Recyclable Pouches: Here's What You Need to Know ...

If you&#;re reading this blog, chances are you&#;re a part of a CPG brand that&#;s curious about adding a recyclable stand-up pouch or rollstock to your product offering. The rise in popularity of eco-friendly products and consumer concerns over packaging waste has led many brands, like yours, to consider shifting to more sustainable efforts.

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Here&#;s the good news: if you are currently using flexible packaging for your brand, or you are a manufacturer using roll stock, you&#;re already choosing an environmentally-friendly package. In fact, the production process of flexible packaging is one of the &#;greenest&#; around. 

According to the Flexible Packaging Association, flexible packaging uses fewer natural resources and energy to manufacture and transport than other package formats and generates fewer CO2 emissions.  Flexible packaging also reduces food waste by extending the shelf life of the product inside. 

What&#;s more, digitally printed flexible packaging adds even more sustainable benefits, such as a reduction in materials used, with no plates to create. Digitally printed flexible packaging also produces fewer emissions and less energy consumption than traditional printing. Add to that the fact that you can order to demand, so companies carry less inventory, minimizing obsolescence.

While digitally printed pouches are a sustainable option, digitally printed recyclable pouches are an even bigger step in the environmentally-friendly direction. Let&#;s dive in.  

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Why Recyclable Pouches Are the Future

Today, recyclable films and pouches are becoming more and more mainstream. Foreign and domestic pressures, as well as consumers&#; demand for more earth-friendly options, are spurring countries to take a look at the issue of waste and recycling and find feasible solutions.

Consumer-packaged goods companies (CPGs) are getting behind the movement too. Unilever, Nestlé, Mars, PepsiCo., and others have committed to using 100% recyclable, reusable, or compostable packaging by . Coca-Cola is even supporting recycling infrastructure and programs across the U.S., as well as increasing recycling bin access and education for consumers. 

According to Mintel, 52% of U.S. food shoppers prefer to buy foods with minimal or no packaging to reduce packaging waste. And in a global survey conducted by Nielsen, consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable products. Thirty-eight percent are willing to pay more for products made with sustainable materials, and 30% are willing to do so for products that deliver on socially responsible claims.

The Rise to Recycle 

As CPGs get behind the cause by committing to use more recyclable pouch packaging, they are also supporting programs to help consumers recycle more of existing packaging. Why? Flexible packaging can be a challenge to recycle as is, yet more education and infrastructure for consumers will go a long way to spur change. One such challenge is that plastic film cannot be recycled in curbside bins at home. Instead, it must be taken to a drop-off location, like a grocery or other retail store, to be collected for recycling.

Are plastic pouches recyclable? Unfortunately, not all consumers know the answer to this and much gets thrown into curbside recycling and then later ends up in a landfill. The good news is many websites help consumers learn about recycling, like perfectpackaging.org or plasticfilmrecycling.org. They both allow guests to enter their zip code or address and find the nearest recycling center to them. At these sites, consumers can also learn about which types of plastic packaging can be recycled, as well as what happens to film and pouches after they are recycled.

Labeling Recyclable Pouches

You can also play an important part in educating your customers through proper labeling and communication. Labeling on the package itself can help direct consumers on what to do with the package after use. 

The application of the How2Recycle icon or other recycling labels, to packaging graphics, clearly displays how to recycle the package. These labels include what consumers need to do, like rinse the pouch out, for instance. They also indicate which component of the package can (or cannot) be recycled. These labels make it a lot easier for consumers to recycle. Websites like How2recycle.info, and recycleacrossamerica.org explain what recycle labels mean, taking the guesswork out of recycling. 

This may go without being said, but it&#;s a really good idea to add recycling labels to your package to increase consumer participation in recycling.  

Recyclable Pouch Material Options Currently Available

Common food and beverage pouches are known to be difficult to recycle because most flexible packaging is comprised of multiple layers that are difficult to separate for recycling. Some CPGs and suppliers, however, are exploring eliminating certain layers like foil and PET (polyethylene terephthalate) in some packages to aid in the recyclability. And taking sustainability even further, many suppliers today are unveiling pouches made from recyclable PE-PE films, EVOH film, post-consumer recycled (PCR) resins, and compostable films.

You can take an array of actions to respond to the recycling problem, from adding recycled materials and using solventless lamination to transitioning to fully recyclable pouches. As you look to add recyclable films to your package offerings, consider using eco-friendly, water-based inks, which are commonly used to print recyclable and non-recyclable pouches. A new generation of water-based inks for solventless lamination is better for the environment and they perform as well as solvent-based inks. 

Connect with a Company That Offers Recyclable Packaging

As water-based, compostable and recyclable inks, as well as recyclable films and resins, become more mainstream, recyclable pouches will continue to be a key driver in furthering flexible plastics packaging recycling. At ePac, we offer 100% Recyclable PE-PE High Barrier Film and Pouches that are approved for HowToRecycle dropoff. Our solventless lamination and water-based recyclable and compostable inks reduce VOC emissions and significantly decrease waste. 

Are you ready to take that next step to create greener packaging?

Contact us today for a free quote and learn how adding recyclable pouches to your product line-up can boost your overall sustainability goals. 

Related Products

In today's world, we have several options to decide from, whether it's buying food or packing it, a variety of different items are available. From the stone age till today, a major transformation took place in the way people pack food. Adopting rough pottery then has led to advanced storage and packing selections like cans, cartons, and plastic bags now. 

Things To Consider While Choosing The Right Pouch

Size

According to the quantity and weight of the food item, you must select the right size of the pouch. It's always better to keep a little extra space in the bag.

Type

The first thing to do is decide on the food item you are packaging. Once you have identified this, you can quickly choose one of the options that will later be discussed in this article. 

Sustainability Option

Often the sustainability parameter depends on the type of packaging chosen. However, not all food items can be packaged in 100% recyclable packaging materials. However, the market offers a myriad of sustainable options these days as the world transits towards a more sustainable global economy.

Purpose

Knowing the purpose of the pouch is also an important thing to consider before choosing. They can range from displaying your items in stores, putting medicinal food in it, or any other specific needs. Understanding what the use will is necessary to make the right decision.

Reusability

Another thing that you must consider is whether the pouch will be reused or the food item will be consumed occasionally. In such cases opt for stand-up pouches or gusset pouches as they can be resealed and give a longer shelf life to the food. 

Steps To Choose The Right Pouch

Step 1:

Understanding the food item and its state. Identify whether it is a liquid or is it dry, whether it needs extra security to stay fresh or is it ready to eat. These small factors need to be listed down.

Step 2:

By matching the requirements of your food item, you must choose the type of flexible option you need and also decide whether you are going with the sustainable option alongside it or not. 

Making a decision can be a difficult task with all the available possibilities for food packaging. To make work easier, it is always a good option to check out the various types of packaging options available in the market. The two prominent modes of packaging used these days are flexible and sustainable packaging. So, let us take a look at them!  

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Types Of Flexible Packages

Flexible Packages are multipurpose pouches, they can be used for both food and non-food items. The following list will help you choose the right type of pouch.

Spout Pouch & Pouch With Tap

These are plastic pouches with a spout or a tap, making them perfect for items in liquid or powdered form. Pouring and usage become very efficient with this kind of packing; at the same time, the pouch is portable and can be used in traveling as well. It also comes with an easy to hold or hang handle and is sealed from all sides to prevent spillovers. 

Stand up Pouch

These are just right if you are looking to pack snacks or similar food items, as they can stand still and come with a ziplock to seal the food. The ziplock has been manufactured to make the pouch extremely airtight, which prevents spoilage. This pouch can also be reused by the consumer later if needed. 

Flat Bottom Pouch

These are general pouches made to have a flat bottom for simple storage solutions, they can be placed on shelves or the fridge. One thing that makes these stand out is that you have 5 sides to print details on.

Quad Seal Pouch

This pouch is made to store heavy items. It has a good amount of space in it and will be great to pack food items like salt, sugar, or tea. 

Retort Pouch & Three Side Seal Pouch

These are specifically used for food items that are already cooked and ready to eat. The pouch is only for one use and can&#;t be reused or sealed again later. 

Bag In Box

It's the best option for the transportation of liquid food items as it provides double protection. 

Paper Pouch

The most used type of flexible packaging option is paper pouches. As they are not made of plastic this option is more eco-friendly

Laminating Pouches

They are known aslLaminating pouches because of the use of resin that gives it a glazing look. Resin is used to make the pouch stronger and more durable. It's great for liquid items as it can&#;t be punctured easily. 

Squeeze Pouches

These are plastic pouches with a small cap and are designed for food items like honey, ketchup, mayonnaise, etc. 

Myler Bags

They are used mostly to keep items fresh as it has been made in a way to absorb oxygen and therefore prevent oxidation.

Types Of Sustainable Packaging 

Sustainable packaging options are made to be environmentally friendly. With materials that are safe for the earth, they aim at depleting toxins in the atmosphere. The following are eco-friendly packaging solutions.

Compostable Flexible Packaging

These are made with biodegradable material to ensure that the packaging doesn't increase waste products in the environment. 

100% Recyclable Packaging

While compostable packaging needs to be buried, the recyclable packaging can be thrown out without harming mother nature. 

Both types of packaging options can be customized together to create the perfect food packaging solution according to your needs and preferences.  

Conclusion

When it comes to food packaging and various perfect available options it is natural to get confused. So to make sure you're choosing the right pouch for your food item, ensure you look over all details about your item. To know more, check this website and get valuable insights.

Are you interested in learning more about Recyclable Spout Pouch(es,it,zh-tw)? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!