- Fast & global delivery
- Packaging Manufacturer Since 2005
Laminate on testPET / NY / AL / RCPPSGS EU food-contact migration test · Result: Pass
RETORT POUCHES · SHENZHEN · SINCE 2005
Custom Retort Pouches for Shelf-Stable Food
A retort pouch is a multi-layer laminated pouch that is filled, sealed and then sterilized in a retort at 116–135 °C (240–275 °F), so ready meals, rice, soups, wet pet food and sauces keep at room temperature without a can. YLTPACK builds the laminate for your exact retort cycle, prints it and makes the pouches in our cleanroom plant in Shenzhen.
- 116–135 °C builds
- SGS EU migration tested
- ISO 22000
- Gravure printed, MOQ 10,000 pcs
- Reply within one business day
Run our stock samples through your own retort before you order a print run.
- Process range
- 116–121 °C standard retort; up to 135 °C on PET/NY/AL/RCPP
- Structures
- PET/AL/RCPP, PET/NY/AL/RCPP, clear PET/NY/RCPP and NY/RCPP
- Thickness
- 80–150 µm (3.1–5.9 mil), set by fill weight
- MOQ
- 10,000 pcs per design; rotogravure printing only, up to 10 colors
- Lead time
- 7–15 days after artwork approval
- Documents
- SGS EU migration report, ISO 22000, ISO 9001
Brands we produce packaging forAuthorized production for global brands across our packaging range
THE BASICS
What Is a Retort Pouch?
A retort pouch is a flexible can. The product is sealed inside a heat-resistant laminate, then the filled pouch is sterilized under pressure in a retort, usually at 116–121 °C and up to 135 °C for short high-temperature cycles. After sterilization the food is commercially sterile and needs no refrigeration until it is opened.
Two parts of the pouch do the hard work: an outer barrier that keeps oxygen and light out for the whole shelf life, and an inner RCPP sealant that holds its seal at sterilization temperature and is the only layer that touches the food.
In the US, low-acid foods in pouches are processed under a scheduled process filed with the FDA (21 CFR 113). Your process authority sets the cycle; we build the pouch to survive it.
Retort pouch vs. can vs. glass jar
| Retort pouch | Metal can | Glass jar | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight to ship | Light; empty pouches ship flat on a fraction of the pallets | Heavy | Heaviest, breakable |
| Heat penetration | Thin profile heats through faster, so cycles are shorter and food keeps its texture | Slower to the can center | Slowest |
| Shelf life at room temperature | Long on foil builds; shorter on clear builds | Long | Long |
| Microwave reheating | Yes on clear, foil-free builds | No | Lid off only |
| Opening | Tear notch, no tools | Can opener or pull ring | Twist lid |
| Print area | Full surface, up to 10 colors | Label or printed can | Label |
| Curbside recycling | Generally not accepted for multi-layer foil pouches | Widely accepted | Widely accepted |
We put the recycling row in on purpose: if a curbside-recycling claim matters more than weight and shelf impact, a can may still be the better pack.
START WITH YOUR PROCESS
Match the Pouch to Your Retort Cycle
The laminate is chosen by the heat it has to survive, not by how the bag looks. Find your process below, then send us the six numbers below and we recommend one structure in writing.
Up to 100 °C
212 °F and below
Hot fill & pasteurized
Typical productsHot-filled sauces and soups, boil-in-bag sides, pasteurized drinks and purees.
What we buildNY/PE or PET/NY/PE. Cheaper than a retort laminate and fine at this heat.
See the structures ↓116–121 °C
240–250 °F
Standard retort
Typical productsReady meals, curries, cooked rice, beans, soups, wet pet food and most sauces.
What we buildPET/AL/RCPP for long shelf life, or clear PET/NY/RCPP when it must go in the microwave.
See the structures ↓121–135 °C
250–275 °F
High-temperature retort
Typical productsMeat on the bone, seafood, dense low-acid fills, field rations and short high-heat cycles.
What we buildPET/NY/AL/RCPP. The nylon layer resists bones and flex cracking under pressure.
See the structures ↓Send us these six and we can specify your pouch:
- Peak temperature and hold time
- Static or rotary retort, and counter-pressure
- Fill: liquid, chunks, or meat on the bone
- Fill weight and pouch format
- Shelf life you need at room temperature
- Microwave reheating: yes or no
STRUCTURES
Retort Pouch Structures We Make
Four laminates cover almost every retort product we are asked for. Thicknesses are our typical builds in microns; we adjust the sealant gauge to your fill weight.
| Structure | Typical build (microns) | Process temp | Barrier | Microwave | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PET / AL / RCPP | PET 12 / AL 7–9 / RCPP 70–80 | Up to 121 °C | Very high (foil) | No | Ready meals, curries, rice, soups |
| PET / NY / AL / RCPP | PET 12 / NY 15 / AL 7–9 / RCPP 70–100 | Up to 135 °C | Very high + puncture | No | Meat on the bone, seafood, wet pet food, rations |
| PET / NY / RCPP (clear) | PET 12 / NY 15 / RCPP 60–80 | Up to 121 °C | Medium | Yes | Microwavable meals, see-through packs |
| NY / RCPP (clear) | NY 15 / RCPP 60–80 | Up to 121 °C | Lower | Yes | Sauces and sides with shorter shelf life |
Ratings are typical for planning. The final rating depends on adhesive and sealant grade, so we confirm it on a test run of your own cycle before printing.
Inside a four-layer retort pouch, from the outside in
PET 12 µmOuter layer. Carries your artwork, printed on the reverse so ink never touches the retort water.
NY 15 µmNylon. Resists punctures from bones and grains, and flex cracking in the vessel.
AL 7–9 µmAluminum foil. Blocks oxygen, light and moisture for long ambient shelf life.
RCPP 70–100 µmRetort-grade cast polypropylene. Holds the seal through the cycle and is the only layer touching food.
Layers bonded with retort-grade laminating adhesive, fully cured before bags are made.
FORMATS
Pick a Format, Then a Size
All four formats are made in the structures above. Options: tear notch, round corners, retort-grade zipper, spout, matte or gloss finish, and a clear window on foil-free builds.
Stand-up retort pouch
Bottom gusset so it stands on shelf. Most chosen for ready meals, rice and wet pet food. Tear notch standard.
Retort spout pouch
Retort-grade spout and cap for baby food purees, sauces and drinks squeezed straight from the pouch.
Flat three-side seal pouch
Lowest cost per pouch and fastest heat penetration. Single-serve meals, tuna, field rations.
Shaped retort pouch
Die-cut outline for shelf presence on kids’ meals, sauces and premium ranges.
Flat pouch sizes by fill weight
| Size W × H (mm) | Fill | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 90 × 140 | 50–80 g | Condiments, sauce samples, baby food |
| 120 × 180 | 150–200 g | Ready sauces, side dishes |
| 140 × 210 | 250–300 g | Single-serve meals, curries, soups |
| 160 × 230 | 350–450 g | Meal kits, chunky soups, stews |
| 200 × 260 | 800–1,000 g | Family size, foodservice |
Stand-up pouch sizes by fill weight
| Size W × H + gusset (mm) | Fill | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 130 × 200 + 35 | 150–200 g | Wet pet food, small ready meals |
| 150 × 230 + 40 | 250–350 g | Single-serve meals, microwavable |
| 180 × 260 + 45 | 400–600 g | Family meals, cooked rice, pasta |
| 210 × 300 + 50 | 800–1,200 g | Pet food, bulk sauces |
Starting points, not limits: every size is made to order. More detail in our retort pouch size guide.
PRODUCTS
Retort Pouches You Can Order
Each product page lists sizes, structures and options. Every one can be printed with your design.
Aluminium Retort Pouch, Ultimate Barrier
View specifications →Stand-Up Retort Pouches for On-The-Go Foods
View specifications →Bulk Retort Bags for Sale, Top Quality
View specifications →Leading Retort Pouch Supplier, Custom Sizes & Prints
View specifications →Customizable Moi Moi Pouches for Your Business
View specifications →Bulk Moi Moi Pouches, Top Quality at Factory Prices
View specifications →Global Retort Pouch Supply, Trusted by Manufacturers
View specifications →Premium Retort Bags for Sale, Secure & Reliable
View specifications →WHAT CAN GO WRONG
Six Ways Retort Pouches Fail, and How We Build Against Them
A retort pouch only fails in one place that matters: in your vessel, full of your product. These are the failures processors tell us they have seen with other pouches, and what we do about each one.
| Failure | What you see | How we prevent it |
|---|---|---|
| Delamination | Layers separate or blister after the cycle | Retort-grade laminating adhesive and full curing before bag making; bond and seal strength checked on our tensile tester |
| Seal creep or burst | Seals open in the vessel or pouches balloon during heat-up | RCPP sealant with wider retort seals, seal and leak tests, and advice on counter-pressure for your cycle |
| Pinholes and punctures | Bones, grains or flexing crack the foil, leading to leaks and spoilage | A nylon layer and heavier sealant for bony or particulate fills |
| Wrinkles and curl | Pouches distort in the retort and look damaged on shelf | A balanced structure with sealant grade matched to your peak temperature, proven on a test run |
| Off-odor | Residual solvent from ink or adhesive taints the food | Fully cured laminate; odor is one of our 11 release checks on every order |
| Print damage | Ink scuffs, bleeds or turns white in hot water | Reverse printing: the ink sits between layers, not on the outside |
TESTED ON THE RETORT LAMINATE ITSELF
Independent SGS Report on Our Retort Pouch Laminate
Not a report on a generic plastic bag: SGS tested the PET/NY/AL/RCPP laminate we use for high-temperature retort pouches against the EU food-contact rules. It passed.
- Laboratory
- SGS-CSTC Standards Technical Services Co., Ltd.
- Report no.
- CANEC25016938501
- Sample
- YLTPACK retort pouch laminate, PET / NY / AL / RCPP
- Tested against
- EU 1935/2004, (EU) No 10/2011 and (EU) 2025/351, incl. specific migration of heavy metals
- Result
- Pass
This is a test report, not a certification. Selling in the US? We also hold SGS FDA 21 CFR 177.1520 reports on our spout pouch and coffee bag laminates; ask which document matches your structure. Read the report summary →
BEFORE YOU COMMIT
Test Our Pouch in Your Own Retort First
A retort pouch is only proven in your process, so we make that the first step, not the last.
- Structure in writingWithin one business day: one recommended laminate for your cycle and an itemized price.
- Test it in your retortFree stock samples of the closest structure to run through your own cycle. You cover the courier. Custom-structure test pouches are quoted with your order.
- Print and produceArtwork proof, then 7–15 days of production and 11 release checks before packing.
20+ years making flexible packaging6,520 m² plant in Shenzhen30+ machines print, laminate, bag11 checks before every order ships
FROM RETORT CUSTOMERS
What Food Processors Tell Us
Three customers who run our pouches through their own retorts, in the US, Canada and the UK.
Switching to YLTPACK’s retort pouches was one of the smartest decisions we’ve made. The seal strength and consistency are far better than what we used before, and the team actually understands the technical requirements for 121°C sterilization. They catch issues before production, which saves us time and headaches. Highly recommend.
Emily CarterProcurement Manager, RTE Meal Manufacturer, USATheir QC reports and traceability give us real confidence. Every batch is documented, the color stays consistent, and the pouches hold up perfectly during our 30-minute retort cycles. Communication is fast and professional — feels like working with an in-house team rather than an overseas supplier.
Elly BrettSauces & Soups Processor, CanadaWe run many SKUs in different sizes, and YLTPACK handles them all without delays. The pouch strength is excellent, even for heavier wet-food loads. What we appreciate most is the transparency — no hidden fees, quick sampling, and honest delivery timelines we can actually plan around.
Sarah NguyenOperations Manager, Premium Pet Food Brand, UKORDERING
MOQ, Lead Time and What Sets the Price
| Minimum order | 10,000 pcs per design |
| Printing | Rotogravure only, up to 10 colors, reverse printed between layers. We do not digitally print retort pouches. |
| Lead time | 7–15 days after artwork approval |
| Samples | Free stock samples; you cover the courier |
| Design | Free support from our in-house design team |
| What sets the price | Structure (foil and nylon layers), size and thickness, number of print colors (each color needs its own gravure cylinder), quantity, and add-ons such as a spout or zipper |
To quote a retort pouch, send us:
- Format and size, or the fill weight
- Retort temperature and hold time
- Product: liquid, chunks or bone-in
- Shelf life you need
- Quantity per design
- Number of print colors
- Add-ons: tear notch, spout, zipper
- Where it will be sold
Missing a few? Send what you have; we fill the gaps with a recommendation.
Brand owners
Launching or moving a range into retort pouches. Runs start at 10,000 per design, and we help you plan sizes across the range.
Food manufacturers & co-packers
Matching a laminate to an existing retort line and filler. Send your cycle and we specify around it.
Importers & distributors
Stocking retort pouches for several customers, repeat orders and plain or private-label runs.
Retort Pouch Questions, Answered
Straight answers on temperatures, structures, microwaving, shelf life and ordering.
What temperature can a retort pouch withstand?
Our standard retort structures are built for 116–121 °C (240–250 °F). The four-layer PET/NY/AL/RCPP build is used for high-temperature cycles up to 135 °C (275 °F). The final rating depends on adhesive and sealant grade, so we confirm it with a test run of your own cycle.
Which retort pouch structure should I choose?
Choose by process and shelf life. PET/AL/RCPP covers most ready meals and rice at 121 °C. Add nylon (PET/NY/AL/RCPP) for bone-in meat, seafood and cycles above 121 °C. Choose a clear PET/NY/RCPP build when the pouch must be microwaved or show the food, and accept a shorter shelf life.
Can retort pouches go in the microwave?
Only foil-free, clear builds such as PET/NY/RCPP or NY/RCPP. We do not recommend microwaving a pouch that contains aluminum foil. If microwave reheating is a must, tell us at the start so we specify a clear structure.
How long is the shelf life of food in a retort pouch?
It depends on the structure, the product and your process. Foil structures are the usual choice for long ambient shelf life; clear structures suit shorter shelf life. Your process authority validates the final figure for your product; we supply the barrier that supports it.
Are your retort pouches food safe?
Yes. SGS tested our PET/NY/AL/RCPP retort laminate against EU 1935/2004, (EU) No 10/2011 and (EU) 2025/351 and it passed (report CANEC25016938501). Pouches are made in a cleanroom under ISO 22000 food safety management, and we send the documents that match your structure with the quote.
Can I add a window or a zipper to a retort pouch?
A window is only possible on a clear, foil-free build, because a foil pouch cannot be see-through. We do not recommend a window when you need the longest shelf life. Most retort pouches open with a tear notch; if you need a zipper we use a retort-grade one and prove it on a test run.
What is the minimum order for custom retort pouches?
10,000 pieces per design. Retort pouches are printed by rotogravure only, up to 10 colors, with the print reverse printed between layers; we do not digitally print retort pouches. Lead time is 7–15 days after artwork approval.
Can I test the pouches before I order?
Yes, and we recommend it. We send free stock samples of the closest structure so you can run them through your own retort; you only cover the courier. Custom-structure test pouches can be made before full production.
Are retort pouches recyclable?
Not in most curbside programs. Multi-layer pouches with foil are hard to separate. They do use far less material and transport than cans and jars, but if a curbside-recycling claim is essential, tell us and we will talk you through the trade-offs honestly.
Further reading
Reviewed by YLTPACK QC team · Last reviewed: October 2026 · We ship retort pouches to food brands in the US, Canada, the UK, the EU and Australia.
GET A QUOTE
Send Your Retort Cycle, Get a Pouch Specified
The product, your peak temperature and roughly how many pouches is enough to start. We reply within one business day with a recommended structure and an itemized price.
What happens next
- Within one business dayA recommended structure for your cycle and an itemized price.
- Free stock samplesRun them through your own retort. You cover the courier.
- Free design supportOur in-house team prepares or checks your artwork.
- Production7–15 days after artwork approval, 11 checks before packing.
Sent with your quote
- SGS EU migration report on our retort laminate
- ISO 22000 and ISO 9001 certificates
- Your recommended structure and thickness in writing