Retort pouch is a thin and lightweight way of flexible packaging format suitable for ready meals to be heated in the microwave and are suitable for sterilisation.
For hot fill applications, our retort pouch packaging can undergo sterilisation in pressurised tanks at temperatures of up to 131°C before being packaged.
In contrast to cans, these bags reduce retort time and offer convenience in terms of portability and usability. Our retort films and pouches can be crafted with two to four layers with recyclable options upon request. These bags are a great way of packaging products like ready meals, sauces, soups, olives, chestnuts, and beets.
Explore the complete range of features built into our retort pouches. From advanced barrier protection to custom finishes, each element is designed to enhance performance, product life, and shelf impact.
Available in sizes ranging from 20g to 5kg.
Matt, gloss, paper touch, de-metalized, unprinted and spot finish.
Available with oxygen, moisture, light and puncture barriers.
Heat sealable and suitable for hot and cold filling.
Recyclable mono materials or multi-layer laminates.
Flexo and gravure print up to 9 colours.
Here are some of the questions we are most often asked about retort pouches.
Retort pouches are typically used for products that need full sterilisation and long ambient shelf life. Common examples include ready meals, cooked rice, pasta dishes, curries, sauces, soups, baby food and wet pet food. They are also used for cooked meat and seafood where you want can-like safety in a lighter pack.
After filling and sealing, the pouches are loaded into a retort vessel and heated under pressure to a defined time and temperature profile. This thermal process kills pathogens and stabilises the product so it can be stored at room temperature. The exact cycle is set around your recipe and required shelf life.
Retort pouches use high performance laminates that withstand heat, pressure, water and handling. Common structures include PET / ALU / RCPP or aluminium free high barrier laminates such as PET / high barrier layer / RCPP. The final choice depends on your product, process and whether you are looking at recyclable or more conventional options.
A retort pouch is designed for commercial sterilisation in a pressurised retort at high temperatures. A boilable pouch is made for lower temperature processes, such as cooking or reheating in hot water at home.
Many retorted products achieve 12–24 months shelf life at ambient temperature, but the exact figure depends on the food type, barrier structure and process settings. We normally look at your target shelf life, recipe and distribution route before confirming a suitable laminate.
Yes. Retort pouches can run on premade pouch machines or suitable form fill seal systems. We match pouch size, film structure and sealing layers to your equipment so that filling, sealing and handling are stable both before and after the retort cycle.
Headspace is critical. Too little space can cause over expansion and stress during heating, while too much can affect heat transfer and vacuum level. Correct headspace allows the product to expand and contract in a controlled way and helps steam and heat circulate evenly through the pouch.
Vacuum is strongly recommended for most retort products. Removing air and oxygen before processing supports food safety, helps heat penetrate more consistently and reduces unnecessary stress on the pouch during the cycle. The vacuum level is set around the product and process.
Swelling or bursting is usually linked to issues such as insufficient vacuum, incorrect headspace, overfilling, under processed product generating gas, weak seals or an unsuitable laminate. In some cases long side pouch bursts are caused by over expansion and insufficient load fill during the retort cycle. When we specify a retort pouch, we review your product, fill weight and process conditions to minimise these risks.
Stand up Pouch
Flat Bottom Pouch
Compostable Packaging
Flow Wrap Film
Ovenable Films
