The sustainability of a packaging is influenced by many factors - the smallest details matter. As packaging specialists at Palamo, we therefore also focus our attention on various closure types so as not to neglect any aspect.

The environmental pollution record shows how important even a small element on the packaging can be. Plastic twist-off bottle caps have been a major contributor in the past.

This shows that small components are also an important factor in packaging.

We want to tell you about sustainable closures in this post - especially the closures on our eco-friendly Doypacks!

Important: Doypacks have closure types that do not pollute the environment with additional supplementary closure types (such as a twist-off closure or lid).

Doypacks: Old school can also be sustainable

Doypacks: A term that is not yet colloquially on everyone's lips - yet most people are certainly familiar with this type of packaging from your everyday life. They have been used in the packaging industry for many years as a safe solution for packaging various products.

Doypacks are so-called safe standing Stand-up pouch. You can find them on almost every corner in the supermarket. They are used, for example, as packaging for pureed tomatoes, applesauce (squeeze bags) or as beverage packaging.

As a rule, this is still the classic packaging made of cardboard and equipped with loose film on the inside. However, significant progress in terms of sustainability can already be seen with this form of packaging.

The following features are worthy of positive mention:

• Much less packaging material is required.
• The flexible formability of cardboard combined with the freshness-retaining properties of the film allow for a long shelf life of the products packaged in it.
• A clever design stabilizes the package by its own weight, allowing it to stand securely on the retail shelf after filling.
• In addition, this type of packaging is food safe, odorless, airtight and water repellent.

It can be done better: Doypacks in the guise of sustainability

Even though the classic Stand-up pouch already have a lot of advantages, they still have some weak points.

This is because both the closure types and the inner coating of the Doypacks are made from fossil plastics.

In order to meet our own high standards as specialists in sustainable packaging materials, we at Palamo have set out to find doypacks that are largely ecological - and we would like to introduce them to you now!

The innovation: compostable Doypacks!

Doypacks of the "new generation" are compostable and thus leave no aspect out in terms of sustainability. The properties of the new Stand-up pouch thus make a positive contribution in the fight against environmental pollution.

Important: Old proven packaging has been further developed in the sense of sustainability, so that it now has already popular advantages from the point of view of environmental protection for decades!

What features make the new Doypacks so special?

Although both the new and the old Doypacks have the same positive properties in terms of packaging type, the main difference lies in the materials used for production. Because where plastic was once used, biodegradable materials are now found.

By using, for example, plant starch-based bioplastics to design the interiors and closure types, the Doypacks are fully compostable - and even recyclable, depending on the product for which they are used as packaging.

But what properties are actually attributed to bioplastics and degradable plastics? - We'll be happy to explain that to you in more detail!

What are bioplastics and bioplastics?

Bioplastics are not specifically defined by law, so the following types must be distinguished:

1. Biodegradable plastics
2. Biopolymers Plastics from renewable raw materials

Of these, however, only one of the criteria must be met in order to bear the designation bioplastic. However, there are also biobased plastics that meet both criteria.

The real consequences of environmental pollution caused by plastic and plastic packaging cannot be denied. Solutions are therefore being actively worked on in this segment and developments are progressing in leaps and bounds.

In the course of this, three generations of bioplastics made from renewable raw materials have already been developed:

• The first generation of bioplastics finds its basis in traditional crops.

These include:

1. Corn
2. Sugar cane
3. Potatoes

• The foundation for the second generation was laid with agricultural waste and cellulose cultures.
• Last but not least, bacteria and algae form the third generation of bioplastics.

To date, these three types of bioplastics have been regularly used in the packaging industry. Nevertheless, these materials do not yet meet the demands we place on the types of closures we use. The plastics should be bio-based and biodegradable as well as compostable.

 

After a little insight into the world of bioplastics and their properties, let's now take a closer look at different types of closures that are considered particularly sustainable.

Doypacks: Which sustainable closure types have proven successful?

We've already learned that the latest generation of Doypacks are made from recyclable materials - and so is the closure!

Depending on what is to be packed in a stand-up pouch (Doypack), various closure types can be found that are ideally suited for this purpose.

When it comes to packaging foods such as coffee, dry legumes, spices or tea, one of the following closure types is chosen:

Pressure cap

This type of closure works quite simple. Because a pressure closure is two plastic seams. These are simply pressed into each other. This protects the inside from external influences. This closure is also referred to as a grip closure.

One of the advantages of the pressure cap is that it does not require any other components (such as a screw cap).

In addition, it can be opened and closed as often as desired - without suffering any damage from frequent use. This qualifies this closure type by its reusability.

Sealing

Sealing is often used in combination with pressure sealing as a secure method of closing Doypacks. A film sealing device is used to seal a Doypack.

If both closure types are combined, each product is optimally packaged. You can find this combination mainly with food. Foodstuffs are not only preserved for a long time in such packaging, but also benefit from other criteria, which we will explain to you below:

1. The use of environmentally harmful substances is avoided.
2. Quality assurance features to protect the product.

Let's therefore summarize all the positive features once again in a clear manner:

• Not only can foodbut also non-food articles can be packed safely.
• For food, they can be used without hesitation, as they are both food safe as well as being aroma-safe.
• They offer optimal protection from contamination and moisture
• Doypacks are used to protect live and non-food products from UV rays and thus from a loss of quality protected.

Important: These closure types are particularly environmentally friendly, as no further waste is produced that could pollute the environment! In addition, less material is needed to produce the Doypacks. This adds another aspect to their sustainability.

Conclusion: A must among the packaging!

We offer our doypacks in many different sizes, colors and types.

The new compostable Doypacks are indispensable for Palamo: they offer optimum packaging protection for both food and non-food items. At the same time, they are fully biodegradable and meet all the criteria that ideal packaging must entail.

Compared to conventional Doypacks, the use of biodegradable materials is emphasized in the production process. This not only saves material costs, but also prevents unnecessary waste generation. Moreover, since they are reusable packaging, they can be used several times.

The environmentally friendly, biodegradable or recyclable Doypacks nevertheless have all the features to ensure the quality of the product inside.

And by the way: Doypacks can easily be printed individually and thus also offer a good marketing solution to leave a lasting impression on customers.

FAQ

Question: Is the Doypack also suitable for packaging liquid food?
Answer: Yes, a sustainable Doypack can also be used to safely package food in liquid form (drinks, applesauce or similar). Since it can have a bioplastic film inside, which prevents the liquid from escaping.

Question: Is the shelf life of food in Doypacks affected?
Answer: No, the shelf life of food is not negatively affected. Doypacks are hermetically sealed and provide additional protection against the effects of harmful environmental influences, such as UV radiation, air penetration or moisture.

Question: How is this packaging stored?
Answer: Doypacks can be stored stacked on top of each other (just like cartons). This saves a lot of storage space.