Flexible Packaging for the DIY Paint Market

Randy Austin, Scholle IPN’s North American Director of Product Line, was recently asked to participate in a discussion focused on paint packaging for the do-it-yourself market. The experts on this panel discuss how packaging of DIY paint products, which not only educates, but also reflects the sustainability commitments of coating manufacturers, is playing an increasingly important role in the consumer buying decision. This informative article was recently published in Coatings Tech Magazine.

Consumer expectations

Over the past several years, packaging manufacturers have done an increasingly good job in meeting consumer needs with respect to convenience and easy cleanup. As an example, Austin points to easy pour packaging and better handles to reduce waste. That being said, there are still opportunities for labeling improvement, according to Austin. For example, given that store-printed labels often fade, peel, or get covered with paint, he poses, “How do we clearly communicate the exact name and color on the package for long-term storage?”

Flexible packaging gains traction

Austin explains that flexible packaging helps DIYers deal with the two biggest painting challenges—how to store unused paint and how to dispose of paint containers—by preserving unused paint in a highly space-efficient manner and helping to fully evacuate the paint for easy disposal of the package.

Scholle IPN has a range of bag-in-box and stand-up pouch solutions for the DIY paint market that can help differentiate a brand on store shelves and provide convenience to consumers, such as easy-to-carry designs, user-friendly closures, and space-saving formats. “Our bag-in-box and pouch products reduce hazards, messes, and waste while increasing safety and efficiency for both commercial and retail consumer use,” Austin says.

The flexible package is made of a secure and durable film that is strong enough to keep even acidic, caustic, or basic products from eating away at the packaging wall, reducing risk during shipment and storage, he notes. Scholle IPN’s controlled bag-in-box dispensing systems are, according to Austin, designed for accurate mixing, which reduces the risk of product waste, errors, and exposure to harsh or hazardous materials. Also, the user-friendly fitment designs eliminate glugging and spilling, allowing users to dispense quickly and precisely for increased efficiency and safety. Bag-in-box products come in a range of sizes from one liter for DIYers to 300 gallons for industrial applications.

Current research at Scholle IPN is focused on increasing oxygen barrier performance and minimizing waste through propriety film and closure developments, according to Austin.

Learn more

If you’d like to know more about flexible packing for paint products, read the full CoatingsTech article or read more about Scholle IPN’s various pouch and bag-in-box products for paints and coatings.