What Industry Leaders Need to Know About Vacuum Pouches

May 08, 2025

As a leading supplier in the flexible packaging sector, we understand the critical role that vacuum pouches play in preserving product integrity, extending shelf life, and elevating brand presentation. In a recent episode of our Podcast, our host and Managing Director, Marc, sat down with Sales Account Manager, Chris, for a comprehensive discussion on vacuum pouch solutions — from materials and manufacturing to technical specifications and sustainability innovations.

Whether you're a food processor, procurement director, or packaging engineer managing large-scale purchasing decisions, here’s what you need to know.

🔍 Understanding the Core of Vacuum Pouch Packaging

Vacuum pouches are one of the most versatile and widely used forms of food-grade flexible packaging. We offer a robust stock range including:

These pouches are particularly popular in high-volume sectors such as seafood processing, charcuterie, meat packing, and specialty food exports.

⚙️ How Are Vacuum Pouches Made? A Glimpse Behind the Scenes

High-performance vacuum pouches begin their journey as crude oil, refined into naphtha through a distillation process. This raw material is then broken down via thermal cracking into hydrocarbons, which are extruded into plastic pellets.

From there, the pellets are:

  • Extruded through flat dies (not blown film, as with polythene bags)
  • Laminated into master reels of various thicknesses and widths
  • Coloured and converted into finished pouches on advanced converting lines

We source all pouches from BRC-certified European manufacturers, ensuring full traceability and consistent quality for food and non-food applications.

🧪 Material Composition: PA, PE, EVOH, PET & More

Our standard clear vacuum pouches are composed of PA (polyamide) and PE (polyethylene):

  • PE delivers excellent heat-sealing performance and flexibility
  • PA acts as a high-barrier layer, minimizing oxygen transmission rates (OTR)

For even higher barrier performance, EVOH (ethylene vinyl alcohol) can be added to improve oxygen resistance — critical for products like biltong, smoked fish, and premium meat cuts.

For customers needing superior clarity and rigidity, we also offer PET vacuum pouches, suitable for upscale retail packaging and enhanced shelf appeal.

🌱 Sustainability: The Rise of Compostable and Eco-Friendly Pouches

Sustainability is now a procurement priority. Our eco vacuum pouch range is crafted from renewable, compostable materials that are distinguishable by their natural “milky” appearance. These plant-based vacuum pouches are:

  • Fully compostable
  • Customisable in size and format
  • Ideal for brands committed to reducing their plastic footprint

We’ve seen increasing demand across fishing, organic food, and export sectors, and we maintain stock for quick dispatch on high-volume orders.

🖨️ Custom Printed Vacuum Pouches & Branded Solutions

For brands seeking shelf impact, we offer a wide range of custom printed vacuum pouch solutions. Whether printing on clear, gold, silver, or coloured pouches, we deliver:

  • Full-colour printing with high-definition results
  • Options for partial or full print coverage
  • Support for small trial runs or large retail volumes
  • Branded cardboard sleeves and printed outer packaging

To begin, we simply need your logo, product specifications, estimated volumes, and print requirements.

🧩 Complementary Accessories for Professional Packaging Presentation

Maximise your packaging solution with our selection of accessories, including:

  • Backing boards in gold, silver, black, and white
  • Cardboard sleeves for secondary branding
  • Bone Guard overlays to protect thin vacuum bags from sharp bones or edges

These extras are ideal for customers in seafood, biltong, and premium meat production, ensuring both function and presentation are flawless.

🤝 Partner with a Vacuum Pouch Supplier You Can Trust

We supply thousands of vacuum pouches weekly to high-volume processors across the UK and Europe. Our large stockholding, BRC-accredited suppliers, and responsive team ensure that your vacuum packaging supply chain is reliable, scalable, and compliant.

Whether you need 10,000 or 1,000,000 food-grade vacuum pouches, we are equipped to meet your needs with precision and speed.

📞 Ready to upgrade your vacuum pouch solution? Contact our team today for a quote, technical datasheets, or printed packaging consultation.

We provide full compliance documentation, sample turnaround within 24 hours, and dedicated technical support to streamline your purchasing decision.

Call: 01825 732 000 Email: info@wealdpackaging.co.uk

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Vacuum Pouches: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Are your vacuum pouches food-safe and compliant with international regulations?

Yes. All our vacuum pouches are manufactured by BRC-certified suppliers and comply with EU and UK food safety regulations. Full compliance documentation, including food contact declarations and traceability certificates, is available upon request.

2. What material types do your vacuum pouches use?

Our vacuum pouches are manufactured using high-performance multi-layer films, typically composed of:

  • PA (Polyamide) – for excellent oxygen barrier properties
  • PE (Polyethylene) – for heat sealing and flexibility
  • EVOH (Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol) – for enhanced barrier against oxygen and aroma
  • PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) – for clarity, strength, and rigidity in premium packs

These combinations ensure your products are protected, presentable, and shelf-stable.

3. What sizes and thicknesses are available?

We carry a vast range of sizes and micron thicknesses from 65 to 170 microns as standard. Custom sizes can be manufactured upon request.

Our most popular options include:

  • 65–70 micron for general food use (fish, meats)
  • 90+ micron for heavier or bone-in products
  • 170 micron for maximum durability and puncture resistance

4. Are your vacuum pouches suitable for boiling or freezing?

Yes. Our boilable vacuum pouches can withstand temperatures of up to 121°C, making them ideal for sous vide cooking or sterilisation.

They are also rated for deep freezing, with excellent performance in low temperatures and no compromise on seal integrity.

5. Can I get vacuum pouch samples before placing a bulk order?

Absolutely. We offer next-day dispatch on samples for most in-stock products. This allows your team to conduct sealing tests, shelf trials, and compatibility checks with your machinery or food products before committing to volume orders.

6. Do you offer custom printed vacuum pouches?

Yes. We specialise in custom printed flexible packaging, including vacuum pouches with:

  • Full-colour or spot colour options
  • High-definition rotogravure or flexo printing
  • Gloss or matte finishes
  • Clear or coloured films (gold, silver, black, blue, etc.)

We guide you through the artwork process, minimum order quantities, and material compatibility to ensure a premium result.

7. What industries do you serve?

We supply vacuum pouch packaging to a wide range of sectors, including:

  • Seafood and fish processing
  • Meat and charcuterie producers
  • Cheese and dairy brands
  • Ready meal and sous vide manufacturers
  • African and Caribbean food distributors
  • Organic and eco-conscious food brands
  • Exporters needing premium presentation packaging

8. What makes your eco vacuum pouches sustainable?

Our eco-friendly vacuum pouches are made from compostable and biodegradable materials derived from plant-based inputs. They are:

  • Fully compostable (EN 13432 compliant)
  • Free from conventional fossil-fuel plastics
  • Available in custom sizes and limited stock options
  • Ideal for sustainable and zero-waste food brands

9. Can you provide technical data sheets?

Yes. We provide full technical specifications for every product line, including:

  • Oxygen and moisture transmission rates (OTR & WVTR)
  • Sealing temperature range
  • Material composition and film layer structure
  • Barrier ratings and shelf-life performance

These are essential for HACCP planning, quality assurance, and procurement due diligence.

10. What is your lead time on large or custom orders?

For standard stock products, we dispatch within 24–48 hours.

For custom or printed vacuum pouch orders, typical lead times range from 4–6 weeks, depending on the complexity and quantity.

Rush options may be available depending on the production schedule and material availability.

11. How do I get a quote or begin a custom enquiry?

Simply contact our team via:

We'll guide you through product selection, pricing, samples, and all technical considerations to ensure the best vacuum pouch solution for your business.

Written by Emily Jones

Content Manager, Weald Packaging Supplies

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Weald Packaging Supplies is a limited company registered in England and Wales. Registered number: 01713146. Registered office: Station Approach, Buxted, TN22 4LA.