with food processing equipment and food packaging, and ultimately food accounts for 58% of all flexible packaging shipments. The direct correlation between food and flexible packaging is undeniable, with one industry being unable to exist without the other in many ways.
Why Does It Matter?
Many wonder how this industry affects people, and the fact is that it makes a big difference to the many, many employees within it. The average production worker in the United States makes $11.95 an hour, which is will above minimum wage. The packaging industry is steady and strong, and gives many people a constant paycheck to depend upon. If you’re considering a field and think that you’re out of options, get in touch with a flexible packaging or plastics recruiter. And if those don?t work out, there are many of other production industries to look into. As everyone from plastics recruiters to supply chain recruiters can testify, there are many different production fields to explore.
