For smaller sizes, however, no supplier offered a pinch-bottom bag. So for these sizes the Elmira, Ontario, division of H.J. Heinz was forced to settle for a multiwall flat-bottom bag, even though management would have preferred a pinch-bottom bag because of its superior stackability and its ability to stand up. Martin finally got the pinch-bottom bag it wanted for its small sizes when Bancroft Bag (W. Monroe, LA) introduced its "Mini Pinch" line. Martin now packages its Techni-Cal® cat food in 2- and 3-kg (4.4- and 6.6-lb) Mini Pinch bags sold in Canada, Europe and Asia. The bag is being considered for other pet food products as well. The Mini Pinch bag is made of a multilayer construction comprising, inside to out, 1-mil biaxially oriented polypropylene/two layers 40# kraft paper/41# clay-coated stock treated with 3M's (St. Paul, MN) FC-807A Scotchban(TM)/UV lacquer. It's said to provide insect resistance and a strong odor barrier. Heat sealing provides sift-resistance, says Bancroft. Martin Pet Foods president Tim Martin says heat sealing required slight modifications to the packaging line. He adds that he likes the way the bag has solved problems with wicking and infestation-serious concerns when dealing with overseas shipping. "The pinch-bottom bag, in this small dimension, opens up a whole new opportunity for us," says Martin.
