Ampac adds triangular twist to snacking

The E-Z SnackPak is a stand-up pouch, sealed to form a tetrahedron-shaped pack (four triangular faces). Ampac owns the license rights for North America of the patented concept – initially developed in Japan for lettuce and herb packaging – and has had the product on the market for two months.

David Bartish, VP of marketing for new business development at Ampac, said the product should take off in the single-serve snack sector because it was unique to the consumer.

“It’s a fun product. When you look at it the shape is different and when you open it, it creates a tray which is a fun way to snack,”​ he told BakeryandSnacks.com.

Saves material and protects product​

Bartish said the product format also held appeal for snack makers.

The tetrahedron pack, he said, could save between 12.5 and 25% in packaging material because the design didn’t incorporate traditional side seals.

“It’s probably a little bit of a premium to start with… But while there is a higher price, you’re getting more for your money.”​

In addition, the shape gave added protection to the snack product, he said.

A twist at the filling stage….​

Asked more about the technology behind the pack format, Bartish explained that it was a change at the filling stage that was the crucial factor.

“The key with this is that in the filling process, instead of filling the opened pouch in the regular way, you actually twist the pouch when filling to create the triangle.”​

When sealed, the pack then formed the tetrahedron shape.

Ampac was currently working with two equipment suppliers who had lines that could perform this twist ahead of filling, he said.