Why Switch From Rigid Containers to Flexible Pouches

Flexible pouches are more susceptible to interaction (i.e. chemical migration, absorption or degradation) with their contents than rigid containers. This is because flexible packaging materials are typically thinner and more permeable than rigid ones, which can allow for increased migration of substances between the packaging and the product. Concerns with this especially apply to hard-to-hold substances or food products that may contain high acidity, oils, chemicals, surfactants or solvents, as these substances are more chemically aggressive and can break down packaging materials more easily and impact the pouch structure. 

Your chosen laminating adhesive can be one way this interaction occurs. For example, it may lack proper seal integrity or barrier properties. If so and the flexible pouch interacts with the packaged product, the following issues can occur: 

• Package corrosion or degradation 
• Increased internal pressure due to gas formation 
• Bond failure and leaks 

These issues can compromise product safety and usability, making the packaging unsuitable for consumers. They also may result in additional costs for brand owners if they have to address material or product replacements.  

Certain solventless laminating adhesives can also reduce flexible pouches’ ability to interact with the content.  

They provide strong resistance to temperatures and moisture while offering a more sustainable solution due to no solvents in their formulation. This resistance is achieved through polymer chemistry that creates a dense, stable adhesive layer; the layer’s reduced permeability minimizes interaction between the packaging and the product, helping maintain seal integrity and barrier properties. As a result, solventless laminating adhesives can contribute to overall product safety and usability by minimizing leaks, contamination and degradation, especially for sensitive or perishable items. 

Certain solventless laminating adhesives also can provide ultra-low migration; this helps minimize the transfer of potentially harmful substances, such as aromatic amines, into food products. This is particularly important for packaging sensitive food applications (i.e. foods that are highly perishable or consumed without further processing) including meat and dairy. It’s particularly important because these foods are often stored for extended periods and consumed directly, so any contamination from packaging materials could pose health risks. Ultra-low migration adhesives help ensure compliance with food safety regulations. 

Overall, these varied product resistance capabilities help preserve food freshness and shelf life. 

Certain solventless laminating adhesives also can resist chemical breakdown from surfactants and solvents to help ensure leak prevention.  

As a result, certain solventless laminating adhesives are suitable for packaging the following products: 

• Frozen foods  
• Refrigerated items  
• Dry goods  
• Hand soaps 
• Shampoos and conditioners 

How the Right Laminating Adhesives Provide a Solution 

The right laminating adhesives (solvent-based and solventless) address adhesive strength needs by providing: 

• High performance bonding with product resistance: This helps ensure the layers don’t delaminate, preserving seal integrity and barrier properties. These laminating adhesives bond effectively to a wide range of substrates including PET, PP, PE, foils and paper. Further, they provide assurance that the packaging will be able to endure filling, sealing, transportation and storage.  
• Environmental resistance: Solvent-based and solventless laminating adhesives resist extreme temperatures, moisture and chemical migration, which is essential for packaging hard-to-hold substances and food products. This helps ensure the package doesn’t fail during hot fill, retort, refrigeration or humid environments.  

While both laminating adhesive types offer strong bonding and product resistance, the choice between solvent-based and solventless options often depends on application needs and sustainability goals: 

• Solvent-based laminating adhesives are suitable for high-performance applications requiring strong chemical resistance, high heat tolerance and durability under extreme conditions. As previously noted, they are designed to manage aggressive contents such as acidic foods, industrial chemicals and retort packaging. 
• Solventless laminating adhesives are preferred for applications where low migration and reduced environmental impact are priorities. They’re suitable for sensitive food packaging, personal care products and refrigerated or frozen items. 

 

As the adhesive solutions segment of Arkema, Bostik offers extensive technical expertise to help you make the switch, in addition to our quality adhesive products. When you work with us, you’ll receive technical support that includes: 

• Addressing food safety and compliance: We understand the importance of package food safety and compliance; we have invested in in-house resources to help make regulatory determinations, helping you stay up-to-date on changing regulations. 
• In-house analytical expertise and trials using our industrial laminators: Our in-house lab allows us to detect food simulants at sub-parts per billion levels to determine food type suitability.  

Further, we provide compatible primers, heat seals and other coatings designed to work well with our laminating adhesive technologies.  

Are you ready to help your brand owners make the switch from rigid containers to flexible pouches? Contact a Bostik expert to learn how our laminating adhesives can allow you to address the necessary performance needs to make it a reality. 

 

Other Relevant Content: 

ADCOTE™ And MOR-AD™ Industrial Laminating Adhesives and Coatings  

Arkema Acquires Dow's Flexible Packaging Laminating Adhesives Business