Integrated folded paperboard spouts for cartons: how reliable are they?

In the paperboard carton packaging sector, integrated spouts are cut into folded paperboard-type solutions by the carton supplier using a specific paperboard die. This creates a pull-out folded paperboard dispensing spout in the carton that’s used to pour the contents. These solutions are periodically revisited on the market in an attempt to make paperboard boxes more functional, but there are notable issues with some of these systems.

One of the main disadvantages of some dosing systems with integrated folded paperboard spouts is the tendency of the spout to progressively wear as it’s used. This problem is directly related to the characteristics of the paperboard the box and spout are made of; as the folded paperboard wears the functional character of the design becomes less and less efficient.

In fact, while paperboard is indeed a choice with a high ecological value, the paperboard used in traditional cartons often found on the market doesn’t let the spout close again hermetically. What’s more, when the user pushes a fingernail into the cut on the paperboard this bends the edge and breaks down the fibres making them less compact, so the packaging starts to show signs of wear and a loss of quality as soon as it’s opened.

"Solutions with integrated spouts on the market"

The consequences of this deterioration include:

• loss of strength and elasticity: over time, paperboard gradually loses its strength and elasticity, with a knock-on negative effect on the ability of the dosing system to accurately dispense the product;
• accidental product spills: as the integrated spout wears, the user spills product involuntarily every time it’s used, a cause of considerable frustration;
• exposure to external agents: as the spout no longer seals the pack properly, the product inside starts to deteriorate as it’s contaminated by external agents such as humidity, insects or dust. This is particularly problematic with delicate products such as food, where secure storage is essential, but also washing powders subject to lumps forming if they get damp.
• low strength: The drop of glue that bonds the outer edge of the spout to the internal pull-out part often can’t withstand the force the user applies when pulling it out with a finger. Migros is an excellent example. After their experience with the integrated spout in the photo, the company quickly decided to switch to Tacom. Migros is still our loyal customer today, and their customers in turn benefit from complete consumer satisfaction.

"Migros brand packaging compared: on the left the packaging with integrated spout and on the right the product with Tacom's Pac Spout solution"

There are also disadvantages from a technical point of view and in terms of production:

• increased production costs: packs with integrated spouts often require several layers of paperboard. This increases box thickness with additional costs in the production phase, as well as in the folding and gluing stages;
• a drop in production efficiency: increasing pack thickness can produce problems in the packaging phase, making the cartons more complex to manage on the production line. This can result in a loss of production efficiency.

How can you improve the resealing of your paperboard carton in an efficient, time-tested way?

Packaging that’s easy to open, which lets the user dispense the product easily, and guarantees an airtight seal even after it’s been opened numerous times; today, these are essential characteristics for consumer satisfaction.

Some packs with integrated spouts, despite their ecological qualities, may not be the best choice when it comes to guaranteeing secure, airtight product preservation. So it’s essential to use dosing and packaging systems that protect the quality of the contents.

Combining effective resealability and sustainability is possible!

Pac Spout is the perfect combination of the essential qualities a good dosing system should offer. made entirely of 100% water-repellent certified high-density paperboard suitable for food contact, Pac Spout:

• is easy to open;
• convenient for dispensing;
• resistant to wear;
• perfectly resealable even after intensive use;
• completely recyclable;
• protects the contents from humidity and insects;
• prevents accidental product spills;
• promotes customer loyalty;
• makes your pack a fully mono-material, 100% ecological paper pack;
• is compatible with traditional packaging lines;
• offers all this for a very low investment!

Saint Louis Sucre’s experience with an integrated folded paperboard spout

Tacom has been producing Pac Spout for years, and has collaborated actively with many companies on their road to success. One of these is Saint Louis Sucre, who first adopted the Pac Spout in 1964. Over the years, Saint Louis Sucre made its name as a leader on the French market, also thanks to Pac Spout.

In 2010, Saint Louis Sucre decided to abandon Pac Spout in favour of an integrated folded paperboard spout in an attempt to innovate its packaging; the consequences were disastrous. Many consumers were extremely critical of the decision. In just a few months, the company decided to rethink their decision and go back to the original solution, confirming that today, efficiency and functionality in the packaging sector are more important than ever.

Find out more about Saint Louis Sucre's experience, reconfirming their decision to use Pac Spout!

"Comparison of Saint Louis Sucre brand packaging: on the left the packaging with integrated spout and on the right the product with Tacom's Pac Spout solution"