• Login
    • Join
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Exclusives
    • Labels & Packaging
    • Markets
    • Technology
    • Equipment
    • Supplies
    • Buyers' Guide
    • Events
    • Jobs
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Exclusives
  • Labels & Packaging
  • Markets
  • Technology
  • Equipment
  • Supplies
  • Buyers' Guide
  • Events
  • Jobs
  • Current / Back Issues
    Features
    Editorial
    Columns
    Digital Edition
    eNewsletter Archive
    Our Team
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    Top Features
    Dscoop Post-Show Coverage

    Slitter-Rewinders

    Craft Beer Labels

    Pharmaceutical Labels

    Luminer Converting Group: Narrow Web Profile
    Breaking News
    Converter News
    European Label News
    Industry News
    Industry People
    M&A News
    New Products
    Expert's Opinion
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    Schreiner ProTech introduces new PCS solution for electric vehicle charging

    FTA and FFTA announce 2022-2023 board updates

    Bar Graphic and J&J Converting open US demo center

    Asda implements latest ColorCert ScoreCard Server

    Zeller+Gmelin introduces UV-curable and water-based inkjet inks
    Blog
    Video Bites
    Beauty & Personal Care Labels
    Beer Labels
    Beverage Labels
    Flexible Packaging
    Folding Carton
    Food Labels
    Glue-Applied
    In-Mold
    Industrial Labels
    Medical Labels
    Pharmaceutical Labels
    Pressure Sensitive
    Prime Labels
    Promotional Labels
    Security Labels
    Shrink
    Smart Labels
    Specialty Labels
    Spirits Labels
    Wine Labels

    Schreiner ProTech introduces new PCS solution for electric vehicle charging

    Asda implements latest ColorCert ScoreCard Server

    PCMC and Hudson-Sharp assist Aspen Press & Packaging

    Baldwin heads to Tax Stamp and Traceability Forum

    UPM Raflatac's linerless range achieves CarbonNeutral certification
    Africa
    Asia
    Australia
    China
    Europe
    India
    Latin America
    Middle East
    North America

    Bar Graphic and J&J Converting open US demo center

    LemuGroup prepares for Open House in Spain

    Appvion invests in new coating equipment

    Phoenix Challenge Foundation announces High School winners

    LemuGroup showcasing versatile portfolio at Open House
    Flexography
    Digital Printing
    Prepress
    Finishing
    Sustainability

    FTA and FFTA announce 2022-2023 board updates

    Why inkjet and toner systems will be market redefining to 2032

    Bar Graphic and J&J Converting open US demo center

    Zeller+Gmelin introduces UV-curable and water-based inkjet inks

    PCMC and Hudson-Sharp assist Aspen Press & Packaging
    Digital Printers & Presses
    Flexo Presses
    Label Converting Equipment
    Label Finishing Equipment
    Prepress Equipment

    Why inkjet and toner systems will be market redefining to 2032

    Bar Graphic and J&J Converting open US demo center

    Asda implements latest ColorCert ScoreCard Server

    PCMC and Hudson-Sharp assist Aspen Press & Packaging

    Baldwin heads to Tax Stamp and Traceability Forum
    Dies And Tooling
    Flexo Supplies
    Ink & Coatings
    Prepress Supplies
    Pressrooom Supplies
    Substrates

    Asda implements latest ColorCert ScoreCard Server

    Zeller+Gmelin introduces UV-curable and water-based inkjet inks

    Flexo Wash introduces FW 850 Laser Anilox Cleaner

    Impression Label grows with Kodak Flexcel NX technology

    Mondi switches glassine-based release liners to certified base paper
    All Companies
    Categories
    Company Profiles
    Label Converters
    Trade Associations
    Add New Company
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    Ashe Converting Equipment

    OMET Americas, Inc.

    Heidelberg USA

    Delta ModTech

    Epson America, Inc.
    Industry Events
    Webinars
    Live from Show Events
    • Magazine
      • Current & Past Issues
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Edition
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • Breaking News
    • Buyers' Guide
      • All Companies
      • Categories
      • Company Profiles
      • Label Converters
      • Trade Associations
      • Add Your Company
    • Labels & Packaging
      • Beauty & Personal Care Labels
      • Beer Labels
      • Beverage Labels
      • Flexible Packaging
      • Folding Carton
      • Food Labels
      • Glue-Applied
      • In-Mold
      • Industrial Labels
      • Medical Labels
      • Pharmaceuticals Labels
      • Pressure Sensitive
      • Prime Labels
      • Promotional Labels
      • Security Labels
      • Shrink
      • Smart Labels
      • Speciality Labels
      • Spirits Labels
      • Wine Tables
    • Markets
      • Africa
      • Asia
      • Australia
      • China
      • Europe
      • India
      • Latin America
      • Middle East
      • North America
    • Equipment
      • Digital Printers & Presses
      • Flexo Presses
      • Label Converting Equipment
      • Label Fishing Equipment
    • Supplies
      • Dies And Tooling
      • Flexo Supplies
      • Ink & Coatings
      • Prepress Supplies
      • Substrates
      • Pressrooom Supplies
    • Online Exclusives
    • Slideshows
    • Experts Opinions
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Infographics
    • Blog
    • Whitepapers
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live from Show Events
      • Webinars
    • Jobs
    • Resources
      • Supplier Gallery
      • Literature Showcase
      • Homepage Showcase
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Features

    Pouch Converting

    Pouches are experiencing greater growth rates than other forms of flexible packaging.

    Pouch Converting
    Pouches printed on HP Indigo digital presses.
    Pouch Converting
    CS Labels’ digitally-printed pouches
    Pouch Converting
    CS Labels produces Nutree Life pouches digitally on Xeikon presses.
    Pouch Converting
    Nutree Life healthy snack pouches from CS Labels.
    Related CONTENT
    • Innovia Films
    • Phoenix Films, Inc
    • Xeikon Café TV targets new markets
    • Xeikon
    • Viva Italia!
    Greg Hrinya, Associate Editor04.09.18
    There is a burgeoning trend in packaging, one that is changing the landscape of the foods segment. Pouches are providing labels and packaging converters a new avenue for growth.

    Pouches are growing at a greater rate compared to other forms of flexible packaging like bags, shrink sleeves and wraparound labels.

    “According to leading consulting companies, stand-up pouches are growing rapidly in use each year,” says Roy Oomen, HP Indigo flexible packaging category manager, North America. “We have seen the most recent growth and innovation for closures, seals, as well as material advancements to achieve recycle-ready pouches.”

    HP defines a pouch as a vessel for carrying goods or products. Stand-up pouches are typically the home for a wide range of food applications such as baby foods, nuts, cake mixes and protein powders, among others. Oomen adds that pouches for cannabis products have become increasingly popular and growing fast in North America due to recent changes in legislation.

    “Speaking from our own experience, the largest demand by far is for food applications,” explains Sam Smith, managing director at UK-based CS Labels. “To be honest, there is potential in nearly all markets. We’ve also seen a large increase in demand from some more niche yet high-growth markets such as e-cigarettes and e-liquids. We’ve seen so much demand that we’ve developed a specific web portal to cater to their packaging needs for e-liquid and e-cigarette digital bottle labels and stand-up pouches.

    “Pouches are an extremely popular choice for packaging at the moment,” Smith adds. “They’re lightweight, food-safe capabilities offer some of our clients a smart alternative to digital labels.”

    CS Labels uses Xeikon digital print technology for its pouch converting applications. According to Xeikon, there is pouch growth in promotional items, as well as sample packets for a variety of products. CS Labels utilizes dual- or tri-laminate films for their pouches. Common materials for food applications include a top surface gloss or matte polypropylene/PET with an EVOH (nylon) barrier; a top surface gloss or matte polypropylene/METPET (metallic polyester) barrier with PE; and a Kraft paper/PET with an EVOH (nylon) barrier. The substrates come in various degrees of thickness. CS Labels also provides a thinner material for continuous film, a substrate commonly used for sealing snack bars and other similar items.

    According to label market research firm AWA Alexander Watson Associates, stand-up pouches are emerging. In conjunction with Schönwald Consulting, the two firms published the North American Labeling Stand-Up Pouch Market Study 2017. The study says that from 2016 to 2021, pouch usage is expected to grow by 28.8% with a CAGR of 5.2%. The US accounts for 80% of the North American pouch market, the study reports, and in 2016, North America consumed 28.4 billion pouches – that number is estimated to rise to 36.57 billion in 2021.

    In the Flexible Packaging Association’s (FPA) 2018 State of the Industry report, the global flexible packaging market totaled $86 billion last year, which represents a 4.5% increase since 2015. In the US, 78% value-added flexible packaging made up these products, comprising a volume of $24.1 billion.

    The FPA also recently held its Flexible Packaging Achievement Awards, where it showcased the latest developments in flexible packaging. Pouches factored prominently in the
    results. The Association presented ProAmpac two Gold and two Silver annual achievement awards for its packages, including a Gold Achievement Award in Printing and Shelf Impact for the Sunrise Growers Organic Cherry Berry Fruit Blend pouch.

    There are several qualities of a successful pouch. “A high percentage of the market is reverse printed on PET (48 gauge) or BOPP and respectively laminated to PE (polyethelene) and BOPP to achieve PET/PE or BOPP/BOPP with an adhesive in between,” says Oomen. “Several other structures, ranging from two to five layers – or even higher – are used for high performance packaging applications and carefully selected for achieving specific requirements for barrier properties or other functionality.”

    An Opportunity for Label Converters
    CS Labels, an award-winning digital label printer, recognized an opportunity to expand into the narrow web pouch market segment. The driving force came from a customer. Graze, a healthy snack brand in the United Kingdom, wanted to produce Doyen pouches with the same benefits as digitally-printed labels.

    “They were already buying digital labels from us and were impressed with our lead times and flexibility,” says CS Labels’ Smith. “Since then, the demand has soared. Print runs are becoming longer and longer, and we have had some very large print run orders, along with growing demand for shorter runs and multiple sorts and market testing, which is where we first entered the space.”

    CS Labels relies on Xeikon digital printing presses, and the company does note that there are hurdles to overcome along the way. “In 2015, we were at a point to properly launch with a portfolio of extremely effective pouches with great form and design,” says Smith. “Since then, we’ve continued to add new materials, sizes, options and even products, most recently with the launch of our digital continuous film, which has been championed by many clients like Nutree Life.”

    Smith adds that the partnership with Nutree Life, a vegan protein bar and powder company with digital experience, was a “game changer.”

    “I think label converters who don’t tap into digital are missing a trick,” adds Smith. “We’re seeing a few companies entering the UK market, however they do know the challenges, so this is perhaps why the penetration hasn’t been quite as extensive as people thought.”

    For HP, the newly launched HP Indigo 6900 can effectively print smaller pouches, while many HP-made pouches are produced on the HP Indigo 20000 digital press. “The format size of the layflat, which is required for the pouch, is largely the driver for which digital press to use,” says HP’s Oomen. “The overall end-to-end manufacturing process is quite similar between digital and flexographically or gravure printed pouches. Materials are more often than not reverse-printed, and subsequently the material that is printed will be laminated to another layer via solvent free or water-based lamination.”

    Pouches represent an opportunity for label converters, and Oomen believes many printers have already started to take advantage. “Label converters are, in many cases, participating in the change to flexible packaging and pouches,” he says. “Quite a few leading label companies have now entered digital and conventional flexible packaging.  Pouches are very cost effective as compared to glass or PET bottles. They also offer opportunities to print on demand for each custom design. Pouches provide and ensure better shelf visibility.”

    Food Regulations
    Many brand owners are looking at shelf life when it comes to quality pouches. There are a host of regulations these products must meet, especially as they pertain to food safety. CS Labels is BRC accredited, meaning the converter has the ability to produce pouches at the highest global standard. “This means quality, legality and the utmost hygiene at the highest level is required,” says CS Labels’ Smith. “We have a clean room, and everything is tested and traceable.”

    In Europe, the information contained on the pouch involves FIC food regulations, which were developed in 2014. Chemical companies must adhere to CLP, and e-cigarette producers must comply with the TPD/CLP guidelines. 

    “We update our knowledge every week on all of these regulations, so clients can be confident when they order from us,” says Smith. “We also offer impartial advice on artwork or even separate issues like bottle materials.”

    In North America, flexible packaging food applications must adhere to FDA guidelines, especially as they pertain to low- and no-migration products.

    Future Growth
    CS Labels does not anticipate a slowdown for this booming market, either. The demand for digitally-printed labels and pouches has spurred the converter to invest in additional machinery, R&D and manufacturing space.

    “This market is destined to grow,” says CS Labels’ Smith. “FMCG brands and, in fact, companies of all sizes are already tiring of long lead times and plate/origination costs. This is not to mention waste, as they can’t order smaller quantities with conventional methods, so they have large MOQs on pouches, which ultimately creates a huge amount of waste for many companies. Also, traditional non-digital converters simply cannot produce varying quantities of the same design on the same print run.”

    Additional market research from Technavio, as detailed in Global Stand-up Pouches Market 2016-2020, states that consumers prefer to purchase food products with high value and a longer shelf life. Vendors have responded with effective and convenient packaging solutions like spouts and fitments, zip seal closures, and pour spouts.

    Toray Plastics (Americas) has cited demand for fresh, shelf-stable food in transparent packaging as the driving force behind Torayfan clear, high-barrier BOPP films. These PVDC-free, high-barrier films included in the Torayfan CB3 portfolio provide oxygen-barrier protection and an excellent moisture barrier, and they are available in sealable and non-sealable versions.

    “As film options become more versatile, adoption of flexible packaging will continue to rise,” says HP’s Oomen. “Flexible packaging and pouches will often provide a graphically appealing option and sometimes may even reduce costs. For certain, rigid packaging will continue to shift to flexible packaging.”

    In the future, Smith adds that a stumbling block could include concerns over plastic and the sustainability of these products. (See sidebar below)

    “We’re eager to see the first material supplier that can provide a responsibly sourced offering,” he says. “Unlike digital labels, biodegradable products in this space at the moment are difficult to convert and they have at least a 10-year life before degrading. In essence, I feel that the future, eventually, will be digital.”



    Recycling of Plastic Pouches Needs to be Easier to Ensure Their Survival
    After disposable coffee cups and plastic bottles, pouches could be the next target in the waste reduction landscape, due to the difficulty of recycling these packs, says GlobalData, a data and analytics company.

    Pouches have come into the spotlight recently as a result of confusion over the use of the Green Dot symbol on pouch packs. The Green Dot symbol on these packs is a mark to show that the supplier has made a financial contribution toward recycling them. However, many consumers believe it means that these packs can be recycled in household recycling systems. In fact, pouches disposed of in this way end up being sent for incineration or landfill.

    Valerie Lincoln-Stubbs, research director at GlobalData, comments, “Growing awareness of this issue is likely to turn consumers off this packaging format. This could particularly be the case in the baby food sector, where pouches have transformed the market over the last 10 years. In 2016, they accounted for the largest segment of total baby meal sales in the UK at 43% and in the US at 32%.

    “Parents of small children are generally more environmentally concerned than many other consumer groups and may reject packaging that has the potential to outlast their children.’’
    However, pouches do have some environmental advantages. They use fewer natural resources than many other pack types – both in raw materials and in the production process – while their light weight means transportation produces lower greenhouse gas emissions.

    Moreover, plastic pouches can, in fact, be recycled and systems to do this do exist. One such example is the Hain Celestial subsidiary, Ella’s Kitchen, which has joined forces with specialist recycler TerraCycle to establish the EllaCycle system. Pouches can be left with participating charities or individuals who can then send them to TerraCycle.

    “This system does require a degree of effort and organization by consumers, which results in low recovery rates, and this in itself makes the recycling process more costly and less attractive to recyclers,” adds Lincoln-Stubbs. “It will require a concerted effort from food and beverage manufacturers, packaging suppliers, recycling companies and local governments to pool their resources to make the recycling of pouches easier so that it becomes routine, just as the recycling of glass jars has become. Without this action, the future of the pouch format could be a bleak one.”
    Related Searches
    • innovation
    • films
    • printers
    • technology
    Suggested For You
    Innovia Films Innovia Films
    Phoenix Films, Inc Phoenix Films, Inc
    Xeikon Café TV targets new markets Xeikon Café TV targets new markets
    Xeikon Xeikon
    Viva Italia! Viva Italia!
    Solutions Showcase highlights Dscoop Dallas Solutions Showcase highlights Dscoop Dallas
    Eticom invests in HP Indigo 20000 and Pack Ready Lamination Eticom invests in HP Indigo 20000 and Pack Ready Lamination
    Altrif Label speeds up production with Xeikon CX500 Altrif Label speeds up production with Xeikon CX500
    CS Labels adds new manufacturing facility CS Labels adds new manufacturing facility
    Xeikon sees strong opening to 2018 Xeikon sees strong opening to 2018
    Xeikon celebrates 30th anniversary Xeikon celebrates 30th anniversary
    ePac buys 10 HP Indigo 20000 flexible packaging presses ePac buys 10 HP Indigo 20000 flexible packaging presses
    The digital advantage to health & beauty labeling The digital advantage to health & beauty labeling
    CS Labels takes leadership role in CS Labels takes leadership role in 'vaping' label market
    Flint Group, Xeikon exhibit at Labelexpo Asia Flint Group, Xeikon exhibit at Labelexpo Asia

    Related Content

    • Innovia Films

      ...
      Patricia Potts, Communications Manager 03.24.22

    • Phoenix Films, Inc

      ...
      Renee Roethemeier , Operations Manager 05.24.21

    • Digital Printing
      Xeikon Café TV targets new markets

      Xeikon Café TV targets new markets

      On October 15, product experts illustrated how Xeikon fleXflow supports the company's Pouch Production solution.
      L&NW Staff 10.08.20


    • Xeikon

      Xeikon

      ...
      Donna Covannon, Director, Marketing North America 04.17.20

    • Viva Italia!

      Viva Italia!

      ...
      John Penhallow 04.09.18


      Breaking News
      • Schreiner ProTech introduces new PCS solution for electric vehicle charging
      • FTA and FFTA announce 2022-2023 board updates
      • Bar Graphic and J&J Converting open US demo center
      • Asda implements latest ColorCert ScoreCard Server
      • Zeller+Gmelin introduces UV-curable and water-based inkjet inks
      View Breaking News >
      CURRENT ISSUE

      April 2022

      • Dscoop Post-Show Coverage
      • Slitter-Rewinders
      • Craft Beer Labels
      • Pharmaceutical Labels
      • Luminer Converting Group

      Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
      You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

      • About Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms And Conditions
      • Contact Us

      follow us

      Subscribe
      Nutraceuticals World

      Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

      Tocotrienols May Aid Weight Loss and Cognitive Performance, Animal Study Finds
      Leaven Essential to Launch Branded Botanical Extracts to Global Markets
      Lonza Expands Capsugel Capsule Offering with Titanium Dioxide-Free, White Hard Gelatin Capsules
      Coatings World

      Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

      PPG Launches HOMAX TEX>>PRO Texture System by PPG
      New Digital Solution from Interpon Helps Customers Bring Colors to Life
      What Are You Reading?
      Medical Product Outsourcing

      Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

      Study Demonstrates Promise of Pulmonary Congestion Detection Tech
      CardioRenal Raises 3.3 Million Euros
      Japanese Regulators Approve Shockwave Medical's Coronary IVL
      Contract Pharma

      Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

      Catalent Introduces UpTempo Virtuoso Platform
      Elicio Therapeutics Enters Clinical Supply Agreement with Regeneron
      Reaction Biology Expands Executive Leadership Team
      Beauty Packaging

      Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

      A Look at Machine Gun Kelly's $30K Diamond Mani
      Doja Cat Rocks Glam Makeup & Nails at the Billboard Music Awards
      Maggie Q Launches Beauty Supplement
      Happi

      Latest Breaking News From Happi

      Thread Beauty Launches Vegan Lip Gloss Collection
      Selig Group Names Adam Sheridan Next President
      Lip Shimmer, Powder Sunscreen and Retinol Drive Latest Beauty Searches: Spate
      Ink World

      Latest Breaking News From Ink World

      INX to Highlight Color Perfection Program, INX University at GulfCan
      Kornit Hosts Kornit Fashion Week London 2022
      Zeller+Gmelin Launches UV-Curable and Water-Based Inkjet Inks
      Label & Narrow Web

      Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

      Schreiner ProTech introduces new PCS solution for electric vehicle charging
      FTA and FFTA announce 2022-2023 board updates
      Bar Graphic and J&J Converting open US demo center
      Nonwovens Industry

      Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

      Essity Wins Innovation Award at Interclean
      Weekly Recap: Ontex Confirms Possibility of Attindas Deal, Purell Launches New Wipes & More
      TSG Finishing Starts Modernization Project
      Orthopedic Design & Technology

      Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

      Denise Pedulla Appointed as Chief Legal Officer at Conformis
      ODT's Most-Read Stories This Week—May 14
      Steven Haddad Joins Extremity Medical as Chief Clinical Officer
      Printed Electronics Now

      Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

      Google Cloud, Saule Technologies and Columbus Energy Begin Strategic Cooperation
      JDI Develops eLEAP, World’s First Maskless Deposition + Lithographic OLED
      Toppan Develops Temperature Logger Label for Long-Distance Transportation

      Copyright © 2022 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

      AD BLOCKER DETECTED

      Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
      Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


      FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login