Do side gusset flat pouches have a good aroma - barrier property?
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As a supplier of Side Gusset Flat Pouches, I've been frequently asked about the aroma - barrier property of these pouches. This is a crucial question, especially for industries dealing with products that rely heavily on their aroma, such as coffee, tea, and various food items. In this blog, I'll delve into the science behind the aroma - barrier property of side gusset flat pouches and share insights based on my experience in the industry.
Understanding Aroma - Barrier Property
Aroma - barrier property refers to a material's ability to prevent the escape of volatile compounds that contribute to a product's smell and to keep external odors from entering the package. For products like freshly roasted coffee, the unique aroma is one of their most valuable qualities. If the packaging fails to provide an adequate aroma - barrier, the product will lose its appeal over time, and consumers may be disappointed.
The Structure of Side Gusset Flat Pouches
Side gusset flat pouches are designed with functionality and aesthetics in mind. They feature expandable sides, which allow for increased capacity while maintaining a flat appearance when not filled. The construction of these pouches typically involves multiple layers of materials. These layers can include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyester (PET), and aluminum foil. Each layer serves a specific purpose, and the combination of these materials can significantly impact the pouch's aroma - barrier property.
Polyethylene is commonly used as the innermost layer because of its excellent sealability and flexibility. It provides a protective barrier against moisture and physical damage. Polypropylene offers good chemical resistance and mechanical strength. Polyester, on the other hand, is known for its high tensile strength and clarity, which can enhance the visual appeal of the product.
However, when it comes to aroma - barrier, aluminum foil is the star player. Aluminum foil has a very low oxygen transmission rate (OTR) and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR). It forms an almost impermeable barrier to gases, including the volatile compounds responsible for aroma. When incorporated into the side gusset flat pouch structure, aluminum foil can effectively trap the product's aroma inside the pouch and prevent external odors from infiltrating.
Testing the Aroma - Barrier Property
To ensure that our side gusset flat pouches meet the required aroma - barrier standards, we conduct a series of tests. One of the most common tests is the oxygen transmission rate test. This test measures the amount of oxygen that can pass through a given area of the pouch material over a specific period. A lower OTR indicates a better aroma - barrier property because oxygen can react with the volatile compounds in the product, leading to aroma degradation.
Another test is the water vapor transmission rate test. Moisture can also have a negative impact on the aroma of a product. If the pouch allows water vapor to enter, it can cause the product to clump or lose its flavor. By measuring the WVTR, we can determine how well the pouch can protect the product from moisture.
We also perform sensory evaluations. This involves having a panel of trained testers smell the product inside the pouch at regular intervals. They rate the intensity and quality of the aroma and compare it to a control sample. These evaluations provide valuable qualitative data that complement the quantitative results from the OTR and WVTR tests.
Real - World Applications
In the coffee industry, side gusset flat pouches with good aroma - barrier properties are in high demand. Coffee beans are highly aromatic, and their flavor profile can change rapidly if not properly stored. Our side gusset flat pouches with aluminum foil layers can keep the coffee beans fresh and aromatic for an extended period. This allows coffee roasters to deliver a consistent product to their customers, whether they are sold in local cafes or shipped overseas.
The tea industry also benefits from our side gusset flat pouches. Different types of tea, such as green tea, black tea, and herbal tea, have distinct aromas. Our pouches can preserve these delicate scents, ensuring that consumers can enjoy the full flavor experience when they brew a cup of tea.
Food products like nuts, dried fruits, and snacks also require packaging with good aroma - barrier properties. These products can easily absorb external odors, which can affect their taste and quality. Our side gusset flat pouches can protect these products from cross - contamination and maintain their original aroma.
Comparison with Other Pouch Types
When comparing side gusset flat pouches with other types of pouches, such as Vacuum Pouch with Three Sides Seal and Flat Pouch with Three Sides Seal, side gusset flat pouches often have an advantage in terms of aroma - barrier and capacity. While three - sided seal pouches are simple and cost - effective, they may not provide the same level of protection against aroma loss, especially if they do not contain an aluminum foil layer.
The Vacuum Pouch With Three Sides Seal is designed to remove air from the package, which can help preserve the product. However, side gusset flat pouches can also be used in conjunction with vacuum - sealing technology. The expandable sides of the side gusset flat pouch allow for more efficient vacuum - sealing, as they can accommodate the product better during the process.
Conclusion
In conclusion, side gusset flat pouches can have excellent aroma - barrier properties, especially when they are constructed with materials like aluminum foil. The multiple - layer design of these pouches provides a comprehensive solution for protecting products from aroma loss and external odors. Through rigorous testing and real - world applications, we have proven that our side gusset flat pouches can meet the high standards of industries that rely on aroma preservation.
If you are in the market for packaging solutions that can effectively protect your product's aroma, I encourage you to consider our side gusset flat pouches. We are committed to providing high - quality products and excellent customer service. Contact us to discuss your specific requirements and start a procurement negotiation.
References
- ASTM International. Standard test methods for oxygen gas transmission rate through plastic film and sheeting using a coulometric sensor. ASTM D3985 - 05.
- ISO 15106 - 3:2003. Plastics — Film and sheeting — Determination of water vapour transmission rate — Part 3: Instrumental method using a humidity sensor.
- Robertson, G. L. (2012). Food Packaging: Principles and Practice. CRC Press.
