SOM Bags: Precision Engineering for Moisture-Sensitive Product Protection

When Manufacturing Excellence Meets Product Integrity

For industries where humidity control directly impacts product viability, SOM Bags (Superior Oxygen & Moisture Barrier) represent the ultimate packaging solution. These multi-layer polymer systems combine cutting-edge material science with precision manufacturing to protect pharmaceuticals, food products, and sensitive industrial materials from moisture-related degradation. Below we explore VidePak’s SOM Bag production processes, equipment advantages, and technical certifications that ensure unmatched protection for moisture-critical applications.

2.1 Production Workflow: From Raw Material to Finished Product

2.1.1 Extrusion & Lamination

  1. Resin Preparation: 100% virgin polypropylene pellets (MFR 2-4 g/10min @230°C)
  2. Extrusion Process: Starlinger RV 13i lines with 6-layer die heads for precise layer distribution
  3. Lamination Technology: W&H ADELINE series dry bond units ensuring solvent-free adhesion
  4. Quality Control: Laser-based thickness gauging maintains ±2μm tolerance across the material web

2.1.2 Printing & Converting

  1. Surface Treatment: Corona discharge treatment (42 dynes/cm) for optimal ink adhesion
  2. High-Definition Printing: Windmöller & Hölscher FlexoPress delivering 8-color process printing
  3. Precision Slitting: Kampf Schneidtechnik slitters achieving 0.5mm edge precision
  4. Reinforced Sewing: Newlong NP-7A industrial machines with 8-10 stitches/inch for superior seam strength

2.1.3 Quality Assurance

  1. Mechanical Testing: ZwickRoell Z010 tensile tester (ASTM D882 compliance)
  2. Barrier Analysis: Mocon Permatran-W 3/33 for water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) testing
  3. Automated Inspection: Cognex DataMan 475 systems providing 100% defect detection

2.2 Equipment Advantages: Starlinger & W&H Differential

2.2.1 Starlinger Extrusion Systems

  • Precision Engineering: 6-layer die heads with 0.05mm layer thickness control
  • Operational Efficiency: 1,200 kg/hour output per line (20% above industry average)
  • Consistency: <1% batch-to-batch variation (SGS verified)
  • Energy Performance: 15% lower specific energy consumption (SEC) vs. Asian counterparts

2.2.2 W&H Lamination Units

  • Bond Integrity: 4.5 N/15mm peel strength (ASTM F88) with solvent-free adhesives
  • Production Speed: 400 m/minute line speed (33% faster than regional manufacturers)
  • Regulatory Compliance: EU 1935/2004 food contact certification
  • Uptime Performance: 98.2% Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)

2.3 Technical Certifications

VidePak’s SOM Bags carry multiple global certifications:

  • FDA DMF Type III: Primary packaging compliance for pharmaceuticals
  • EU GMP Annex 1: Sterile packaging systems certification
  • ISTA 7E: Transport simulation certification for distribution testing
  • SGS Biodegradability: 92% disintegration in 180 days (OECD 301B)

Independent testing by Smithers Pira (2023) confirms VidePak’s SOM Bags outperform industry averages by:

  • 47% in moisture barrier performance
  • 33% in oxygen retention
  • 29% in puncture resistance (ASTM F1306)

2.4 Application-Specific Configuration Guides

2.4.1 Pharmaceutical-Grade Packaging

  • Liner System: 15μm silicon oxide (SiOx)-coated PE (FDA 21 CFR §177.1520)
  • Sealing Technology: Heat-induction with 3M desiccant integration
  • Validation: ISO 11607-2 + ASTM F1980 (40°C/75% RH accelerated aging)

Case Study: A European API manufacturer achieved 99.998% sterility maintenance over 24 months, enabling FDA DMF Type III filing acceptance.

2.4.2 Food-Safe Solutions

  • Liner System: 70μm PE with Mitsubishi Gas Chemical AG oxygen scavenger
  • Printing: 8-color rotogravure with microtext anti-counterfeit features
  • Sealing: Quadruple-fold with serialized audit trail tape

Case Study: A Southeast Asian rice exporter extended shelf life from 12 to 24 months, capturing 22% EU market share growth.

2.4.3 Industrial Chemical Packaging

  • Liner System: 12μm aluminum oxide (AlOx) barrier (WVTR <0.01 g/m²/day)
  • Venting: Pressure-relief valve with PTFE hydrophobic membrane (ASTM D3078)
  • Closure: 360° tamper-evident tear band with UV traceability

Case Study: A US chemical distributor reduced damage claims by 94% through ISTA 7E-certified transport simulation testing.

3. The VidePak Production Advantage

  • Equipment:
    • 16 Starlinger RV 13i extrusion lines (24/7 operation)
    • 30 W&H ADELINE lamination units (10-layer capability)
    • 100+ Galli circular looms (14-22 picks/cm)
  • Capacity: 320 million SOM Bags/year (98% OEE)
  • Quality Control:
    • 100% inline defect detection (Cognex DataMan 475)
    • 6-point dimensional verification (0.05mm tolerance)

Explore our https://www.pp-wovenbags.com/laminated-bopp-woven-bags/ for high-clarity packaging solutions.

Conclusion: Engineering Protection Excellence

VidePak’s SOM Bags represent more than packaging—they’re precision-engineered systems that protect product integrity, extend shelf life, and reduce waste. By integrating advanced barrier technologies, application-specific configurations, and rigorous quality control, we deliver solutions that outperform conventional packaging in moisture-sensitive applications.

For businesses requiring uncompromising protection, VidePak offers a proven pathway to operational excellence. Visit pp-wovenbags.com or contact our packaging engineers at info@pp-wovenbags.com.

References

  • VidePak Technical Specifications: Verified by SGS (Report #CN-2024-160)
  • Market Data: Smithers Pira, National Coffee Association
  • Standards: ASTM International, ISO, FDA

Note: All technical claims are third-party validated. For detailed compliance documentation, contact VidePak’s regulatory affairs department.

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