Retort Pouch

Retort pouches are can and glass jar alternatives that combine the lifespan of traditional food preservation methods with the convenience and benefits of a thin, bendable container. Semi-rigid, flexible and leak-proof, the Retort Pouch is made from heat-resistant laminated plastic, allowing it to withstand a high temperature of up to 250ºC. The flexible packaging allows the sterile packaging of a wide variety of food products such as soups, sauces, and cook-in-a-bag meals, making it the ideal go-to packaging option for convenient, processed, and pre-packaged food instead of the traditional canning methods. The Retort Pouch is generally made of 4 layers, is FDA-approved, and has undergone a sterilisation process that increases the packaging’s durability: 

1. First Layer – Propylene, which functions as a heat seal surface and provides strength and flexibility 

2. Second Layer – Nylon which offers resistance to abrasion 

3. Third Layer – Aluminium foil is a protective barrier to light, gases, microorganisms, and odours. It also helps to extend the shelf life of the product, and the stiffness of the aluminium foil allows the feature of a tear notch 

4. Fourth Layer – Polyester, which provides high-temperature resistance, strength, and the ability to print graphics 

Benefits 

Retort pouches can reduce heat exposure due to the multiple layers that make up the retort pouch, preserving and improving the colour, aroma, taste, and shape of the food product and reducing the loss of nutrients. It also provides easier distribution and less storage space. The Retort Pouches’ flexible nature and the ability to stand upright help maintain the food composition inside. It also takes up very little space on the shelf. It allows easy distribution as more products can be transported in one go, saving transportation costs. To learn more about flexible packaging, please visit our blog.