The liquid pouch market is accelerating into 2026, driven by convenience, sustainability and supply chain efficiency. For Germany-based machinery specialist SN Maschinenbau GmbH, the evolution is as much about smarter production as it is about smarter packs. From digitally enabled short runs to high-speed spouted pouch systems and mono-material processing, the company sees a rapidly diversifying sector.
Digital and hybrid printing are unlocking new commercial models for pouch converters. ‘Digital printing offers high flexibility and production speeds with constantly improving quality. Individual prints and small runs are increasingly popular,’ says Felix Eberhardi, marketing manager at SN Maschinenbau.
Unlike rotogravure or flexo, digital allows brands – particularly start-ups – to test concepts, launch limited editions and reduce minimum order quantities (MOQs) without long lead times. One of SN’s customers specialises in highly customised stand-up pouches, produced in very small quantities with individual designs. ‘Production and lead times for processing and filling saleable pouches are reduced compared to conventional systems,’ Felix notes.
On-machine printing is also evolving. Inkjet, thermal transfer and laser systems enable best-before dates, batch data and QR codes to be added immediately before filling, without slowing output. The result is greater traceability, late-stage customisation and increased personalisation, with lower technical barriers to entry than traditional print platforms.
Spouted pouches are among the strongest growth segments. ‘We see spout pouches – centre-spout for single-serve or corner-spout for refill packs – as one of the fastest-growing pouch types,’ Felix adds. Lighter and more compact than glass or cans, they offer advantages in transport, e-commerce and break resistance. Applications range from fruit purées and beverages to liquid soaps and cleaning agents.
SN’s portfolio spans compact systems producing 70 spouted pouches/min to high-performance machines running at up to 240 pouches/min. Multi-lane configurations allow different flavours or product variants to be packed simultaneously, enabling bundled product sets straight off the line.
While spouts gain ground, classic stand-up pouches remain dominant. Zipper resealability continues to drive consumer appeal by enhancing convenience and extending shelf life.
Sustainability requirements are increasingly shaping material choices. ‘Packaging is increasingly being designed to be recyclable. Mono-material solutions are becoming more popular,’ Felix explains. This means pouches, including spouts, caps and zippers, must be manufactured from a single material class such as polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP). These films are often more sensitive in processing, placing higher demands on machine control.
SN has invested heavily in this area, operating a dedicated Technical Centre machine to test mono-material films, zippers and spouts under real production conditions. Patented innovations reduce film unwinding forces by up to 70% – critical for thinner, less stable films – while format changeovers can be completed in under 15 minutes.
Felix expects recyclable conversions and the steady replacement of rigid formats to define 2026. With weight, cost and logistics efficiencies in focus, the pouch market’s growth shows no sign of slowing.
Ed’s note: SN Machinenbau GmbH is represented and distributed in South Africa by USS Pactech.
