The Challenge
When Randy Yingling of J. H. Routh Packing Co., a meat processing plant in Sandusky, Ohio, noticed leakage in his Hickory Smoked Pork Shoulder Picnic product line, he had the unenviable task of finding a supplier that fit all of his needs: quick timing and turnaround, increased customer service and attention to his budget.

As part of his internal process, Yingling and Routh began testing several types of bags from a number of suppliers, including versions with various resin compounds and make-ups.  

Yet no matter what type they tested, the problem remained: a high leak rate.

The Solution
In the past, Routh purchased a variety of Flavorseal products, everything from plastic netting to granulated sugar.

So when Flavorseal representative Christine Lewton learned of the leaking bags, she offered Yingling and his team the opportunity to test the Flavorseal Bone Guard Shrink Bags.

“We had been working with Routh on a number of products over the years,” said Lewton. “Because of our relationship, we were able to make the recommendation on a test basis.”

Designed specifically for bone-in, heavy rub, or high-abuse products such as fresh meats, cooked/processed meats, and cheese, the Bone Guard Shrink Bags resist abuse without compromising essential shrink properties. The high-grade, chlorine-free resin formulation is also better for the environment than traditional PVdC barrier shrink bags, and still strong enough to provide complete puncture protection.

The Results
Shortly after the test, the Flavorseal Bone Guard Bags were fully implemented and Yingling immediately found that they alleviated failure rates and significantly diminished the amount of leaks.

“While there was a 40% leak rate with previous suppliers’ bags, (Flavorseal) bags greatly reduced the leak rate. It was quite dramatic”, said Yingling. “They did a remarkable job of resolving our issues and getting our production back to quality standards.”

Flavorseal’s reduced lead times —the amount of time between an order placement and its arrival on a doorstep — is also a huge plus to Yingling and the team at Routh.

 “Their stock rotation program is great, always there when I need it. For instance, a custom-made barrier bag, which would take usually take 4-6 weeks for delivery from any other company, is at my doorstep in two weeks,” said Yingling. “Sometimes, it’s less.”

To learn more about our Bone Guard Shrink Bags, contact us today.