Consumers require packaged products (whether they be food or other retail goods) to meet certain standards. Primary among them, of course, is that packaging must protect its contents. It should also be convenient to use and store. Prolonging the product's shelf life is another desirable feature.

Manufacturers look for packaging to meet certain needs as well: Simple and efficient processes, inexpensive material costs, the durability to withstand shipping and handling and properties that assist in building the brand, such as attractiveness and display versatility. One feature that has recently gained increasing attention is the degree to which packaging is environmentally responsible. Stand up pouches are a perfect example of environmentally friendly packaging.

The process used to manufacture stand up pouches is very energy efficient. While it involves laminating together multiple layers of special film, it actually requires less material to make a stand up pouch than it does most other plastic packaging bags (up to 12 percent less). If the environmentally friendly packaging is made with less material, it weighs less and, therefore, requires less fuel per unit to ship.

As well, because stand up pouches consist of less material, they ultimately generate less waste after their useable life and, as a result, occupy less landfill space. Also important is the fact that most stand up pouches are recyclable...another key example of environmentally friendly packaging.

A stand up pouch is incredibly strong and durable and will protect your product, depending on what it is, from any or all of the following: Vapor, moisture, odor, air, light, pests and pets. This effectiveness does not come at additional environmental cost, however. In fact, stand up pouches are an example of less being more. Meaning? Meaning that each pouch serves as a fully functional, complete package without need for additional material such as a foil or plastic inner liner or an outer box, carton, bag or canister. Less material and less energy is consumed because none is required for the production, shipping, storage and/or disposal normally associated with extra packaging. Result? Less consumption of resources, more environmental benefit.

Stand up pouches: We've got environmentally friendly packaging in the bag.