Retortable ‘stand-up’ pouches are now a common packaging format with the perfection of coatings and laminates designed to resist autoclave sterilisation. An alufoil layer in the pouch is essential for full protection against light and gases. The thin laminate and slim format of the pack enables heat to penetrate quickly to the whole of the product and also to cool very quickly. This means less overcooked product than with traditional cylindrical cans.
Sterilizable pouches are used in a variety of sizes and formats, saving space and resources. Flexible pouches can also be used for three-dimensional products, such as sausages or fish portions, and will take the shape of the contents, excluding oxygen before sterilisation.