View news and innovations from PACK EXPO 2024
View all the latest news and innovations from PACK EXPO International 2024

Shaped pouch proves integral to unique wearable breast pump

Described as the world’s first all-in-one wearable breast pump that fits inside a bra, it incorporates a doughnut-shaped pouch/bag that holds breast milk. An oval cutout in the center of the bag makes it easy to hold and fit neatly within the pump.

Willow Pump
Willow Pump

Lavishing superlatives on the Willow Pump and its leak-proof pouch is perfectly appropriate. Each disposable linear low-density polyethylene bag holds 4 oz and features a one-way valve so milk goes in but doesn’t spill out. A fresh bag is tucked inside the Willow pump for each use. Food-safe and BPA-free, Moms can either pour the milk into a bottle for immediate use or they can store it in the fridge or freezer. The pump system is based on a convenient hands-free design that provides mobility and discretion.

No wonder FPA honored the pouch from Willow manufactured by Vonco Products, LLC with a Gold award for Technical Innovation, and two Silver awards, one for Expanding the Use of Flexible Packaging, and one for Packaging Excellence.

Willow was also honored as the top innovation by Time Magazine, which noted, “Most electric breast pumps use air-horn-shaped collection bottles, which are tethered to loud, whirring machines. Willow is working to change that. Its battery-powered alternative is quiet and small enough so that women can slip it into their bra and pump wherever they want. (Each is lined with a freezer-safe bag.) It could revolutionize an industry in desperate need of disruption.”

The overall device consists of four parts: the Willow bag, a flex tube, a flange that connects to the breast, and the pump, notes Naomi Kelman, President and CEO of Willow. Vonco only manufactures the Willow bag.

The bag measures approximately 9 in. H x 6 in. W. Keith Smith, Vonco President and CEO notes, “There are many challenges welding, transferring, and automating shaped, unsupported polyethylene products. Vonco uses proprietary processes to provide leak-proof medical fluid bags and spouted stand-up pouches.”

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New e-book on Multipacking and Case Packing