Parents with small kids and toddlers are always on their toes. We all know that catering to the needs of an infant or a toddler is a full-time job. This is why many parents prefer buying prepared baby food which saves a lot of time and energy. Such foods typically come in tin and glass jars. While these containers have been used for centuries, they come with drawbacks. Due to the rigid nature, they can be inconvenient to use, especially while on the go. They consume a lot of space in landfills and recycling plants and can be considered unsafe when improperly handled by children.
FDA-approved flexible packaging is gaining momentum in the market for many reasons, ranging from packaging safety to ease of use. Flexible packaging options like pouches or spouted pouches are safe to handle and won’t break or shatter like traditional glass jars and are light in weight so babies can easily hold the product. Additionally, flexible packaging is lighter in weight and takes up less space in the supply chain. Many food and beverage corporations have signed up to achieve rigorous sustainability standards and flexible packaging is one way to do so. Due to the enhanced durability, flexibility, safety, and sustainability of flexible packaging compared to its counterpart, it’s gaining a lot of momentum in the market.
Why use stand up pouches for baby food?
1. Puncture Resistance
There are a number of techniques that can be used to elevate the strength and puncture resistance of flexible packages. Laminating protective layers into pouches is one such technique. They provide proper resistance and barrier protection to the contents in the package throughout the supply chain, from the manufacturer's warehouse to retail store shelves.
2. Barrier against vapor, odor, and moisture
One of the primary functions of packaging is to safeguard the contents from the external environment. The materials used in flexible packaging ensure that the product is not exposed to moisture or vapor. Apart from moisture and vapor, contact with sunlight as well as external contaminants can be greatly minimized with proper packaging. This justifies why sensitive products like baby food are finding worthy homes in stand-up pouches.
3. Sterilization
Sterilization is a critical step in ensuring the integrity of packages. The materials used in flexible packaging can withstand the sterilization process that is used while packaging baby food. Hence, pouches can be filled, sealed and brought to the market without compromising their integrity.
4. Market Differentiation
Flexible packaging can be designed to differentiate from rigid container packaging. Studies have shown parents prefer packaging that is lightweight and easy to handle. In addition, flexible packaging can be designed with unique prints and colors. Different types of finishes can be used for the pouch to give the product a different feel from other similar types of products.
Pouch Packaging Solutions from Waldner North America
Waldner North America specializes in automated pouch filling machine for shelf stable food products in cups, trays, pouches and spouted pouches. Our core food product applications include fresh and cultured dairy products, baby food, pet food & treats, prepared foods and ready meals. Waldner DOSOMAT systems are available in both rotary and inline configurations, with capacities ranging from lower outputs up to high performance, high output solutions. Our team brings creative package designs to market supporting brand differentiation and making new packaging innovations a reality.
