We have talked a lot about the popularity of flexible packaging choices for all industries, including a range of pouch packaging choices. Flexible packaging choices are more environmentally friendly, extremely versatile, economical, durable and more convenient for the end user than traditional rigid packaging choices. However, to gain the full advantages of pouch packaging, it’s important to choose the pouch that best fits your products.

Pouches can be customised in a number of ways, including size, shape and material to suit your specifications, however, there are a range of available pouch styles to suit different products and industries. To determine which pouch is best for you and which packaging machinery to invest in, there are some key factors to consider:

What are you packing?

The style of pouch you choose depends a lot on what you will be packing. 

Food packaging

If you are packing food products, stand up pouches are a popular choice as they help to keep food fresher for longer, providing protection against contaminants, the elements, UV rays and more.

As well as providing protection, stand up pouches for food packaging are also convenient for the consumer – pouches can be manufactured to be resealed, so foods need not be consumed in one go, or stored in a separate container once opened.

A stand up pouch filling machine can be integrated with a variety of filler and sealing options, filling a range of different pouches, making it an excellent choice for packaging all kinds of food products, including:

• Coffee and tea
• Snacks
• Biscuits
• Sugar
• Seasonings
• Pet food
• Sauces
• Powdered drinks, milk and cake mixes

Packaging for drinks and liquids

Stand up pouches are also a common solution for drinks and liquid products, however, rather than a ziplock seal, a spout can be incorporated into the pouch to make for a much improved user experience and minimised risk of spills. 

A spout pouch filling machine is designed specifically to incorporate a pre-made side or centre spout into the pouch. In order to suit a wide variety of different liquids and pastes, a range of cap and screw top solutions can be incorporated.

A spouted pouch machine is highly versatile, filling spouted pouches with a wide range of products, including:

• Milk and yoghurt
• Soy milk
• Mineral water
• Juice
• Ice cream
• Cooking oils
• Seasonings
• Sauces
• Detergents
• Medicines

Safe and sturdy packaging solutions

As well as filling different size and shaped pouches, pouch filling machines are also designed to service a range of pouch materials to suit different products. Needless to say, packaging for industries such as food and pharmaceuticals will require pouch packaging that is flexible, but highly study and durable, providing a strong barrier against outside elements and contamination, and keeping them safe during transit.

Consider high barrier pouches made with an extra layer of plastic laminate, or even aluminium laminate.

How will your pouch packaging be displayed in a retail environment?

When it comes to displaying pouches in a retail environment, stand up and flat bottom pouches always make the best choice. They stand up and stand out – as they can be displayed vertically they are more visible on the shelf, providing more opportunity for eye-catching branding to stand out in a crowded market place. 

Stand up pouches provide ample space to display all branding and essential information, from best before dates and ingredients in consumable products, to dosage for medicines.

A further benefit of stand up or flat bottom pouches is that they take up less space on the shelf, meaning that more units can be stored at any one time.

Invest in pouch packaging machinery

To update your packaging processes and switch to modern flexible pouch packaging, contact Intamac Packaging Systems today. Our specialists are here to assist you in choosing the right pouches, pouch materials and pouch filling machinery to best suit your needs.

As your business grows, we are here to ensure that your pouch filling capabilities grow with you, helping you achieve your full packaging potential. To discuss your packaging machinery needs or arrange an appointment at our Hampshire showroom, please call 01420 593682 and we will be happy to assist you.