01 Sep 2015 Terrific new flexible pack concept comes to SA

Last year Dow Packaging launched the innovative rigid packaging alternative, PacXpert, at the giant Interpack expo in Dusseldorf. It’s now coming to South Africa via a licensing agreement signed with Astrapak.

“Astrapak and Dow Chemicals have come together to add more value to customers by introducing an amazing alternative innovative packaging solution, PacXpert, which is set to revolutionise liquid packaging in South Africa,” says Astrapak.

The flexible stand-up pouch is also an alternative to rigid containers for edibles such as ketchup, soups, rice and grains, breakfast cereals, pet kibble and dry baking products.

The PacXpert packaging technology replaces existing rigid containers with a flexible container that can be presented on shelf with high definition colour graphics.

PacXpert containers have dual handles for decanting of the product content while eliminating the glug effect associated with rigid containers.

The lightweight pack collapses as it empties, causing excess air to be evacuated and extending shelf life by limiting the growth of spoilage organisms.

Astrapak says a challenge with rigid packaging is dispensing all the product but PacXpert can be squeezed like a toothpaste tube to ensure the “best product yield of any packaging mode”.

Once empty, it collapses to one tenth the size of a rigid container, reducing the waste footprint and management requirements of the customer.

PacXpert is stackable and can be palletised, either with or without boxes for support. It is shelf stable and can stand upright or on its side once filled. 

The range of containers from 1 litre to 20 litres can be filled either by automated or manual filling.

The firm claims a 10-litre PacXpert flexible container uses just 30% of the plastic of a similar rigid container while a 20-litre flexible container uses just 20% of the plastic of a similar rigid container.

Dow is the global licensee of the SMART BOTTLE I Line, with worldwide rights, while PacXpert Packaging Technology is licensed globally by Dow through an exclusive agreement with Smart Bottle Inc. Dow is sub-licensing this exciting technology to select converters who may then leverage the technology to promote differentiated flexible packaging solutions to the marketplace.

Astrapak: Read more here

See the PacXpert in action on this video: