The new zipper will provide another option for processors making food products that contain liquid for the convenience market.
The company's new Leak-Proof zipper is designed to meet increasing consumer demand for convenience foods. The trend toward single lifestyles means consumers are also attracted by ability to resealunused portions of multi-serving products in the same pack.
The Leak-Proof zipper will allow food manufacturers to put products that contain liquid in a leak-proof resealable package. In addition to preventing leakage, the zippers limit the food's exposureto air, extending its shelf life throughout multiple uses.
Zip-Pak said its Leak-Proof zipper series is targeted at the market for frozen foods, prepared foods with sauce, and marinated meats in flexible pouches.
The zipper seal works by pressure. Once closed, the pressure exerted by the contents of the pouch cause the specially-shaped sides to lock together, creating an airtight seal.
Under pressure the new zipper has an internal opening force of about 20 pounds (9 kg). The Leak-Proof zippers will remain closed under high pressures, ensuring package integrity during shipping andthroughout the period of consumer use, the company claims.
In addition to being leak proof, the new zipper series can also sustain a vacuum for maintaining better shelf life.
In production the Leak-Proof zipper seals to a variety of laminates and polyethylene films. The zipper runs on horizontal form, fill and seal machines as well as thermoform and pre-made pouchconverting equipment.
It can be used on existing zipper-ready machines with some modifications, Zip-Pak stated.