Kick off 2026 with a competitive edge at PACK EXPO East. Register now!
Get a jump on your 2026 goals at PACK EXPO East. Put projects in motion, accelerate timelines and solve challenges—all in one trip to Philadelphia.

Toothpaste in a pouch

Thanks to their minimal environmental impact compared to rigid containers, flexible pouches have made steady inroads in one product category after another.

Pw 24545 Thatothemin 12

Now it's toothpaste's turn as grocery chain J. Sainsbury plc of London, England, launches its TOPS 200-mL Easy Squeeze Family Pack Toothpaste in the Cheer Pack® pouch from the U.K. representative of Gualapack (Bath, England). The key motivation this time, however, is not so much source reduction as it is product differentiation through novel packaging. The preformed pouch is an adhesive lamination of 0.5-mil polyester and 0.5-mil foil with an extrusion coating of polyethylene. The polyester is reverse printed by gravure in five colors, and the pouch incorporates an integral PE nozzle, threaded polypropylene cap and TE breakaway band. Filling is done for Sainsbury by a contract packager using a Gualapack CHP 35 filler. The finished pack has gusseted sides and a flap on the bottom that folds down so that the pack can stand. This marks the first time the Cheer Pack has been used for toothpaste in the U.K. The product sells for £1.29 ($2.00).

Annual Outlook Report: Workforce
Hiring remains a major challenge in packaging, with 78% struggling to fill unskilled roles and 84% lacking experienced workers. As automation grows, companies must rethink hiring and training. Download the full report for key insights.
Download Now
Annual Outlook Report: Workforce
The AI revolution in packaging robotics is here
Robots that see variations, adjust grip pressure automatically, accept plain-English commands, and predict their own maintenance. Discover how AI is transforming packaging operations.
Read More
The AI revolution in packaging robotics is here