When it comes to choosing the right pouch material for your needs, it can be difficult to know what is the best option. To make the decision easier, we have put together a guide to the different pouch materials available and how they can be used for different purposes.

Our pouches are made of a range of high-performance laminates and materials including Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Post-consumer Recycled (PCR) Material, Polyethylene (PE), MET-PET Metallised PET film and many others.

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Post Consumer Recycled (PCR)

Post Consumer Recycled (PCR) plastics are materials recovered from consumers for reuse in packaging and other applications. These materials are typically collected from recycling facilities or reclaimed from beaches or oceans. Post Consumer Recycled plastics are a great choice for packaging applications, as they are much more sustainable than regular plastics. PCR plastics can be recycled up to two more times and are made from materials recovered from consumers, including plastic bottles and other reclaimed items. These materials can be used to produce flexible packaging, thin plastic films, pallet wraps, and protective films.

By choosing post consumer recycled materials, businesses can reduce their environmental impact and help preserve the planet for future generations. Unlike bioplastics which are made from cellulose and other plant material, PCR plastics are not biodegradable and compostable.

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)

Polyethylene terephthalate, or PET, is a popular type of plastic commonly employed in a variety of industries around the world. This strong, clear, lightweight polymer is widely utilized in the food industry for storage and transportation, as well as for storing inedible materials like liquid soap, shampoos, and window cleaners.

When it comes to recycling, PET has the resin identification number “1”, meaning that it can be recycled repeatedly. This helps to reduce the waste in landfills, as well as ensure that the polyethylene terephthalate is not harming the environment. PET is also an affordable and effective material for creating pouches, making it a popular choice for a variety of industries.

Polyethylene (PE)

Polyethylene (PE) is the most common plastic in use worldwide today. It is a type of polymer composed of small units (monomers) of ethylene, and it is available in a range of different forms. PE can be classified by its density, with the three most common types being HDPE, LDPE, and LLDPE.

LLDPE (Linear Low-Density Polyethylene) is defined within a density range of 0.915-0.925g/cm3. It has greater tensile strength than LDPE and offers some unique advantages such as increased impact and puncture resistance over LDPE. This makes it a popular choice for packaging products, such as cable coverings, toys, buckets, and containers. Additionally, LLDPE is highly favored for film applications due to its combination of toughness, flexibility, and relative transparency.

Polyethylene has several advantages, including exceptionally high melting and freezing points. Some of the properties and benefits of polyethylene bags include: being inert and translucent, which creates a lower static charge; preventing too much light from entering the bag, which protects the contents; attracting less dust, dirt, and other undesirable foreign organic elements; being less costly than polypropylene; and being more resistant to cold temperatures and wear and tear.

Common types of polyethylene bags include high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). Polyethylene bags are used in a variety of domestic and industrial applications, making them a great choice for a variety of projects.

MET-PET Metallised Polyester Film

Overall, MET-PET is a great solution for flexible packaging needs. It’s cost effective and provides excellent protection and beautiful artwork for your products. When it comes to shelf life, MET-PET can make all the difference. MET-PET films have a great barrier strength that protects your product from any outside contaminants, extending the shelf life and giving your product an edge on the market. Plus, MET-PET films also come with superior moisture and oxygen barrier properties, allowing you to pack a wide variety of products with confidence.

PET MET laminated films are perfect for a variety of products such as:

Snacks & Chips
Cookies & Candy
Dried Goods
Spices, Salt & Sugar
Flour
Pet Food
Bird Seed
Cannabis
Hops
Pastes
Cereals
Powdered Milk
Protein Powder
Yogurt
Coffee & Tea
Cosmetics
Wet Wipes
Gift Bags

For tomatoes and other acidic, alkaline or salty foods, Metalized PET films are especially preferred over aluminum foil pouches as exposure of these types of materials can cause a potentially harmful emission of aluminum into the food product.

Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDP)

Linear low-density polyethylene, or LLDPE, is a type of plastic that is widely used in various industries, including food and beverage packaging. It is a form of polyethylene with a lower density than that of HDPE, or high-density polyethylene, which means it can be made into thinner films while still being strong and durable. LLDPE is an ideal material for pouches due to its flexibility and strength.

The main disadvantage of LLDPE is that it is not as recyclable as other types of plastic. While some LLDPE can be recycled, much of it cannot be, making it a less sustainable option than some other materials. Additionally, it is not as clear as other forms of plastic and can become brittle over time if exposed to extreme temperatures.

When it comes to pouch material, LLDPE is one of the most popular choices. Its flexibility and strength make it a great option for creating pouches that can stand up to the rigors of everyday use.

Polylactic Acid (PLA)

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer made from renewable resources, such as corn starch or sugarcane. It is commonly used in the production of 3D printing filament, food packaging, and various other products.

In addition to its environmental benefits, PLA has a number of other properties that make it attractive for use in a variety of applications. It has good mechanical strength and can be molded into a variety of shapes and sizes. It is also resistant to moisture and can be sterilized, making it suitable for use in medical and food packaging applications.

Overall, the use of PLA can help to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and contribute to a more sustainable future. It is an important alternative to traditional plastics and has the potential to make a significant impact on the environment and the economy.

Certified Recycled Paper

Kraft paper is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a sustainable packaging solution that’s both stylish and practical. Unbleached kraft paper pouches are made of wood pulp paper which means it can be biodegradable, compostable and recyclable! No wonder they’re such a great alternative to plastic.

Black kraft stand up pouches are a great choice if you want a classic look and a natural feel. White kraft stand up pouches are for a cleaner look. Regardless of which color you choose, you can be sure that your kraft compostable stand up pouch will be an attractive and helping the environment.

Still deciding which material to go with? We can help!

When it comes to choosing the right material for your stand up pouch, it is important to consider all your options. PET, PCR, PE, and MET-PET are all great materials with different advantages and disadvantages that should be taken into consideration when selecting your pouch material.

Each of these materials can be used in a variety of applications and provide a range of benefits. However, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Therefore, it is essential to choose the right material for your specific needs to ensure the best results.

By taking into account the physical and environmental characteristics of each material, you can find the perfect pouch material for your application.

Check out our post on how to customize seal bags for your brand.