Friday, September 11, 2015

Fifty Years Later....

Much can change in 50 years, but the StandUp pouch has held its own, continuing to grow beyond any dreams. Estimates continue of 4% to 6% annual growth for the foreseeable future.

The food industry owes much of its growth to the pouch, initially without a reclosable feature and then the practical zipper and now all types of fantastic spout Fitments and attachments.

What is the next development? We already see pouches made from recycled materials. We know the benefits of savings on transport and warehouse logistics. The environment is not damaged in that pouches can be incinerated and energy recovered, making it a zero carbon dioxide footprint package. Brand Managers delight in having the QR code and, now, the NFC Tagz that allow direct discussion with the purchaser. So we ask again: What is next?

The flexibility of the pouch in caregiving for the aging population is a possibility by being lightweight and easy to open and close. Or perhaps more meals consumed out of the pouch after heating, mixing or cooling.

The pharmaceutical and cosmetic segments could benefit from twin- or three-compartment pouches with heating capabilities that are being developed today.

Below are new pouch innovations that are coming on stream now and will help improve wellness programs for all of us.

At present, SECURE™ no-bite mosquito products are sold in a patented pouch with frangible seal, chimney and night reflector to attract the mosquito to the aroma. The female becomes confused in the presence of the esters produced from organic materials and no longer looks for a blood meal. (No-bite). Her newborn are also weaker and the number of eggs reduced. This pouch design made it all possible.

Another pouch from Htwo Hydrogen Water maintains the additional hydrogen molecules introduced into the water and shelf life is 20 weeks with all the therapeutic benefits from drinking enriched hydrogen water. This is not possible with any other package.

Another exciting pouch innovation has entered the market and the potential is going to be global. RBC Technologies and their instant no-energy-source-required heater technology can be adapted to provide hot meals, hot medical devices and the new HeaterPaQ™ concept giving you a pouch and RBC sleeve that lets you heat anything when you want and wherever you are and for sure will find a place in every home.

Cannabis products are starting to reach into many homes in North America, at first in the medical segment and now recreational. The CannabisPaQ™ pouch holds a childproof vial that is filled with one of the several oils (THC) that come from the plant and can be used in a vaporizer or cut open and poured over food for safe consumption. The vial is delivered without any of the stigma associated with smoking cannabis.

In conclusion, what will the next 50 years look like for the StandUp pouch? Exciting and more exciting, for sure.