Retortable flexible packaging

Retortable flexible packagings are laminate structures that are thermally processed like can. Retort systems use steam or super-heated water to cook food in its own package, ensuring food safety.

Retortable flexible packs are packages which replace cans, for cooked and ready-to-eat foods. The materials of the flexible packaging provide superior barrier properties for a long shelf life, seal integrity, toughness and puncture resistance and also withstand the rigors of thermal processing.

High barrier flexible packaging structures containing aluminium foil, vacuum deposited metal coatings or “glass” oxide coatings (such as SiOx an AIOx), are impermeable except in regions where defects, cracks or pinkholes may be present. 

Retortable pouches are flexible and very stable against external pressure can withstand a very rapid come-up rate or cooling.

The structure of the retortable pouch use today is made from a laminate of three materials: an outer layer of 12 μm polyester film for strength, an adhesive laminated to a middle layer of 9-18 μm aluminium foil as a moisture, light, and gas barrier, which is laminated to the inner layer of 76 μm polypropylene film as the heat seal and food-contact material.
Retortable flexible packaging

Flexible container of retortable pouch

Retortable flexible containers are laminate structures that are thermally processed like a can.

It is flexible, heat sealable, flat container capable of withstanding the high temperature. The retort pouch is replacing the conventional metallic can to a great extent because of the ability of the pouch to withstand thermal processing and the convenience associated in handling the product.

The materials of the flexible containers provide superior barrier properties for a long shelf life, seal integrity, toughness and picture resistance and also withstand the rigors of thermal processing.

This container represents an alternative packaging system to conventional metal cans and glass jar.

The structure of the retortable pouch used today is made from a laminated of three materials:
*an outer layer of 12 um polyester film for strength
*an adhesive laminated to a middle layer 9-18 um aluminum film as a moisture, light and gas barrier, which is laminated to the inner layer of 76 um polypropylene film as the heat seal and food contact material.

The outer polyester layer gives the pouch strength, abrasion resistance and a surface for printing information about the contents.

The choice of barrier layers, sealant layers and food contact layers depends on the processing conditions, product application and desired shelf life.

Typical processing conditions involve temperatures of 121 ° C for times of up to 30 min.

The advent of the retort pouch processing technology has made availability of shelf stable ready-to-eat (RTE) foods a reality.
Flexible container of retortable pouch