Resealable slider incorporated into overwrap packages
feature resealable slider technology built into the "fin seal" of
an overwrap-style package.
The new pouch format allows manufacturers to incorporate a convenient opening and resealingfeature down the center of overwrap packages for a wider opening and easier access to contents.
The package features an easy-open strip above the slider for initial bag opening in one step without the need for scissors or knives.The company's peel-seal technology is incorporated below the slider. This feature acts as a hermetic barrier to extend product shelf life, and provides consumers with the security of a tamper-evidentseal, the company claimed.
"Until now, packaging manufacturers could only feature overwrap packaging with slider on the short side of a package, requiring consumers to pull the enclosed tray out of the package to access itscontents," the company stated. "This action can cause breakage of delicate products like cookies and crackers.Zip-Pak Slider technology minimizes airflow into the package, helping to protect some products against oxidation for enhanced freshness."
A Hayssen Packaging Technologies RT2000 high-speed horizontal form, fill and seal machinedemonstrated the new convenience format for overwrap packages at PackExpo, which ended in Chicago on2 November.
Robert Hogan, the company's director of international sales and marketing, said the the capability to reseal a package at the fin seal, coupled withthe Slider opening allows manufacturers to add a convenience feature to their products.
In other developments Zip-Pak also announced at a press conference that Alcan Packaging and UVA Packaging Technologieshave introduced the first four-corner seal side-gusseted pouch with laser scoring below the package header.The design features easy-open access to Zip-Pak's reclosable slider feature.
Alcan's new laser-scored film allows consumers to remove the entire package header, exposing theZip-Pak Transverse Direction Slider. Prior to the development of the new feature, perforations hadto be made above the resealable feature. This allowed consumers to remove the package header.However the design still meant the slider zipper feature remained below the top of the package, creating awkward access andthe a potential for contents to collect in this area during use.
Improving access to the Zip-Pak incorporated TD Slider allows consumers to completely close the package each time,the company said.
The new package format was developed on a Newton 400 vertical form, fill and seal system from UVAPackaging. The machine is capable of producing over six different types of flexible packages.
Zip-Pak's transverse-direction slider technology can be added across the top of the package,the "short" side of a package in the transverse, or cross-web, direction, making it possible to incorporate sliders on stand-up pouch packaging.
This package format is can be used for pet food, powdered products and frozen foods, the companystated.
The company has also announced that Pilgrim's Pride Corp. has launched a new resealable packageformat for its natural boneless, skinless breast and breast tenderloin products.
Each fresh chicken breast or tenderloin is individually wrapped. A larger resealable package,featuring ZipPak's slider opening, contains the individually-wrapped chicken pieces.
The double packaging allows consumers to choose he appropriate portion of chicken for aparticular meal, while keeping the remaining contents sealed, the company said.
"The new package format extends shelf life, as well as product freshness, as unusedportions remain in the original, airight packaging during refrigerated storage," Zip-Pakstated.
Consumers no longer have to separate each chicken breast or tenderloin to prevent them fromfreezing together, the company noted.
