Bag Sits Flat

Published: December 01, 2008, By Edited by Claudia Hine, Managing Editor

Being “square” has become the new cool trend in pouchmaking. A unique, box-like profile combines the best features of a stand-up pouch with those of a true flat bottom bag.

Plastic Packaging Technologies (PPT) becomes a trendsetter with the installation of a high-speed Totani SG-6 pouchmaking machine that utilizes patented “box pouch” technology. Explains David Staker, president of PPT, “The new SG-6 pouch machine manufactures a very innovative packaging configuration that seems to be attracting considerable interest…it consists of a side-gusseted, flat-bottom bag. The bag truly has a flat bottom, so it stands well and ‘cubes out,’ so it can be more efficiently packed, shipped, and staged for display by retailers.”

The finished pouches generally use the same fill/seal equipment as traditional stand-up pouches, allowing end-users to seamlessly transition to the more efficient product.

Easy To Reseal

The box pouch offers five panels capable of registered print. The side panels are formed with a secondary web, which can incorporate an altogether different, or clear, material that allows consumers to see the contents of the pouch. Resealable features can include slider closures and press-to-close zippers, as well as pour spouts.

“One of the unique features of the Box Pouch is that the side gussets terminate near the top but below the closure system, so the package is easily resealable using press-to-close or Pactiv's Slide-Rite closure technology,” notes Staker. “And because the gusset terminates, it makes for a very clean, easy to fill, and easy to open bag.”

The SG-6 produces box pouches at speeds as high as 100/min. The finished zipper box pouch reportedly is more compact and shelf-stable than a traditional stand-up pouch and generally results in a reduction of materials consumption by approximately 10%-15% versus other formats used to package comparable volumes of product.

Long, Strong Relationship

Established more than 35 years ago, PPT manufactures printed and laminated film packaging and overwrap and a full line of converted bags and pouches for a variety of markets and end uses. The company serves the food packaging, pet food/treat, consumer products, lawn/garden, industrial, healthcare, and security markets.

The SG-6 is the fourth Totani bagmaking machine in operation at PPT's 110,000-sq-ft facility. In addition to the SG-6, the company also operates two Totani stand-up pouch machines and a Totani capable of manufacturing quad-seal and back-seam pouches and bags.

“We have developed a very strong relationship with the Totani organization,” says Staker. “We obviously think very highly of them and the way in which they conduct their business. We believe their machines are simply among the best in the world at pouchmaking. We absolutely always look at what the overall market has to offer, but we have not found anyone else that offers the same capabilities, with the level of quality and commitment to service, and the same format as Totani and the SG-6.”