Millilitres and Grams in Packaging

 
Why Millilitres Are Not Equal to Grams: A Guide to Choosing the Right Flexible Packaging

When selecting the ideal packaging for your product, understanding the relationship between millilitres (ml) and grams (g) is essential. While the two units are often used interchangeably in everyday language, they measure entirely different properties. Understanding this distinction is crucial, particularly for products with varying densities.

Millilitres vs. Grams: What’s the Difference?

Millilitres measure volume, while grams measure weight. The key to understanding their relationship lies in the density of the product, defined as weight per unit of volume. This varies significantly between different items:

• Coffee beans: 200 grams might fill 300 millilitres.
• Loose-leaf tea: The same 200 grams can occupy as much as 800 millilitres.
• Couscous: 200 grams may take up only 220 millilitres.

These examples illustrate that the same weight can represent vastly different volumes depending on the product’s density. This is a critical consideration when choosing packaging, as relying solely on weight can lead to packaging that is either too large or too small for the intended product.

Case Study: Coffee Packaging Gone Wrong

Recently, we worked with a client who ordered stand-up pouches for packaging coffee. The client specified the desired weight (in grams) without considering volume (in millilitres). Unfortunately, when the pouches arrived, they were too small to accommodate the intended amount of coffee.

To investigate, we measured and weighed two types of coffee beans:

• A 250ml pouch held 64 grams of roasted coffee beans.
• The same pouch held 76 grams of unroasted coffee beans.

This 12-gram difference underscored how density can vary, even within the same product category. This experience highlighted the critical importance of factoring in both weight and volume when selecting packaging.

Millilitres and Grams in Packaging: How to Choose the Right Solution

Selecting the perfect packaging doesn’t have to be a challenge. Here are four steps to ensure you make the right choice:

1. Measure Your Product’s Volume and Weight

Before placing an order, measure the volume and weight of your product. Use an accurate kitchen weighing scale and a measuring jug for accurate measurements. For irregularly shaped products, conduct multiple tests to account for variability.

 2. Understand Your Product’s Density

Calculate the density of your product by dividing its weight by its volume. This will help you estimate how much of your product fits into different packaging sizes.

 3. Consult Experts

Experienced packaging suppliers can guide you in selecting the ideal packaging for your product. By sharing your product’s measurements with us, you can get recommendations for the suitable size and type of stand-up pouch to meet your needs.

4. Order Samples

Before placing a bulk order, request packaging samples. Sample packs typically include all available sizes for a particular packaging type, allowing you to test your product with each size. This step ensures that your chosen pouch is a perfect fit.

Millilitres and Grams in Packaging: Why Getting It Right Matters

Millilitres and grams are not interchangeable, and ignoring their differences can lead to packaging problems. Selecting packaging that matches both the weight and volume of your product ensures efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and customer satisfaction.

By understanding your product’s density and working closely with experts, you can ensure that your packaging meets your exact requirements.

Partner with the Experts

With over a decade of experience in flexible packaging, we are your trusted partner in ensuring your products are packaged efficiently and professionally. By combining our expertise with your product knowledge, we can help you avoid common pitfalls and achieve perfect packaging every time.

Don’t let misunderstandings about millilitres and grams compromise your product’s packaging. Contact us today to discuss your packaging needs and discover how we can help you achieve the ideal solution for your product