The Heat is On

Microwaveable pouches provide ­additional challenges that must be met. “Microwaveable pouches can be subjected to even higher temperatures than retort,” says Haas, “however, for a much shorter period of time, and only after the consumer gets the package home.”

Because metal cannot be used in microwave ovens, the use of an aluminum foil layer is not feasible in microwaveable pouch constructions. A common alternative to provide this barrier layer is to use PET coated with silica or aluminum oxide, says Idan. However, this can put additional challenges on the table for converters.