Pouch Packaging Services Meet Diverse Needs

Derrick Lin

Global

Written by Randy Shaw, the CEO and Owner of Assemblies Unlimited, a full turnkey specialist in contract packaging, contract filling, and fulfillment services.

Food packaging strategies vary according to the goals of CPG’s and processors operating in competitive markets. And while various packaging styles account for producers’ budgets and food handling requirements, the marketing and merchandising contributions of packaging continue to influence trends and retail shifts in the packaging industry. In fact, as eating and shopping habits evolve, packaging is predicted to become even more important as a marketing aid.

Go Fru Pouch Packaging by We are Pure

As producers strive to stand-out in retail environments, innovative pouching solutions are on the rise, serving dry powder filling needs as well as liquid packaging requirements. And the trend is predicted to continue, as forecasts for growth remain positive in the fast-moving pouching segment.

Dry Powder Filling
Pouching accommodates countless dry food products, ranging from cake mixes and seasoning blends to coffee and energy supplement powders. Pouch packaging services include sizing for proper fill weights, sourcing materials, and meeting special requirements tied to each converted product. Contract packagers draw on a number of distinct pouch styles to devise custom solutions for dry blend manufacturers.

Gusseted pouches, for example, are available in a number of configurations appropriate for diverse goods. Stand-up versions serve liquid packaging needs as well as creating unique merchandising opportunities for dry goods producers seeking distinct packaging alternatives. Bottom-gusseted pouches are gaining favor among gummy supplement producers, for instance, furnishing opportunities to showcase the colorful supplements through clear stand-up sacks. Side-gusseted pouches, on the other hand, are the prevailing standard for packaging coffee, which relies on printed proprietary graphics to reinforce marketing efforts.

To offer further flexibility, dry powder pouches can be oriented horizontally or vertically and sealed on either three or four sides. In addition, fin-seal pouches are available, which use high speed packaging methods to create extremely cost-effective packaging solutions for a wide range of goods.

Inspiral Foods designed by Studio h

Pouching Advantages
In addition to the various pouch styles available and the marketing advantages each brings to the table, custom features are also incorporated into pouch packaging services to ensure product needs are met.

Materials – Contract packagers work with CPGs and food blenders to determine which materials are appropriate for their packaging needs. Incorporating layers of suitable barriers into each pouching run protects dry goods from moisture, vapor, pests, sunlight, dirt, chemicals and other threats to product integrity. In addition, laminated layers are added to protect pouches from punctures and tears. Polyethylene and polypropylene comprise many pouches on the market today and a “Cosmetic Web” is a term used for a film structure that has a Polyester outer layer (PET) with a foil inner barrier layer. Its name stems from shampoos, oils, creams and other liquids, but now is commonly found with dry powder and particulate pouching, such as raw candy, gummy bears or snack foods.

Turnkey Services – Using fill-weights as well as material barrier requirements, pouch packaging services cover pouching jobs from start to finish. Once styles and materials are selected, contract packagers source pouching materials and furnish package specifications to graphic designers responsible for each project. If secondary packaging is required make sure your contract packaging partner has the equipment, the space and the people to effectively meet each and every need of the project.

Low-Cost Automated Solutions – Because the process is highly automated, high-volume pouching runs furnish significant value for companies looking for quick turnaround and low cost. Flexibility, speed to market and world-class equipment are things that can help predict the success of a new packaging program.

Various Closures – Depending on the application, pouching incorporates various seal mechanism to meet project specifications. Zippers and sliders, for example, are used when consumers will go in and out of the container multiple times. Press seal versions also accommodate resealable pouches, commonly used for candy and non-food applications. Dried soups and single-serving energy supplement powders, on the other hand, do not require resealing, so one-time tear-off seals are used to keep production costs down without compromising consumer convenience.

Modern pouching solutions meet diverse dry powder filling needs, and continue to gain popularity for liquid packaging as well. As flexible packaging continues to gain momentum, replacing traditional cartons, vials and bottles, pouching services furnish innovative packaging strategies for producers striving for greater market recognition. The flexible option is cost effective and customizable, offering countless configurations and state-of-the-art protective materials all while providing convenience and stackability on the store shelf.


About the author
Randy Shaw is the CEO and Owner of Assemblies Unlimited, a full turnkey specialist in contract packaging, contract filling, and fulfillment services. You can connect with him on Google+.