A new recycle ready two litre stand up pouch, specifically designed for home care products like soaps, cleaners, and laundry detergent, has been developed by Mespack and Amcor.
The partnership combines Mespack’s packaging machinery and Amcor’s packaging materials to overcome the technical challenges associated with scaling up to larger flexible packaging formats using recycle ready materials.
Until now, the largest formats for pouches using more sustainable materials were limited to volumes between one and 1.5 litres. Extending capacity to two litres was important for consumers but presented a new set of challenges.
Durability is a key concern for the home care industry, particularly in ensuring drop resistance and leak prevention.
The research and development teams from the two companies collaborated to make iterative adjustments to machine parameters and film structures and produce the new two litre pouch that meets performance expectations in terms of sustainability, durability, and functionality.
Trials were conducted on Mespack’s highly versatile and H570 machine, specifically designed to accommodate more sustainable materials. Using a newly developed metal alloy and precise temperature control, the H570 ensures the exact temperature required for sealing recyclable materials, which is crucial for larger format pouches. The H570 also produces leak proof packaging in several ways, including precise adjustments to ensure perfect seals across all jaws and spout preheating technology which ensures the quality and integrity of the spout seal.
The pouches are made using Amcor’s AmPrima recycle ready solutions – providing a more sustainable packaging option that offers quality, durability, performance and speed on brands’ filling machines. AmPrima also meets the European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) requirements for recycling design, and can optionally include post consumer recycled content.
Guillem Lloret, innovation director at Mespack, said: ‘This achievement marks a significant milestone not just for Mespack and Amcor, but for the entire flexible packaging industry. By pushing the boundaries of what is possible with more sustainable materials, we are moving closer to a more eco friendly future. The successful validation of the two litre pouch is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation. We look forward to seeing this packaging solution adopted across the home care industry and beyond.’
Geoffrey Gendebien, marketing manager for home and personal care at Amcor, said: ‘As consumers and regulators ask for more environmentally friendly products, we continue to drive innovation in everything we do. The recycle ready two litre spouted stand up pouch is a great example of where collaboration, technology, and material development has created a new packaging option that was previously not possible.
‘Flexible spouted pouches use less plastic than containers and bottles. They also enable consumers to refill the bottles they already have over and over again, resulting in a lower packaging carbon footprint. Refill pouches can also appeal to cost-conscious consumers looking to offset inflation. The significance of this packaging innovation for home care brands and their customers is brilliant to see.’
The new pouch will be available to customers from November 2024.
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