What is retort pouch packaging?

Retort packaging: Why choose a retort pouch?

Many food, drinks and consumable products need to be sterilised within their packaging before they’re safe to sell in retail locations. Sometimes referred to as aseptic processing, this process ensures that the products are sterile, safe to consume, and won’t need refrigerating before being consumed. Food may simply need to be heated or cooked before use.

For this to happen, products must be packaged in a container that can withstand the retort packing process. Traditionally, companies have opted for glass jars and metal tins to package these types of goods, but brands are looking towards retort pouches as an alternative solution due to the many benefits they offer, examples of which include:
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1. They’re made from flexible materials, making them easier to store in warehouses, supermarkets and other retail locations.
2. Durable materials reduce the likelihood of any external wear causing contamination to the products within.
3. They’re safer to handle and dispose of compared to products packaged in metal cans or glass jars.
4. The materials used are lightweight, resulting in a lower cost to transport the goods between locations.
5. Consumers can easily open retort pouches through tears or caps, compared to what’s needed to open glass or metal tins.
6. You can print directly onto the entire surface of a retort pouch, giving you more options and freedom with the product packaging design.
7. Retort pouches have many customisation options, such as the shape, materials used and whether to include features such as a spout or euro punched handle.
8. The time required to package goods within retort pouches may be up to 40% faster than traditional options.
9. They’re cheaper to use as less energy is required to heat the retort pouch materials compared to tins and jars.
10. Heating efficiencies help goods to retain their colour, smell, flavour and nutritional value compared to longer exposure during the sterilisation process.
11. Retort pouches may offer an equivalent shelf lifetime to products being packaged in metal cans.
12. Products won’t require refrigeration or freezing, making them easier to store and display for retailers, as well as reducing food wastage.
13. Various material options mean that retort pouches can be customised to be more suited to specific types of goods and products.

Can you customise retort pouches?

One of the greatest advantages of using retort pouches instead of alternative packaging options is the level of customisation available to you. Unlike cans and jars, which are rigid and have limited printing areas, retort pouches are made of flexible materials and come in many shapes, sizes and finishes. Some examples of the customisation options you have include:
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• Pouch style - The base design of your pouch. Choose between stand up pouches, spout, flat and square bottom pouches.
• Pouch material - The materials used in each layer of your pouch. Choose between finishes such as aluminium, kraft or clear. Please note: some materials may not be suitable for retort pouches.
• Size - Retort pouches are available in varying sizes and shapes, making them suitable for small and large quantities of varying weights.
• Artwork - Print your custom branding and artwork on the entire surface area of the pouch, helping you to communicate who you are, what your product is and why consumers should make the purchase.
• Features - Add additional features to your retort pouch such as a spout, gusset, punched handle, valve and more.