The concept of Inclusive Design, or designing for all users, has gained increasing attention in the food and consumer goods industries, particularly in the field of flexible packaging, which must balance functionality, safety, and an understanding of consumer diversity.
One of the most popular and proven packaging formats that effectively addresses these needs is the stand up pouch, which combines the flexibility of plastic film with the stability of a vertical structure. This makes it easy to use, convenient to store, and resource-efficient. However, modern packaging design should go beyond aesthetics and basic functionality. It should also consider special consumer groups such as the elderly, children, individuals with limited hand strength, or those who use only one hand.
HOEI’s stand up pouch is designed under the principles of Ergonomic and Inclusive Packaging, ensuring that every user can access and use products easily without feeling restricted by packaging design.
Therefore, HOEI’s stand up pouches are not just food packaging solutions that meet usability needs, they are examples of design that value every consumer equally, offering packaging that is easy to use, sustainable, and truly user-centered in every dimension.
Key Features of HOEI Stand Up Pouches for All Users
HOEI’s stand up pouches not only deliver convenience and aesthetic appeal but also embody the idea of food packaging for everyone, integrating consumer usability insights across all age groups with advanced manufacturing technology. The result is packaging that provides a safe, accessible, and equitable experience for every user, with the following key features:
1. Easy to Open and Use Without Excessive Force
Each pouch is designed with Easy Tear Notches and a seal system that can be opened easily without scissors, ideal for users with limited hand strength such as seniors, patients, or children learning to open packaging independently. Additionally, large flip-top or screw caps can be added for effortless one-handed use, minimizing spills and splashes.
2. Stable and Usable with One Hand
The D gusset bottom structure allows the pouch to stand firmly on flat surfaces without tipping over. Users can pour liquids or dry goods while the pouch remains upright, eliminating the need to hold it continuously. This makes the pouch convenient for use in kitchens, dining areas, or even on trays for seniors or hospital patients, supporting users with limited mobility or physical restrictions.
3. Lightweight, Safe, and Easy to Grip
Made with strong yet flexible multi-layer films, HOEI’s stand up pouches are significantly lighter than bottles or rigid containers. They are easy to hold, squeeze, and pour without requiring much effort, reducing the risk of dropping or impact damage. This makes them ideal for liquid foods, sauces, functional beverages, and medical nutrition products that require lightweight and safe packaging.
4. Clear Visibility and Readability
With a wide and smooth vertical surface, the pouch provides ample space for large, high-contrast text and easily recognizable symbols. This helps seniors or visually impaired individuals read nutritional information, expiration dates, or usage instructions without straining their eyes. The design can also incorporate Braille text or QR codes to enhance information accessibility for visually impaired consumers.
5. Safe and Practical for Small Spaces
Stand up pouches are ideal for use in healthcare facilities, elderly homes, and student dormitories. Their compact, self-standing structure allows users to consume food safely without lifting heavy containers. They also minimize spills and splashes when pouring food or liquids, improving both safety and convenience in confined spaces.
6. Versatile for Modern Food Applications
HOEI’s stand up pouches are engineered to support a wide variety of foods, accommodating different textures and consumption styles, including:
- Ready-to-eat meals requiring quick and easy opening.
- Baby food and medical nutrition that demand safety and controlled portions.
- Sauces and seasonings that need precise pouring and odor protection.
- Functional drinks and juices that emphasize portability and safety during transport.
Thanks to multi-layer barrier film technology, the pouches effectively block oxygen, light, and moisture while withstanding high-temperature sterilization without deformation or seal failure. This makes them ideal for food products requiring long shelf life and high safety standards.
HOEI Stand Up Pouches for Accessible Food Packaging for Everyone
The Inclusive Design approach not only enhances consumer experience but also reflects the food industry’s dedication to promoting equality in product accessibility. HOEI’s stand up pouches are the result of merging human-centered design thinking with advanced film engineering technology, ensuring that food packaging delivers both functionality and inclusivity for all users.
With their durable, lightweight, multi-layer film structure, HOEI’s pouches are suitable for a wide range of applications, from general food to medical nutrition. They are not only beautiful and space-saving but also contribute to equal access to food consumption for all, including children, seniors, and individuals with physical limitations.At the same time, HOEI continues to innovate toward Sustainable Packaging by using recyclable materials such as PE/PE or PE/EVOH/PE, designed to minimize waste during production and transport. This commitment is part of HOEI’s effort to drive the packaging industry toward a more sustainable and inclusive future.