A continuing trend in the development of stand-up pouches is the reduction of the surface weight, regardless the raw material. However, to be able to differentiate on the market it is necessary to be one step ahead of the development.
One possible way is to re-design the packaging material - away from pure plastics towards a fiber-based material with reduced plastic layer. The integration of functional properties by the combined use of basic materials paper and plastic can be the key to success. The fiber material respectively the paper takes the majority part of the package weight while the BOPP-film should only add a very little part.
Therefore Stora Enso Uetersen and the Treofan Group offer HybraPack®: a common innovative packaging solution based on renewable raw materials.
Why did we choose a paper-polymer combination? In this case, paper provides the print surface, is responsible for the rigidity of the packaging and is made out of renewable and sustainable resources. In addition, it offers a distinctive feel and is easy to open. The plastic components provide the barrier and sealing properties. For example, the minimum shelf life of food can be improved by good water and oxygen barriers. Also the impression of freshness and hygiene can be generated by the use of white, foamed films. By using paper in high basis weights in combination with a thin layer of plastic film, folding cartons with an inner bag could be substituted. Because of that, the basis weight of the total package will be reduced significantly, that means there is a sustainable saving of resources.
In the field of modern packaging HybraPack® is a unique novelty and it enables new possibilities in packaging design, because HybraPack® combines the properties of stable and rigid materials with the properties of a flexible stand-up pouch.

The Re-Packaging of America© A Review of Evolving Markets and Pouch Packaging Technologies By Dennis Calamusa President / CEO ALLIEDFLEX® TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
In recent years, Flexible Packaging and in particular the Standup Pouch and other innovative pouch package formats have created an interesting marketing opportunity for many consumer product companies. Numerous products have been introduced in a wide range of product categories including single serve beverages, cookies, snacks, instant beverages, confectioneries, pet treats, pet foods, frozen foods and a host of other product categories.
The trend toward Flexible Packaging and the Standup Pouch has been mainly driven by companies looking for ways to differentiate their products from the competition, add consumer convenience through improved methods of reclosability and in general provide an innovative marketing approach to stimulate the sales of a stagnant brand or increase the acceptance and success of new product introductions.
We have seen a dramatic proliferation of introductions in the market, not just for niche or new product introductions, but we have started seeing the crossover of mainstream products and in some cases, the shift of complete product categories to Flexible Packaging. This type of marketing momentum toward a packaging format has not been experienced in decades.
Based on recent development efforts underway we may see the further reach of this popular packaging format into many more product categories including processed foods, frozen foods, condiments, detergents, health and beauty care products and a multitude of other products.
The Standup Pouch format has successfully demonstrated an ability to accommodate both dry and liquid applications and now with the possibility to add not only zipper for reclosability, but spouts and dispensing features will also add a new realm of liquid product application possibilities.
Flexible Packaging as a packaging format offers many more benefits to the packager than just package differentiation. Opportunities of material cost reduction are being enjoyed as compared to some other more traditional packaging formats. In addition, logistics have a dramatic impact on total cost particularly when compared to rigid methods of packaging including bottles, can, jars, composite or spiral cans.
In this presentation we will explore the North American market dynamics and technologies driving the trend toward Standup and Innovative Pouch packaging, a trend that is driving the Re-Packaging America©.

The quantity of stand-up pouches with spouts and reclosable closures especially in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic packaging industry is increasing strongly.
The laminated film for the stand-up pouch meets the product requirements, storage and transport conditions and has been practically tested. Depending on the requirements, high barrier multilayer films are used.
Until now the spout made of HDPE or PP is produced without oxygen, aroma and contact barrier. Using plasma technology, new methods have been developed closing the gap in the existing line of pouches. Plasma technology allows a SiOx-coating of the spouts enabling us to present the "barrierspout ®" today.
This inert barrier layer against the permeation of gas, water vapor and aroma is also a functional barrier eliminating the migration between packaging – content - packaging. We present the barrier results for the spout already reached, so we can introduce the "closed system" and discuss applications.
We can meet the demand from large brand owners for "one-material-solutions" needed for the mechanical recycling by offering an appropriate design of the entire "pouch system".

The process of growth of stand-up pouches is globally unbroken. A view to the development for the last 15 years clarifies this. After definitions, economic information and some market data about packaging, the consumption of stand-up pouches is shown in the geographical regions of the world. With going into details the differences in the individual market segments and on specific sectors of growth are indicated. An outlook to the further development shall express the driving forces in the future pointing how the market of stand-up pouches will develop to the year 2018.

The growth in pouch usage continues to outpace flexible packaging in general and is poised to continue due to the acceleration of both innovation and consumer preferences. Innovation can come from incremental improvements in existing products, a combining of several products to create a new pouch offering and / or a totally new development. A look at some innovations in converting and end user applications along with an informative case study will support the growth concept. Lastly, some Japanese market developments will add to the innovation discussion and hopefully provide some ideas for future development.

Worldwide the number of older consumers is growing. This client group has higher demands on the functional, ergonomic quality of packaging than younger consumers. This leads to new challenges for packaging. What opportunities do stand-up pouches have against this background in the Best Ager market? What strengths do they have in terms of the needs of this demanding and experienced customer group? Which properties of stand-up pouches are less suitable for Best Agers and could slow down the growth at "mature" customer groups? What further developments could be useful in order to serve the needs of Best Agers better?

The growth of the market for stand-up pouches and the accompanying increasing product variety, significantly affect the demands of customers as well as the efficiency of the pouch production. Trends are rising, particularly in the fields of printing and lamination of pouch materials, that have become reality with other types of packaging already. Which technical, qualitative and economic advantages do the established printing technologies offer? Is printing on finished laminates a qualitative, economic and faster alternative for small lots? Or do other possibilities offer a faster and more market-oriented supply of high quality printed pouches?

The stand-up pouch is the booming package, that meets growing social needs for example sustainability, food safety and convenience for busy or elderly persons. Especially, transparent stand- up pouches can offer a range of additional benefits to consumers as well as producers. The latest market trend and applications of stand-up pouches in Japan will be introduced. You can see how manufacturers utilize the merits of transparent stand-up pouches on their products.
The vapor deposition film has demonstrated the historically proven performance for packaging and played a prominent role as a transparent barrier layer in the stand-up pouch. The key point for success in choosing barrier materials will be explained in this session.

The use of an existing standard program offers customers a cost-effective way to get started in a new packaging system such as the pouches.
To make a decision for pouches, many components must be considered: e.g. the filling good, the filling technology, the compilation of the film and, not least, the production of the bag with a welding spout.
The system and family thought of the FAMAC standard program offers a great possibility of individualization up to the development of customer-specific solutions.
The presentation will give an overview of the current possibilities of such a standard program.
Furthermore, based on examples, customized special solutions that enable the realization of completely new packaging concepts with pouches will be presented.