Until a few years ago, recycled cardboard boxes were the most popular medium for packaging cereals, but that is changing. There have been several scientific studies suggesting that recycled cardboard boxes are not safe for packaging cereal.

These reports have prompted several high profile cereal companies to look for alternative packaging solutions.

What is wrong with recycled cardboard boxes
About two years ago, some scientists in Germany and Switzerland analyzed samples of cereal boxes made of recycled cardboard. Their research revealed that the longer the product stayed in the boxes, the more toxic it became. Although these boxes had safety plastic layers, these layers couldn't prevent the ink and material oil from contaminating the cereal. This impact of ink and oil could even cause cancer. When the results were published in 2011, several big companies announced that they were dumping recycled cardboard boxes.

Why use stand up bags
The companies that stopped using recycled cardboard boxes needed a better solution to package their cereal. Eventually, they shifted their attention to stand up pouch packaging. Standup pouches are made of FDA approved materials. As a result of this, manufacturers do not have to worry about these bags contaminating cereals packaged inside.

Apart from the health benefits, stand up pouches for food are much less expensive than cardboard boxes. And thanks to their wide front and back areas, they provide ample opportunities for branding.