NEW EVENT! Cutting-edge Trends for Every Industry at PACK EXPO Southeast
Discover packaging & processing solutions for all industries at the all-new PACK EXPO Southeast in Atlanta, GA, March 10-12, 2025
LAST CHANCE! Register ASAP for $30

Barrier pouches protect sensitive yeast products

Wyeast Laboratories, Hood River, OR, a leading producer of pure liquid yeast products (fermentation cultures) for beer and wine making, has introduced 50-mL and 125-mL retortable stand-up pouch packaging for its home brewers and vintners line of products.

Pw 9270 Ampacwyeast

The heat-tolerant, flex crack-resistant pouches are supplied by Ampac Flexibles (www.ampaconline.com), a unit of Ampac Packaging LLC.

The packaging structure, made from a proprietary high-barrier adhesive lamination, provides both oxygen and ultraviolet (UV) light protection. Jenny Logsdon, GM of Wyeast Labs, explains, “Because oxygen stimulates yeast metabolism, our packaging must protect our yeast from exposure. The yeast needs to rest in a dormant state so that it does not metabolize in the package, which would deplete the energy it needs for fermentation. Also, if the yeast is exposed to light, you will get cell mutation, which results in cell death and lower cell counts. The shelf life of our liquid yeast is up to six months when refrigerated at the appropriate temperature.”

 

 

In typical retort pouch packaging applications, the product is filled and sealed in the pouch and then retort heated (at approximately 250º F) to achieve commercial sterility and nonrefrigerated shelf life. But due to the sensitive nature of the liquid yeasts, Wyeast has developed an alternative procedure whereby the empty pouch is retort sterilized prior to cleanroom filling and sealing. Says Logsdon, “We actually retort the pouch before filling it because we want a sterile environment in which to put the yeast.” 

 

INTRODUCING! The Latest Trends for All Industries at PACK EXPO Southeast
The exciting new PACK EXPO Southeast 2025 unites all vertical markets in one dynamic hub, generating more innovative answers to your production challenges. Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity for your business!
REGISTER FOR $30!
INTRODUCING! The Latest Trends for All Industries at PACK EXPO Southeast
New e-book on Flexible Packaging
In this e-book, you’ll learn key considerations for vertical and horizontal f/f/s and how to choose between premade bags and an f/f/s system. Plus, discover the pitfalls to avoid on bagging machinery projects.
download
New e-book on Flexible Packaging