We are in a moment where stand up pouch is being seriously considered as a real alternative to the traditional packages. Its penetration to the different industries, consumer acceptance, its characteristics (cost, sustainability, etc.) make the stand up pouch attractive for both consumers and producers, to the extend that the stand up pouch will soon no longer be a niche package.

The industry around this package is moving fast, innovating. Innovation focussed on optimizing existing packages, on new packages, on new filling technology, on new equipment (more flexible, higher production rates), to the extent that today the packaging industry is prepared to offer the market the tools to cover the demand at competitive costs and efficiencies.

The initial bacterial count on the primary packaging (foil bag) is crucial for the shelf life of many foods. Effective disinfection of packaging material surfaces by irradiation with ultraviolet light (UVC) provides a significant extension of shelf life of these foods. It presents the basics of this physical process (UVC radiation). Characteristics and limitations of this disinfection technology are explained. Selected examples from industrial practice are shown. What level of disinfection can be achieved compared to chemical processes? The use of this procedure is in accordance with applicable laws.

Does this sound familiar? After the marketing department has created a new packaging material after extensive observations, the technical realization must follow in a nutshell. Very often, basic technical factors which have a great influence on the economic success of the package are ignored.
Thus, despite knowing better, the project implementation has always started before manufacturers, machine builders and end-user specified the packaging together and clarified all the details. In addition, solutions for machines often are created solely based on the optimistic best-case scenario due to the lack of scalability. Not rarely unfulfilled expectations of the parties have to be clarified afterwards.
Andreas Heimsoth shows which factors should be considered from a technical point of view, to successfully introduce new packaging.

The growth of the stand-up pouch is unbroken in Europe as well as in a global scope. PET bottle and liquid carton are its most important competitors in the market segment of beverages. Both types of containers are described by its product properties. An economic comparison of the three types of packaging as well as the future outlook of the stand-up pouch will round off the presentation.

The filling equipment has a great influence on the durability, safety as well as the handling of the finished product. In this connection, the flexibility as well as the different possibilities to meet the considerably increased requirements of the food industry will be explained. The aseptic safety, hygienic design, kinds of bags as well as the energy balance will be discussed by means of practical examples.