The patented technology is suitable for 8 oz. milk packaging and can be transparent, indicating the fill level of the pack.
Squeeze feature
The SqueezyStraw pouch requires no straw or cup, and compresses into a small mass when its empty for low-cost disposal.
It also comes with a squeeze feature for maximum evacuation of the milk.
Lew Barton, president, The Barton Group, told DairyReporter, the technology was developed over a three year period working in a (non-dairy) customer’s innovation lab.
“These are newly issued patents and no licensing deals have been signed yet,” he said.
“A typical 8 oz. milk serving is a perfect application for our new technology but there are no restrictions on its use, it can be used for yogurt, chocolate pudding, or desserts.
“Multivac is one of several horizontal thermoform/fill/seal machines manufacturers capable of producing the stand up SqueezyStraw pouch.
“They have a test machine in their facility in Kansas City, along with a machine shop for making the forming tools. The prototypes were made there using those facilities.”
400 to 500 8 oz. pouches a minute
Barton said SqueezyStraw pouch production requires a horizontal thermoform/fill/seal machine equipped with die-cutting capabilities such as Multivac, Ulma or other similar machines.
Multivac estimates cost of such a machine at $500,000 or $1,000,000, depending on production requirements, he added. The estimated $1,000,000 Multivac machine is projected to produce 400 to 500 8 oz. pouches a minute.
“We are currently seeking licensees who will produce their products using this technology,” added Barton.
“It will initially be sold in the US. At this point we have no plans for international marketing.
“The SqueezyStraw Pouch is low cost, easy to use, easy disposal and eliminates the need for any other accessory item such as a straw or cup.
“Our market information indicates the current cost of a similar paper carton is approximately 6¢ each. The Stand Up SqueezyStraw Pouchis estimated to cost less than 4¢ each in large volume quantities (50,000,000 packs /year or more).”
Barton said the firm is now working on a patent for a ‘Better Bag-in-Box’ technology, called BIG (Barton Innovation Group) Shot.
The dispensing pouch provides large flexible pouches with integral dispensing tubes for a range of liquid applications including ketchup onto French fries or salad dressing.
Barton said this advancement in Bag-in-Box type packaging eliminates the need for special fittings on the bag and can be used with most wall rack dispensing systems. BIG is looking for companies interested in licensing the BIG Shot dispensing pouch technology.