Stand-Up Pouches: 101

Stand-Up Pouches – 101

Continuing to expand in popularity, flexible stand-up pouches are steadily evolving in all areas of consumable product markets (dry goods, liquids, powders, etc.). Having a strong foothold in the food industry, pouches are becoming a new retail standard. With high demand for packaged food products these days, pouches have aided in logistical efficiency gains by improving how we pack our semi-trailers. Essentially, allowing for more product per delivery, thanks to a pouches space-saving design feature(s).

Many pouch design variations are made from materials such as aluminum, polypropylene or polyethylene. Generally, stand-up bag or pouch is far more complex than what meets the consumers eye, regardless of what’s inside. From logistical motives, to freshness concerns, to sustainability, the use of such packaging techniques is rapidly advancing across the globe.

Why is this, you might ask? Well, stand-up bags and pouches are replacing traditional packaging for many reasons. This article will touch on just a few of the many topics surrounding the baseline reasoning for such a rapid departure from the traditional methods in food packaging.

The Role of High Barrier Films

Here’s an example you may relate to – Grab the recently purchased, sealed box of your favorite cookies or crackers out of the cupboard, eat a serving and then return to the cupboard until your next craving. Two-three days later, they just aren’t the same, right? A significant advantage of the stand-up bag or pouch, is their well-engineered ability to keep food fresh for longer periods of time, even after being opened.

Comprised of multiple layers of films laminated together, the barrier properties of pouches are far superior compared to traditional packaging designs. Add a resealable closure at the top and your favorite cracker or cookie is ready for multiple servings, in and out of the home. Pouches are designed specifically with re-use in mind, allowing the old-fashioned bag in a box to become a thing of the past.

Product and Package Integrity

What’s more, the pouch minimizes both product and packaging damage (mostly from transportation handling) as well. Although crushed or torn boxes of cereal or crackers are still stocked on shelves, consumers are reluctant to place these in the cart. More often than not, many consumers reach past the ripped box, seen as defective, for a damage free one. The pouch design decreases this activity, reducing the amount of no-sale food items.

Driving Sustainability

Brand owners continue to maintain their old-fashioned image and are hesitant to transition to a pouch. Undeniably, eco-friendly pressures will continue to influence and encourage change to more sustainable solutions. More and more companies are utilizing recycled materials in their packaging and marketing them to the public in a way that brings awareness to a more sustainable trade. Incorporating some Post-Industrial Material (pre-consumer material) in a pouch structure is a major marketing scheme initiative. Of which, many manufacturing teams are deploying.

Meeting Consumer Demands for Ease of Use

Engineered to take food freshness to another level, pouches have inherent features that allow for versatility in when and where they can be consumed. Traditionally, one would open a large outer package, often paperboard, to reach into a secondary package containing the food product. These days, snacking “on the go” is easier than ever. The resealable pouch is now the primary package. Being lightweight and utilizing less space in your backpack, desk drawer, or vehicle console. Pouches can be consumed virtually anywhere with ease.

Some pouches are even designed with a built-in handle to make them easier to carry around. For liquids or powders, many pouches have incorporated a built-in spout to allow for an easy pour! The bottom gusset allows the food product to stand upright without any support from surrounding objects. The next time you are enjoying a product that is packed in a pouch, take a moment to study the features engineered to make it more enjoyable!

All-In-One Solution

The list of benefits goes on and on, most in favor of the stand-up pouch. Certainly, debate will always exist challenging which packaging methods are more economical, safe, and aesthetically pleasing. However, one thing is for certain, engineering teams across many consumer markets are considering how a pouch may be beneficial to their organization, customer base, environment, and bottom line. With pouches offering an all-in-one solution, cost savings and environmental impact are exponential.

Contact PennPac

If considering a new pouch design, reach out to PennPac to discuss which barrier films can extend the freshness of your product. Our experienced professionals will guide you through the selection process and provide personalized recommendations to meet your goals. Don’t miss the opportunity to enhance your health and beauty packaging with cutting-edge flexible films.

Stand-Up Pouches: 101