Filling a spout pouch (also called a stand-up pouch with a spout) requires careful handling to ensure a clean, leak-free seal. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Materials Needed:
- Spout pouch (with pre-attached or separate spout)
- Filling machine (manual, semi-automatic, or automatic)
- Funnel (for manual filling)
- Liquid or semi-liquid product (e.g., beverages, sauces, baby food)
- Heat sealer or induction sealer (for final sealing)
- Wipes or cleaning cloth (to remove spills)
Step-by-Step Filling Process:
1. Prepare the Pouch
- Ensure the spout pouch is clean and free from dust.
- Open the pouch by unfolding the gusset at the bottom so it stands upright.
- If the spout has a cap, remove it temporarily.
2. Choose the Filling Method
- Manual Filling (Small Batches):
- Use a funnel to pour the product into the spout opening.
- Avoid overfilling (leave headspace to prevent spillage during sealing).
- Machine Filling (Large-Scale Production):
- Use a liquid filling machine (gravity fill, piston fill, or pump fill) to dispense the exact volume.
- The machine nozzle should align with the spout opening.
3. Fill the Pouch
- Hold the pouch steady while filling to prevent tilting.
- Fill up to 80-90% capacity to allow proper sealing.
- Wipe off any spills around the spout to ensure a clean seal.
4. Reseal the Spout
- If the spout has a screw cap, securely tighten it.
- If it’s a flip-top spout, ensure it clicks shut.
- For heat-sealed spouts, use an induction sealer to create an airtight inner seal.
5. Final Sealing (If Required)
- Some spout pouches have a zipper or slider closure for resealing.
- For non-resealable pouches, the spout itself is the only opening.
6. Quality Check
- Ensure no leaks by gently squeezing the pouch.
- Check that the spout is properly sealed and functional.
Additional Tips:
✅ Use a stand to keep pouches upright during filling.
✅ Nitrogen flushing (for oxygen-sensitive products) extends shelf life.
✅ High-viscosity products (like sauces) may need a wider spout or piston filler.
Would you like recommendations for filling equipment based on your production scale?