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Retort/Autoclave/Steam

"Visual Appearance After Retort/Autoclave"

When visually inspecting pouch appearances, what can help minimize waffling on the pouch body created by expansion during the retort thermal process?

Last Updated On May 30, 2007

The materials used to produce pouches are primarily thermoplastic, therefore they soften when heated. This softening along with the weight of the product causes the pouch to pick up the pattern of the supports that the pouch rests on in the retort chamber. Stiffer, heavier pouch materials will show less of the pattern, but it will still be there. It is usually possible to change the type of supports in the retort chamber. This can result in a pattern that is less noticeable on the pouch.