Paper bags are very popular in various industries and have been facing increased requirements with regard to barrier properties. Mondi Coatings & Consumer Packaging has therefore developed a novel paper-based bag, which offers high-barrier features comparable to plastic bags. This pioneering packaging does not only offer prolonged shelf life of products but also the possibility to reduce the use of preservatives within the pet food formulation.
“Market trends towards intelligent and sustainable packaging solutions have been the trigger for our latest product development. The hermetically closed pinch bottom bag features enhanced barrier properties whilst offering the natural look and feel of a paper-based packaging”, explains Stefan Gutheil, Managing Director Consumer Packaging. The innovative bag provides an oxygen barrier as well as a high grease resistance, thanks to the thermo-sealed bottom and corners. In addition, the hotmelt used in the sealing of the barrier ply fin provides the high protection typically provided by plastic bags. The bag was designed to withstand most critical ambient conditions in terms of temperature and humidity.
The hermetic pinch bottom bag prolongs the shelf life of products as well as retains the taste and flavours of the packed products for an extended period of time compared to other paper-based packaging solutions. Furthermore, customers benefit from the reduced amount of required preservatives in the pet food formulation. The robust laminate and the hermetically closed bottom and corners make the bag the ideal solution for safe deliveries in hot, humid countries. The bags were able to stand current testing for grease resistance of up to 20% fats and mechanical properties, which are common for big sacks (up to 20 kg). “In order to optimally meet the needs of our customers, we are currently working on the development of customised solutions including handles or spouts”, Stefan Gutheil says.
The hermetic closed pinch bottom bag is made up of a kraft paper carrier layer, which is – depending on the specific requirements – either laminated with an EVOH-based film or extrusion laminated with aluminium as physical barrier. Moreover, customers can choose from various bag designs: normal or semi-extensible kraft paper as external ply or in even more sophisticated solutions, clay coated greaseproof paper laminated with PET or PE. The main applications of the bag are the pet food and feed industries.
