Mash-it-yourself potatoes steam in bag

The Ore-Ida unit of Heinz has come up with a significant advance on the steam-in-bag concept. Steam n’ Mash is frozen potato cubes that the consumer heats and softens by microwaving them inside their pouch, then mashes to the desired consistency.

The stand-up pouch, converted by Alcan Packaging, is made from laminated film, reverse printed in 10-color flexo, with in-register laser venting to release steam at the proper rate. Flavors for the seven-serving bag include Cut Russet, Garlic Seasoned, Three Cheese and Sweet Potatoes.

Alcan Packaging
773-399-8000; www.alcanpackaging.com

Lidding technology morphs into easy-open pouch

The new easy-open Sure-Peel Pouch Laminate integrates the company’s Sure-Peel lidding technology into a 92-gauge proprietary pouch structure: polyester/low-density polyethylene/foil/LDPE/cohesive peel. The clean, easy peel allows full access to the product, making this package suitable for products such as teeth whitening strips, surgical equipment and temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals (such as fast-dissolving medicine film-strips).

With high burst strength, the Sure-Peel Pouch Laminate maintains seal integrity, even with product sterilization temperatures as high as 200° F. Printed in high-quality flexo or gravure, the material runs on existing form-fill-seal machinery and seals at temperatures between 350° and 450° F.

Reynolds Flexible Packaging
800-327-7768; www.reynoldspkg.com/flexiblepackaging

Poly/paper hybrid bag makes a 'strong' statement

The new HybriCore poly/paper hybrid bag delivers superior strength and high-impact, scuff-resistant graphics for a variety of applications, including the pet food, rice and seed markets. Compared to other bags, HybriCore offers significant strength advantages, including up to six times greater drop strength, four times greater tear resistance of the print sheet, improved end-seal strength and up to 300% greater puncture resistance of the print sheet.

HybriCore features a distinctive pinch closure that allows current multi-wall customers to use existing filling and sealing equipment. The unique pinch closure ensures seal and barrier protection to help prevent infestation, while the outer layer easily accommodates add-on features like handles, zippers and sliders.

Bemis Paper Packaging Div.
800-541-4303; www.bemispaper.com