The Role of Adhesives in the Retort Pouch

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Retort pouches, resulting from multilayer laminations, depend upon adhesives to accomplish these laminations. Due to the nature of food contact and temperature requirements, adhesives for retort pouches must comply with Food and Drug Administration regulations for adhesives used in food packaging at elevated temperatures. Adhesives used can be of various chemistries, but must also perform on converting equipment and must be shown to comply with FDA regulations. Some of the current technologies in use in retort pouches will be discussed, as well as some of the interactions by the adhesives with package materials that one should be aware in retort pouch construction. Some future developments for adhesives will be discussed.