Exclusive SÜDPACK Event: Spouted Pouches

On September 18 and 19, SÜDPACK, SN Maschinenbau, and Menshen welcomed customers and media representatives to SÜDPACK’s Erolzheim site for an engaging live event. The spotlight was on a cost-efficient and highly sustainable end-to-end solution for the in-house production of spouted pouches for packaging liquid and pasty food products. The unanimous verdict among those present: The new solution is a strong overall concept with real added value.

At four different themed stations, SÜDPACK’s customers and members of the media had the chance to explore four key focus areas: economic profitability, logistics, quality, and sustainability. Live demonstrations followed, allowing the guests to experience the new concept’s many advantages firsthand. On both days, experts from all three partners were available for exclusive one-on-one discussions.

The innovative new solution …

enables flexible, highly efficient in-house production of spouted pouches in various sizes and shapes, including the processing of different spout types. At its core is the high-performance SPM 50 packaging machine from SN Maschinenbau, which works seamlessly with mono-materials. The PP-based – and therefore recyclable – high-performance films for pouch production are provided by SÜDPACK, while the corresponding spouts come from Menshen. The materials and machine settings are perfectly aligned, achieving optimal packaging results with maximum tightness and burst-pressure resistance. “Through our development partnership, we have created a turnkey solution that customers can implement quickly and without complications – and it’s a trailblazer in terms of sustainability and economic profitability,” explains Valeska Haux, Vice President Strategic Marketing & Sustainability at SÜDPACK.

Cost-effective, efficient, easy to handle

Manufacturers and packaging companies that process fruit purees, smoothies, and other liquid or pasty foods requiring thermal treatment after filling will benefit from these advantages. By producing pouches from roll stock material and using spouts delivered in cardboard boxes, material costs can potentially be cut in half, while logistics and handling expenses are also significantly reduced. As a result, the initial investment in the pouch-making machine can be amortized relatively quickly. Nils Hembach from SN Maschinenbau explains: “Typically, with an output of 4,200 pouches per hour, the film reel only needs to be changed once per shift – a huge advantage compared to handling pre-made pouches. Our customers also benefit from maximum flexibility in terms of pouch formats.”

The key advantage: sustainability 

A quick glance at the CO₂ emissions highlights the benefits: For 260,000 pouches transported over 100 kilometers, emissions are nearly halved – from just under 21 kg to 10.4 kg of CO₂. The new packaging concept, consisting of SÜDPACK’s extremely material-efficient, PP-based high-performance films, and Menshen’s PP- and PE-based spouts, has been certified as 96% recyclable by the independent institute cyclos-HTP. “We’re breaking new ground and proving that Design-for-Sustainability is possible, even for practical spouted pouches,” says Valeska Haux from SÜDPACK.

The synergy between the components results in packaging that provides optimal product protection, thanks to its excellent sealing performance – a crucial aspect in terms of product safety and combating food waste. Eric Dauer, Sales Manager from Menshen adds that a high level of packaging reliability is also ensured because “the spouts, available in various designs, can be securely integrated into the pouches.” 

Concrete facts

To back their claims, the experts from the three partner companies provided robust analysis data and credible forecasts for the attending guests. “With our EcoTrace™ LCA service, we can assess the environmental impact of a holistic packaging concept or high-performance films and, if required, provide ISO certification,” explains Valeska Haux from SÜDPACK. Menshen and SN Maschinenbau, in turn, focused on the operational and cost benefits of this efficient, highly flexible in-house solution, comparing it to the processing of pre-made pouches in terms of handling and logistics. 

The discussions continued over traditional Swabian delicacies, providing ample opportunity for in-depth conversations on both days. The event was rounded off with a factory tour of the SÜDPACK site in Ochsenhausen. “As SÜDPACK customers, an exclusive event like this one is incredibly valuable for us,” remarked one attendee. “Unlike at a hectic trade show, there’s plenty of time for constructive discussions and we can also outline our specific requirements.”