#Spout Pouch share

[qingyingpocketlirary]

Tea Collection 4; Lady Bone Demon Ginger Tea (A herbal tea)

The sudden drop in temperature made MK shiver in his seat as he finished his cup of tea. It had been a very long day, and unlike everyone else who had gotten to sleep most of it, he had been very busy trying to help care for ten little kids who had been crying because they couldn’t wake up their parents. 

Thankfully, he didn't have to worry about it alone, Auntie was still awake and had taken the kids to her home so they’d be inside and safe while he went to the Cloud, since apparently, that was where the Sleep Bug app had been broadcasting from. After a minor confrontation with the Guardians of Knowledge and having to explain everything to the two of them twice, once while fighting them and again after getting his name registered as a user of the Cloud, they’d let him go without a fuss. Then he spent two hours taking all the kids to their homes, one by one and then had to call and tell everything to Pigsy, Mei and Tang. MK had slumped down in the comfy chair and rubbed his face with his hands. 

Auntie put a hot cup of fresh tea in front of him and for the last hour, the two had been chatting about her job as a relic guard and how she knows the Dragon Prince of the East, Ao Bing. Until the sudden chill wash over him.

“Auntie, did you feel a chill just now?” He asked.

She wasn’t his real Auntie, as neither Pigsy nor Tang had a sister, but she had been around since he was a child, and she’d always treated him with kindness and acceptance, even when he proved to be too energetic for other adults in his early days. And she liked being called Auntie, having never had children of her own and being an only child, she found great joy and comfort in knowing she, in her own ways, helped him as a child, even if it was just by being close by and sharing tea with him.

She was wearing a grey dress, one that had long sleeves and a high collar, her faded blue knitted triangular shawl over her shoulders, held closed with a decorative camellia flower brooch. Her favourite scented pouch, shaped like a teapot with a tassel that mimicked poured water from the spout of the pot, was hanging from the empty belt loop of the dress’s waist line and her hair was tied up in its usual high ponytail, decorated with a thin silk ribbon.

“No, I didn’t.” She assured and petted his hair as she passed behind his seat. “But, if you’re getting chills, you had better head off home and get some sleep.” 

“Are you sure? I can stay over if you want me too?” He offered, but she waved him off with a smile.

“You’re always so busy nowadays, it’s like you never stop moving. I wouldn’t feel right adding another thing to your already full plate.” She said. “No, you go home and get some rest. If you have time next weekend to stop by again for tea, I’ll tell you a little more about my role as a relic guard and about Ao Bing?” She promised.

“I’ll always make time to come and visit and have some of your tea, Auntie! It's like, the bestest thing ever besides Pigsy’s noodles!” The boy proclaimed and embraced her in a warm hug before he headed out of the door. “See you next weekend!”

“Remember to eat and take a moment for yourself, MK.” She called after him as she stood at the door. “Drive safely!”

“I will!” MK assured as he hurried into the Tuk Tuk and waved goodbye to her before taking off down the road. “Bye~!!!”

Smiling, the woman closed the door and then locked it. Then she turned around and pressed her back against the door, waiting.

“Show yourself.” She asserted when after a long pause nothing happened.

“My most sincere apologies, dear lady.” The unwelcome guest in her home said with a joyful smile stepping from the shadows of the kitchen doorway behind her. A man with silvery grey hair, a horizontal light blue band of hair perfectly growing from ear to ear across the back of his head, he wore a black suit with blue stripes on the lounge jacket and the lapels, over a light blue shirt and dark blue tie. “It was not my intention to interrupt your evening.”

“What do you want?” She asked.

“I assure you, I mean you no harm.” The man said and offered her a bow, one arm behind his back, the other pressed to his chest, a perfect gentleman’s greeting to a lady, in the modern times.

“You will excuse me if I do not believe those words.” She said, and the man lifted his head to look at her with a raised eyebrow, the very picture of innocence. “You invaded my home, sir. Such is the action of an ill-intended meeting.”

“True! Very true.” The man chuckled gleefully, and rose from his bow, tucking hands behind his back as he spoke. “Ah, but consider, dear lady, if I were here to harm you, I’d have done so the moment you locked the door. Rather foolish of you, is it not?”

“You are bold to assume I have the patience for games.” She stated, and the man blinked his pure white eyes at her. “I asked you a question. Answer it.”

“Very well.” The man said, “My lady would like to speak with you.”

“And if I refuse?” The woman asked.

The temperature of the apartment plummeted, the woman’s breath fogging the air as the man's eyes began to glow an icy blue. “Then I have My Lady’s blessings to bring you to her,” the man said and in the next instance, he stood in front of her, having moved without sound or warning. “By any means.”

She took the time to create a small place for them to have this encounter. A pavilion that overlooked a pond of colourful fish and water flowers, small petals slowly drifting down onto the water’s surface from the trees and rock clinging flowers that grew around the pond and hung over the pavilion’s roof. It seemed perfect, but the air was chilled, and faintly, like a distant sound on a barely noticed breeze, a child was crying, a pitiful sound really, but one that she had to endure until she could make her move. And so, she ignored the sound and instead stood, watching the fish flee and dart around the water below, seeking warmth from the chill she caused just by being there. It helped with some of the frustration she felt about the current situation.

She didn’t need to turn around to see the success of her puppet’s return. The warmth of another being was obvious in a place where the cold was permanent, the only reason she felt it was because her host’s body was mortal and sensitive.

The aura of the young goddess was obvious and so much stronger than it had been before, a sign of just how patient and dutiful she had been in her cultivation of chi to maintain herself as she allowed it to bloom and envelop her in warmth against the cold.

“You may leave us.” She bid her puppet and heard the man’s steps along the corridor that led to the pavilion, leaving her and the younger goddess alone. “Welcome, little tea disciple.” She greeted the other woman.

“Former.” The other stated, confident and sure. “I completed my pilgrimage long ago and was given my praise for it, you know that and more, Lady Bone Demon.”

“Always to the point, Lady Chayi.” She amended herself with a chuckle as she turned to face the other, waving a hand to the table and chairs between them. “Let us speak of this as proper ladies should, no?”

If anyone had witnessed this, they might compare it to a senior lady of the upper classes inviting her junior to a pleasant conversation over tea and some small cakes and fruits. A meeting of two established and distinguished ladies coming together to share gossip and news away from the ever prying eyes and ears of their peers and strangers.

The aura around Lady Chayi was not heavenly, proof that she was still just a mortal goddess despite the title, but it was stronger and brighter than the Lady Bone Demon had expected. There was authority to her now, such that made her almost equal to the lower Heavenly Gods and Young Immortals of bygone days and, most telling that things were not as they appeared, was the lack of fear towards her.

Instead, all the Lady Bone Demon saw was anger and yet, Lady Chayi played along, offering the older woman a respectful bow before the two moved to sit across from one another, one touch of her hand to the pot and suddenly, the strong smell of ginger tea danced between them as the amber liquid was poured without incident.

“Did my puppet’s methods prove too cold for you?” the Lady Bone Demon questioned, almost innocently.

“This is not for you and I, Lady Bone Demon.” The sharpness of the words gave her pause. “It is for the child whose body you have stolen.”

For all of an instant, the distant cries became relief filled sobs. Someone saw her! Someone KNEW she was there and this wasn’t right! Someone was helping!

“I am sorry, dear child, it is not enough to give back what she has taken from you, but this tea will give you some warmth and comfort to tide you over until this whole mess is done with.” Lady Chayi said, her words now soft, tender and almost motherly in nature, meant for the child and not the demoness as she pushed the first cup towards the Lady Bone Demon. “Drink it down and all will be well.”

“You know it will do nothing for me.” Lady Bone Demon stated with a cruel smile, pushing the child further into the edges of her mind. Needlessly cruel yes, but it was a test, to see just how sharply the young one was willing to speak to her elder.

“As I said before, it is not for you.” Lady Chayi repeated, her words sharp as a blade and her eyes hot with a promise unspoken. “You had your puppet bring me here for a reason. State it clearly.”

Oh, how long had it been since someone was bold enough? Too long, so long in fact that it delighted the Lady Bone Demon on some level, that such a young Goddess was willing and indeed able to play the old games so well. 

Like her, Lady Chayi carried herself with the grace and pose of the old ways, but where her body language and her posture played the dutiful role of a much more meek and unassuming lady, her words and eyes told her truths, and acted as her weapons in this game of power between two women.

Allowing the younger woman her small victory, the Lady Bone Demon took the ginger tea in both hands and toasted it towards her, formally acknowledging the victory before she drank deeply, allowing the useless heat of it to pass by her and to surround the child she’d pushed to the very edges of her own mind.

The child welcomed it easily and clung to it desperately, as a babe would cling to their mother. Sobbing and repeating over and over ‘thank yous’ that went unheard.

“It has recently come to my attention, Lady Chayi, that you hold the title of Relic Guard.” She began, her shoulders set and her posture still, the perfect image of a graceful wise senior lady, giving advice and wisdom to her junior on a simple matter as she set her empty cup down with a gentle clink. “And as such, you are currently one who may assist me in reaching my Destiny.”

“Oh,” Lady Chayi asked, sipping from her own cup, keeping herself the perfect picture of a dutifully listening junior as she busied her hands with holding the cup. “And how might I do that, Lady Bone Demon?”

“This relic,” The older woman stated, opening her palm to show the Locked Box image to the younger woman. “I require it to proceed on my path. Originally, I had thought it to be hidden within the Cloud, but after an attempt to retrieve it, I learnt that what had been brought to me was in fact a well made counterfeit item.”

“How unfortunate that you had to waste time on such an endeavour.” The obvious lie fell easily from Lady Chayi’s lips as she set her cup down and instead set about picking a small handful of grapes from the bunch that sat in the bowl between them and set each one delicately onto a small plate.

“Indeed. But it was what prompted further investigation into the matter and what ultimately led me to discover your new title and rank. Relic Guard of the second vault.” The older woman said, folding her hands together and setting them neatly into her lap. Explaining her moves so far and how they each had formed a solid wall that now blocked counter movement Lady Chayi might think of. “According to all that I have found and learnt in my research, you are the key holder to the second vault and if needed, you can enter the first vault even without the blessings of your companion and fellow Relic Guard, the Dragon Prince of the East, Ao Bing.”

“You have been detailed in your investigation.” Lady Chayi nodded, pushing the plated grapes to the older woman, as would be expected of a younger woman when in the company of her higher-ups. Acknowledgement of those walls and blocks in her path. “I will take a bold guess, and say that you want me to find this Locked Box, either within my vault upon Flower and Fruit Mountain or within the Eastern Sea Vault of Ao Bing, and upon finding it, hand it over to you?”

“It would indeed be the wisest and safest option. For everyone involved.” The Lady Bone Demon said, her tone confident and sure as her eyes shone with a promise. A threat not only to Lady Chayi, but to the child within herself if the younger woman did not walk the only path left open to her.

“Hm.” Lady Chayi hummed and took a moment to consider, the Lady Bone Demon allowed this, taking that time to pick one of the grapes from the plate and eat it. Acceptance of her victory over the younger woman.

Then, with a firm gaze that challenged that threat with equal confidence and assurance, she looked the older woman in the eye and said. “No.”

“…” The Lady Bone Demon blinked slowly at Lady Chayi. “No?” She repeated, searching back over their whole interaction, double checking the walls were still in place, still unbroken, still forcing the younger to walk a set way.

“I will not give you what you want, Lady Bone Demon. No matter what you say, threaten or do, I will not break my promises to keep those relics from the hands of wicked tyrants and delusional zealots such as you.” Lady Chayi said. Refusing to move from her place, stubborn and firmly defiant. 

“You would deny me such a simple request when you know there is one who would suffer for your refusal?” The Lady Bone Demon asked as she reached within and-

The child was no longer moved by her will, her presence grounded, solid and unmoveable  no matter how the icy wall tried to shift her. 

“What-” Suddenly, the Lady Bone Demon realised the younger woman had tricked her, the warmth of the tea had completely ignored her, but the child. “That tea-”

“Fresh grown ginger root from my own garden,” Lady Chayi said, and a confident smile slipped across her lips as she continued. “Boiled and steeped in Lotus petal water from Heaven and pocketed within a silk bag, woven by the Late Spider Queen Mother for me when I visited their Hollow on my travels. A combination of the old ways used to give just the smallest relief in these modern days.” She lifted her cup to her lips once more and took a long sip. “As I said, it is not enough to give her the ability to banish you, but it is enough to stop you further harming her.”

A hidden move, a safety rope that had remained unnoticed allowing Lady Chayi to climb one of the walls and gain a means to escape.

“A clever trick, but one that will fade, in time.” The Lady Bone Demon said, reluctantly giving another victory to the younger woman as she pushed the plate of grapes towards the middle of the table. “You are not as in control as you think.”

“I know,” The younger woman said, returning to her starting point in this game. “But right now, my concern is not my safety. It is the safety of that child and the innocent people you are a threat to. And I will not sit idly by and watch you destroy the world humans have created for some grand illusion of perfection.”

“Illusion?” The Lady Bone Demon repeated as ice tore across the ground and up Lady Chayi’s legs to her waist. “My Destiny is no Illusion, little Teapot Goddess. It is what will end the cycle of humanity's endless mistakes and cruelty upon each other, the truest form of perfection without the flaws of sin that constantly drag everyone into the pointless destruction and ruination!”

“And what of the rest of humanity?” The Lady Chayi asked, and the ice cracked, falling away from her body as if melted by summer sunlight. “The honest and good man who loves only his wife and child? The son who works hard to earn approval and the daughter who studies well to earn her keep? The mother who gives her last bite to make sure her child never goes hungry? What of those who help other without repayment or care for statue and selfish image? If you kill everyone because of the mistakes of the few you know are cruel and wicked, you ultimately become the very thing you try to eradicate. A tyrant upon a throne of cruelty, deception and delusion.”

“Such people are the minority.” The Lady Bone Demon snapped, “I will not be swayed from my Destiny by such weak words, Lady Chayi. One way or another, you will give me the Locked Box.”

“I will not. And by your own actions today and your sudden temper, I know that you have no real way to threaten or force me to act.” Now Lady Chayi made her own moves in teh game, each one shattering the walls that had once held her in place. “If my key is used by anyone other than me, Ao Bing will sense it and he will investigate. You are barely strong enough to fight, even with your Puppet’s aid the girl you possess is frail and weak; you’d be no match for Ao Bing. Once he sees you, he will tell Heaven and the Immortals.”

One wall crumbled and broke away, leaving only a low foundation easily stepped over.

“You think Heaven and the Immortal’s will stop me?” Lady Bone Demon laughed at the absurdity of such an idea. “They didn’t step in before, they won’t step in now. Least of all in the matters of the lowly humans they themselves mock and ignore.”

“Even if they don’t dare to act, Sun Wukong will.” Lady Chayi asserted and another wall cracked and crumbled away. “If I am absent from my home for too long, the protections with in will signal him and he will return to investigate. He already knows you are back after you made a show of yourself with the Demon Bull Family. He will find a way to banish you from that girl’s body and without his Master to stay his hand this time, you will be killed and your delusions will die with you.” 

“ENOUGH!” The Lady Bone Demon snarled, sweeping the table with her hand, sending small plate of grapes flying as ice shards grew to deadly point millimetres from Lady Chayi’s face. An eruption of power, meant to scare and remind the younger of her place, forcing her to yield. “You are beneath me in power, Lady Chayi, you will do as I say!”

Lady Chayi stood from her seat, breaking the ice that had come towards her as she looked down at the older woman. A direct challenge to her opponent’s place in the game, a carefully timed counter eruption right at the Lady Bone Demon's feet. “I may be only a minor goddess of a forgotten river, surviving on my own chi and cultivated power. But right now, Lady Bone Demon, the fact that you could hurt me doesn’t bother me. Because right now, for all your show and talk, all your games and threats, you aren’t in control of your own Destiny.”

It was a risky accusation for the Lady Chayi to make, but for all her anger, all her desire and want to strike the younger across the face for her blatant rudeness and her outrageous behaviour to her elder, the Lady Bone Demon knew she couldn’t.

The rules of the game they both played were clear as black ink of white paper, you can’t argue with the truth. You can dance about it with pretty lies, sweet nothings and hollow promises, you can avoid it with other matters and side topics of the day, and you can even ignore it as you busy yourself with distractions; but you can not argue with it.

Truth won this game, and the truth was that the Lady Bone Demon wasn’t in control.

The host body she used was too weak and frail for her full power, and her puppet, loyal and true as he was, couldn’t move freely about now that he housed most of her power without drawing attention to himself and her by proxy.

She was at a stand still without the Locked Box’s contents. She needed the help of the Spider Clan to gather it and the other Relics she’d need for her to proceed with her plan, and until she had them, her destiny lay not in her own hands, but in the hands of the Spider Queen.

Lady Chayi did not know this, and yet, even without that knowledge, she’d used what she had and built a far more secure wall around the Lady Bone Demon, with no escape or ability to move. 

She had cut off the icy chills that tormented the child within, even if only for a while. Rendering the child worthless as a bargaining chip in this game.

Lady Chayi’s standing as a trusted figure to the Eastern Dragon Prince and her friendship with the Monkey King made her vital to the day to day lives of normality. Removing or harming her in anyway would trigger a domino effect that would ruin everything that was already on such shaky ground.

The Lady Bone Demon had been beaten with her own methods in this game, and by a lesser goddess!

“I would say it was a pleasure to talk to you again, but we both know I would be lying.” Lady Chayi said, dusting herself off. Acknowledgement of her victory over her elder even though the Lady Bone Demon did not admit defeat herself.

“My Lady?” the puppet’s voice called as he arrived, drawn by her growing anger and frustration no doubt.

“Tend your lady well, puppet, but before I go, allow me to leave you with wisdom from an old friend.” Lady Chayi offered, and finished the last of her ginger tea, setting the cup down silently. “The cycle is absolute, and to reach it wholly, we must accept that it does not bend to our will, rather it is we who bend to it.”

And then, with a perfectly respectful bow, Lady Chayi walked calmly from the pavilion, her composure perfect and unwavering even as one of the teacups shattered against one of the pillars of the corridor behind her as she faded away.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This conversation happens during the time the Spider Demons are taking time to grieve and recover in the Spider's Web story between part 4 and part 5. for that reason, I also tagged The Spider's Web in this Tea Collection.

[rubctosis]

The space made uncomfortable by rapid, heated breaths -- trailed from a single person, though the gasps were a pair. Frankly: hadn't he better things to do with his time? Any other, the same price as the coins clinking about in his pouch, arguably with less hassle, less... mouth. Law, for all his unknowables, was a man weighed heavily with obligation. Boothill knew, 'cause he bared the same mountain; recognized it in misguided snaps and harsh corrections.

So, whenever offered the chance for relief, any sane man would take it. Nevertheless, Boothill wasn't expecting a yes, and Boothill hadn't necessarily realized what he had proposed until it departed his cracked lips. Surely, something he would have tossed on the table after drinking his years away, but sobriety was his catalyst tonight; however still, the night would've fared better with some age-old whiskey lubricating his thoughts.

"Not too late to back out," spoken against the thrum of his pulse, teeth a hair from sinking in - best to wait 'till Law spouted something snarky, something to earn the dagger waiting to plunge. "'Case you think yer too good 'fer me. I can promise ya,"

Mouth navigating upward, Boothill nipped at a piercing, tugged it between his teeth.

"I can give ya' better than what ya' can find on the street. Gives off heat 'n everything, grip tighter than a cobra."

ofhope asked: unprompted // always accepting !

 𝐒𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐏 𝐆𝐎𝐋𝐃𝐄𝐍 𝐇𝐔𝐄𝐒  dark and narrowed, flickered from the gunslinger's row of sharp teeth to the man’s smug expression. He didn’t respond right away—he rarely did when offered something so .... His posture remained stiff, professional, but the air around him seemed to drop in temperature, an edge of irritation sharpening his features. The words, though tempting in their promise of pleasure, made the surgeon's brow knit, the faintest twitch of his lips betraying a brewing annoyance. The dim light in the room caught the glint of his piercings as Boothill toyed with one, teeth scraping against steel. Law’s pulse was steady—calm, despite the heated press of the cyborg's breath and the tension drawn taut between them. He let the other man's words hang in the air like the smoke of a smoldering fire, acrid and cloying. For a moment, it was unclear whether he’d answer at all.

Then came the snark.

❝ Are you trying to sell yourself to me or convince yourself I’m worth the effort? ❞  Law’s voice was low, edged with frost, a sharp contrast to the palpable heat he exuded. The piercing Boothill had tugged on caught Law’s attention again, the glint of metal making his lip twitch—a slight reminder of how far this conversation had gone already. He could walk away. He could easily walk away. But instead, he stepped a fraction closer, his fingers brushing over the edge of the piercing, not to tug it, but to press it just slightly harder against Boothill’s lips. His golden-flecked eyes, framed by the uneven shadow of his lashes, gleamed faintly, pupils narrow pinpricks. A lazy smirk, almost mocking, curled his lips, the slightest flash of teeth. 

the cyborg wasn't exactly a man of patience, and neither was the surgeon, apparently, given the sudden clash of their mouths. Boothill wasn't the first to initiate contact, but law was the one to deepen it; the only way to shut the smug bastard up. it Felt more like an attack than a kiss, canines biting onto the flesh of his lip. 

❝ Don't get fucking cocky . . .❞  there's a certain grace one wields when it comes to this particular kind of dominance. a power that needs no brute force. law wields it just as well as any scalpel. they're good at it. they aren't the only deciding factor, however. law isn't particularly good at emotions, or rather allowing themselves to process them. always one to compartmentalize. so this... this openness, the words rolling from their tongue — this bubble of time the two of them are sharing are just as beneficial for law as it is for the cowboy to be wanted, needed. Law pressed their mouths together, The kiss was rough, his mouth opening to nip and bite at the gunslinger's lower lip, tongue flicking out to taste metal and whiskey. A single step. An answer. A yes.

[needfantasticstories]

Whumpy WIP - Sky

AO3 link at bottom. Constructive criticism is welcome.

Summary:

Link (Sky) meets unexpected guests. (The intensity ramps up sharply here.)

TW: abduction, because it's what bro tries to do most of his game besides dueling.

Chapter 9: The Dorm

Dim lamps washed out the stained class colors of the Knight’s Academy hallway. Link walked past the stairs and into his room, mind heavy with anger and exhaustion.

He understood Zelda’s desire to fight alongside the knights. She grew up among them, they’d become family. She’d trained under captain Eagus too, and she could take on monsters with technical prowess even Fi would be forced to spout high statistics about, if she were around. No one doubted she could hold her own one-on-one.

But a battle against an unknown invading force? None of them had trained for that.

He wished he had the nerve to go after Zelda; to fly Crimson up despite the late hour and find Indigo. He could find a way to explain that she was a great fighter, that he’d be honored to defend Skyloft by her side, but did she not see what she meant to the rest of the people? How many of them would die for her? How often they’d come to her with concerns and disputes and she resolved them before even needing to involve Gaepora? How they freely shared with her their deepest fears and hopes as if that was easy and normal? How she loved them so easily? How she pushed them all to do, and become, better? Even the elders listened to her as much as she listened to them.

She was more than a knight; she represented their hope. Few in Skyloft knew her divine identity, but they hardly needed to. She radiated wisdom and strength and determination. She gave them courage, made them feel strong.

What would happen if Zelda fell in battle?

And who would meet the end of their blades in the days to come, anyway? What did this mysterious enemy want?

Demise and Ghirahim died, their remaining auras locked within three chests hidden across time and not even he was allowed by Zelda to know where. The demon hordes were dying out or rendered harmless, and not a single one of the tiny political factions in Skyloft had enough venom or strength to fight the entire archipelago.

“Those like you, and those like me…”

The memory rankled him. Lies from a demon, not to be trusted. He had to face this new reality, not dwell forever in the past. Who knew what other threats were out there, as hidden as the surface had once been. He tried to clear his head, to find the courage to look ahead.

Who, then, would be coming? The monsters up here were nearly extinct. And why had Fi asked him to turn her back to the Goddess blade, and raise Hylia back to the sky? How would that fix a break in time? And who would want to engulf such a small island chain in flames?

He opened his door and stepped into the soothing darkness. He could not wait to sleep. Having lived in this same room at the Knight’s Academy for nearly a decade, Link knew every inch of it, and didn’t waste time lighting lamps or feeling around for his chair. He knew every creaking board and bump in the rug by muscle memory.

He crossed to the far wall between his desk and his bed, and pulled off his tunic and chainmail and set them squarely on the chair’s back, the seat angled forty degrees from the table facing him. He draped the clothes and smoothed them out, ready to be cleaned tomorrow.

The senior-class knight initiates, like him and Pipit, had evacuation drills at dawn. He felt tired just thinking about it, plus he’d promised to help Groose with gathering materials using those rude little flying machines Gondo and Zelda loved so much, even if they were great at moving materials to the camps. Hopefully he’d get through the day without smashing one for insulting his pants…again. Perhaps he’d squeeze a meal or two in, though he always kept a glass of pumpkin stew in his pouch these days.

He slipped his boots off and set them aside. He’d have to polish them soon or Gaepora would chide him for not living up to the knights’ dress code. The surface had not been kind to them. But would he really notice with all the drills and preparations for the invasion underway? Could he put it off one more day? He was so tired.

A gleam of moonlight on something red and white glimmering near the door caught his eye. His mind flashed a panicked thought: Ghirahim?! Shivers ran up and down his spine.

Goddesses, I’m more tired than I thought. The demon was gone, sealed away. Skyloft had divine wards against demons too, thanks to Batreaux’s help fixing gaps in the wards–the same he’d used to get in to become human.

Link looked for what red and white glimmer he’d misinterpreted, and wondered if it was ever there in the first place, or simply nerves and exhaustion. A bell had rung not long ago, marking two hours past midnight. It’s just nerves. No sense fretting until the fight comes.

Still, the air felt different. It felt wrong: a darkness too thick, a quiet too watchful. He held his breath, listening.

He could hear Fletch breathing from under the screen separating their rooms. He took a slow step toward his lamp by the door. Then another, tense and watching every direction.

Nothing.

He sighed. He was being a coward.

He squared his shoulders and marched to the door.

A small chime cut the silence as he reached for the handle. A hand touched his shoulder.

He whipped back around to look, wishing for his blade.

Heavy, scaly claws grabbed his wrists and sliced into his biceps as they gripped his upper arms. They yanked his arms taut to either side, pinning him in place just inside the door.

As his mind raced to catch up, another pair of claws clamped around his throat and mouth. He wished he’d opened the door faster. He planted his bare feet and shoved, but they held firm as boulders, something huge flapping around them. Wings?

Crimson, something’s wrong! Find Zelda! He felt his sleeping bird’s mind stir. He repeated the thought.

The hand on his throat closed tighter. He couldn’t breathe! He struggled to twist away. Escape was so close! If he could just yell! He tried to bite the scaly claw holding his mouth, but it had his jaw clamped tight. He bucked and writhed, but they seemed to anticipate his moves, and held him firmly in place. They maneuvered to hold steady any time he gained the slightest ground, huge leather wings snapping as he fought the free himself.

Since when do lizalfos have wings? He thought, stars flashing in his vision. His lungs burned, aching to pull in air.

It doesn’t matter! He thought, trying to bring his fists together so he could add momentum to his elbows, Just get free, then worry about it! They wrenched his arms back apart, and his shoulders ached at the force. White filled the periphery of his vision. One hissed at him, and his body began to slump in their hold. He slumped.

He had to find a weakness, fast.

He tried to relax and keep what little air remained. The hand on his throat eased up, and he caught his breath, panting through his nose, as he studied the monsters. He strained to look at the blue lizard on his left.

A silver, horned helmet and beaded bracelets glinted in the light from the window. It wore a red silk waist wrap and matching scarf over its lengthy abdomen, like common Skyloft clothes in design, oddly sophisticated for a demon-lizard. It was as strong as a dark lizalfos, and its breath reeked of sulfur too. Enormous leather wings reached the ceiling, and flapped to help the beast counter Link’s renewed resistance as he tested it. Yellow eyes leered at him from the blue brows. He glared back, then slowly looked to the attacker on his right, the claw over his mouth giving just enough for him to do so, praying to Hylia for better luck.

This red lizard towered over Link. He strained to look up high enough to see its glowing yellow eyes. It snarled at him as he pulled his arm to test it; the long, scarred snout stretched in a horrifying grin with dagger-sized teeth. It was enjoying this.

Link felt dread in his stomach, threatening to weaken him as orange flames danced in the back of its throat. His wide stance faltered as adrenaline shook him, and it gripped his arm tighter. His wrist felt close to snapping.

Link drew on that rush of adrenaline and pulled explosively to avoid the burst of flame he feared would come any moment now, but it only strained his shoulder as the beast continued to leer. If it chose to, trapped and compromised like this, one breath could kill him.

Yet it did not.

Dark lizalfos, the ones he’d found in Skyloft Temple, could breathe paralyzing poison as well as flames. Link wondered if these beasts could do the same. No wonder he felt so weak.

They should have killed him by now. Did that mean they wanted him alive?

The lizard behind him squeezed his head tight in front and behind and faced him to the window.

Two more winged lizalfos had appeared inside. Moonlight illuminated the bombchu-like spiked helmet and multicolor feather necklace on a shorter gray one, and cast a terrifying shadow from the heavy fur cloak of a much taller one with full-body black tattoos. Four more peered in from outside, at least that he could see.

He had lost this fight before it began. The shadows in the room grew deeper.

A cold silk glove brushed lightly across his cheek.

No! It has to be another nightmare.

Link strained against them with strength he didn't know he had left.

It didn’t make a difference. With terrible timing, his stamina failed him again, and he slumped within the hands that now held him upright. He gasped, struggling to catch his breath through his nose while his throat seemed determined to close. He watched the familiar hand in dread as it finished brushing from below his eye and up to his temple.

This is some new version of the Silent Realm, a test of courage. This isn’t real. It’s a dream. Hylia is testing me.

“Hello, Skychild,” The demon laughed. He felt sick as the thumb ran softly across his cheek again.

Link closed his eyes. Wake up! Dear Hylia, let me wake up!

“I will make you deaf from the sound of your own screams” came the unwanted memory.

“Such poor manners. It’s unspeakably rude to keep visitors waiting for so long? But why the look of surprise, Skychild? Didn’t I make you a promise? I intend to keep it.”

The demon’s tongue slithered and whipped like a snake.

He shivered and kept his eyes closed. The piercing claws would not let him turn away, though he tried.

Crimson, get help! But stay away!

“I brought some friends from another time to meet you, Skychild. They are quite adept at fighting, having faced a hero such as yourself in another era. I’m rather thrilled at how lizalfos have evolved into a more glorious form: the aeralfos. More adept, more agile, more intelligent, and they work in teams! They’ve even adopted fashion! I’m rather taken with them. I expect Skyloft will see more and more of my friends in the coming days,”

The monsters around him laughed.

This was the enemy? This was what the knights of Skyloft would face?

Crimson’s thoughts came to him. Cant get out! Can’t get out!

“I suppose you have the right to be surprised to see me, Skychild. After all, those wards have kept us demons at bay for centuries. Only one with divine power can surpass them. Luckily, I have found just such an ally. What divine power that witch has! Portals through time, the kind I had to chase down for over a century, she can make with a flick of her scrawny little wrist! Oh, delicious power! The possibilities have been thrown wide open if I can but convince her to assist with Demise’s return! Well, one of his more competent incarnations, at least. I felt positively giddy as a bird in Spring when she accepted my services,” he smiled and carded his fingers through Link’s hair, “But that’s not what she truly wants,” he smiled.

“No, all that snobby, spoiled little bookworm wants, all she pines for like a wounded dog, are pathetic little heroes like you,” Ghirahim clicked his tongue, “Such a tragic waste of divine power,” The demon lord sighed.

Link held himself still, trying to understand but nothing was making sense. Who was he talking about? What witch? What heroes?

“So, the fates have united us again. Letting you scurry around proved disastrous last time; nothing but setback after setback! You thwarted my hard work at every turn with your pestering! And you had the audacity to defy my master. You took my victory and stole it at the last moment! You do not deserve to be alive, worm,” he glowered, “You and Hylia’s brat have intervened enough already! So clever, breaking up Demise’s soul and hiding away the sword,” he glowered, “But now… I did promise to punish you, didn’t I?”

Link’s heart felt like a stone in his chest, plummeting. This, he understood. This, he’d been anticipating it somewhere deep in his soul for months now. Would they kill him afterwards? Would they not bother to wait and do it here, in his room, where Zelda might be the first to find his body on this floor, cold and stiff? He thrashed at the thought.

Crimson sent waves of panic to him. Pain! Light! Escape!

Crimson! What’s wrong!? Get away!

Ghirahim gripped Link’s throat in steely fingers, and slowly squeezed. Link stayed still, measuring his breaths until the airway closed. He’d hold on as long as he could. He’d not give Ghirahim the satisfaction of seeing him panic.

Ghirahim smiled, and released his grip slowly.

“Sadly for Cia, I must destroy her preferred hero. But I need to keep her on my side. And if Cia wants a hero, then if she is loyal, she shall have one,” He stepped back, and looked to the aeralfos on his right, “Craw, is your name, is it? Good. Bind him.”

At this news, Link dropped his weight, hoping to break their grip with the sudden movement. They did not falter, and scaled hands forced his wrists together and bound them in coarse rope, then pinned his upper arms at his side and bound them to his chest as well. The green claw over his mouth pulled his jaw down hard, shoving rags into his mouth, then pulled a fabric tightly over the rags, and tied them in place at the back of his head.

The blue one lifted him like a child as the red, scarred monster grabbed his kicking feet and bound his bare ankles together. They carried him toward the window, claws digging into his thigh. Drawing blood.

As they passed his dresser, Link’s feet were just close enough to strike.

He kicked hard, shoving it against the wall. Craw stumbled a half step, but Link prayed it proved to be enough. Fledge lived on the other side. The boy had grown remarkably strong, but he was still terrified of bumps in the night. He might run to Groose, and maybe Groose would find help instead of diving in headfirst, and maybe, just maybe, they’d tell the knights. Too many “hopefully”s, but he had no other choice. If the invasion had begun early, they all needed to evacuate.

Ghirahim’s dagger sliced his arm as they set him down, and he yelped under the gag, his thoughts scattered. Another dagger was poised in the air, floating between his eyes.

“Behave, boy. Or I could send these aeralfos to butcher every last one of your dear Hylians in their sleep,” Ghirahim hissed and then snapped.

Link and the aeralfos reappeared in the cold grass outside his room in the midst of the other waiting aeralfos. They wore cloaks to disguise their monstrous forms. The aeralfos’ hot breath sent puffs of steam in the cold air.

“Quietly now. I want this to be a surprise. Take him to the Faron entrance, and be quick.”

The demon disappeared.

Crimson, is anyone coming? He felt nothing in reply. Crimson! Are you alright?

Craw hoisted him, claws digging into his shoulder and thigh again. Link shivered in the cold and looked back to his home.

Two aeralfos threw a lit torch into his room. He bucked and twisted in their grip again, and tried to yell, but to no avail. Hadn’t Ghirahim just said not to draw attention? But if someone could see it, perhaps they’d just helped him.

They ran through the gate and downhill toward the island’s edge.

They reached the edge of Skyloft. The gray aeralfos holding him spread his wings and, without ceremony or warning, the invaders jumped off the edge.

Link’s whole body stiffened and he grabbed at the monster for something to hold. He could only find a handful of beads that broke off. They were freefalling. No sense of lightness, freedom, or familiarity accompanied his fall now. No crimson loftwing would come. His body prickled with terrifying weightlessness. The screech of a loftwing pierced the night sky above him, and he searched for a sign of a bird or rider.

I struggle with most of this fic, but the whump parts are turning out well with all the inspiration around tumblr, so here's some more of my obsession with a particular villain. He's in 3 of my 4 WIPs as THE villain (among many). I also REALLY like aeralfos now.

I'll be editing this bad boy in the future, so constructive criticism is welcome. I can take it if you give me something nice to wash it down.

(This one eventually ties in with Blood and Blade)

[teneguine]

"Owa-ahem- um... Oberon," Lucina is careful to correct herself, whether the students that still linger in the classroom are paying attention or not, "I had meant to bring you this earlier, but..."

But it didn't feel extravagant enough. Nothing she could give him would ever compare to that which he had given her. In all of their years bound by both blood and friendship, Lucina's mind had never once held the same wonder as his.

For a time she had envied that, had wished to compare to the brilliance her cousin could spout off without even a second thought, but it had taken only a handful of years for envy to wane into admiration. She would never be Owain, but she didn't need to compare to appreciate the companion that he made.

Still, it was a little difficult to rival a giant bird when it came to birthday gifts.

Exalt picks her way carefully through the room and towards his desk, determined despite her own silly embarrassment. Only when she has come to face him finally does she remember to breathe, do her shoulders relax and her lips melt into a smile.

Because she was not Owain, and he had never expected her to be.

"I had this made a bit ago by a local smith... it's all leftover material, but I figured every weapon these came from has a story for you to come up with." It feels silly, she feels silly, but she hands a little linen pouch over to him anyway.

Inside is a bracelet of soft, braided leather adorned with old steel. There's a tiny engraving on the inside, one carved carefully to resemble their shared brand.

"It's no sheath, it doesn't serve any practical purpose, but..." Exalt shakes her head, "I have something from you to carry with me always, I figured it was time I returned the favor."

A hand comes to his shoulder, squeezing gently. Her voice has quieted now, enough so that it does not dare reveal his true name to those still in earshot. "Happy birthday, Owain."

//via birthday asks; no longer accepting

Crimson flashes over his cheeks. Owain has half the mind to remind Lucina that speaking his name in public is an easy way of ruining his mysterious secret. But he can hardly muster up a word before she picks back up again, explaining what sounds like a rigorous process for picking out a gift.

Just this once, he'll let it slide.

"By the blustering axe of Bartre! Lucina, this sounds legendary! You really shouldn't have... But seeing as how you did, let's take a look inside..."

His gaze widens as he accepts the gift, cloth entering the palm of his hand. "It looks small, but..." carefully, his fingers enter from the top. They widen its cinch until they can fit, and as soon as he can feel what's inside, Dark recoils.

"G-GAAHHHH! But its power...!!"

It is unveiled with a dramatic fling, its carrier left to drift onto the floor. Now, unraveled and in the light, it can be inspected by Owain. As his eyes trace over its form, tilting it to get a look at all its different angles, he makes a strange sort of face. Like he's being overwhelmed by dark energies or assaulted by some voice of the abyss. He gives off the impression that the distance he holds it from his face is entirely necessary.

"URRGH! Can't... Control... AUGH! MY ACHING BLOOD!!!"

Dark slips it round the wrist of his branded hand. It's a perfect fit, though one Lucina will not see for long, for he instantaneously flips back and unsheathes his sword.

"This ceaseless artifact of famed might has unleashed the slumbering supernova within my soul!" Reforged steel cuts a clean stroke across the open air. Then again, and a third time for good measure. None of his attacks are aimed at Lucina, but rather some pretend foe he seems to be making up for the sake of expressing his gratitude. "Darkness unending! I could sever the bonds between the fabric of reality and marble of time if I so dared! URAHH! My chosen relic, which I dub The Band of Starlit Might, fuses with the stratosphere of my cosmic form, granting me total invincibility!"

To round out his routine, he lowers his Missiletainn and holds his fist to the sky. There, Lucina can see how the bracelet fits--its brand perfectly showcased on his arm.

"This gift is incredible, o Exalted One! Thank you, from the bottom of my heart!" Dark stops to flash a few more poses, allowing his cousin to get the most out of her gift by watching him enjoy it. Some see him layer his hands over his body to conceal what wishes to remain mystique and reveal what brims with power, others invoke a stronger sort of meaning--either taking the shape of a noble weapon or familiar animal to achieve the effect.

"I shall never take it off," he declares, finally stepping forward to squeeze Lucina against his chest, "not even during bath time!"

[rahulverma45]

Spout Pouch Market 2025 Assessment and Key Insights Analyzed Till 2035

The global spout pouch market is poised for robust growth, with an estimated market size of USD 2.2341 billion in 2024 and an anticipated compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.9% over the next decade. This growth trajectory is expected to elevate the market to a valuation of approximately USD 3.2856 billion by 2034. The rising demand for flexible, sustainable, and consumer-friendly packaging solutions is at the heart of this market expansion.

Spout pouches are a cutting-edge packaging innovation designed primarily for liquid and semi-liquid products. Their flexibility, durability, and convenience have positioned them as an indispensable packaging format across various industries. The pouches are lightweight and airtight, which not only extends product shelf life but also reduces transportation costs and environmental impact compared to rigid packaging alternatives like glass or plastic bottles.

Explore Opportunities – Get Your Sample of Our Industry Overview Now! https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2197

The adaptability of spout pouches allows manufacturers to produce them in several forms: flat pouches, side gusset pouches, and stand-up pouches, each tailored to specific product requirements and consumer preferences. This customization capability ensures a broad applicability across sectors such as food and beverage, personal care, pharmaceuticals, and household chemicals.

Key Takeaways From the Spout Pouches Market

The global spout pouch industry was valued at USD 1.8894 billion in 2019 and reached USD 2.1034 billion in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 2.7%.

India is expected to dominate the spout pouch market with a robust CAGR of 6.2% over the assessment period.

China’s spout pouch market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.6% from 2024 to 2034.

Thailand’s market is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 5.1% during the forecast period.

Stand-up spout pouches are set to lead the market, holding a 64.1% value share in 2024.

The cosmetics and personal care sector is the largest end user, with a 36.7% value share in 2024.

Growth Drivers: Why the Spout Pouch Market is Expanding

Several factors contribute to the robust growth forecast of the spout pouch market:

Consumer Convenience: Modern lifestyles demand packaging that supports quick and mess-free consumption. Spout pouches provide this by allowing resealing and controlled dispensing, making them ideal for busy consumers.

Sustainability Trends: With increasing environmental awareness, companies are shifting from rigid plastic bottles to flexible pouches that require less raw material and generate less waste. Many manufacturers are also exploring recyclable and biodegradable materials for spout pouches, further boosting market appeal.

Versatility Across Industries: Beyond food and beverages, spout pouches are gaining traction in personal care (e.g., shampoos, lotions), pharmaceuticals (liquid medicines), and household products (cleaning liquids), broadening the market’s scope.

Technological Innovations: Advancements in pouch design, barrier technologies, and spout engineering are enhancing product functionality, shelf life, and aesthetic appeal. Innovations such as tamper-evident closures and child-resistant spouts improve safety and compliance, attracting more end-users.

Emerging Markets: Rising disposable incomes and urbanization in emerging economies increase the demand for convenient packaged goods, driving the adoption of spout pouches in regions such as Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Africa.

Cost Efficiency and Supply Chain Advantages

Compared to traditional packaging, spout pouches offer cost benefits due to lower raw material consumption, reduced shipping weight, and optimized storage efficiency. Their flexibility allows them to be shipped flat and filled at the destination, reducing logistics costs and minimizing carbon emissions.

For manufacturers and retailers, these supply chain advantages translate into better inventory management and cost savings. The ability to quickly adapt packaging size and design also reduces time-to-market for new products, enabling businesses to respond swiftly to market trends and consumer demands.

Competitive Landscape: Market Players and Strategies

The spout pouch market is characterized by the presence of several global and regional packaging manufacturers competing on innovation, quality, and sustainability credentials. Leading players focus on research and development to enhance barrier properties, improve spout mechanisms, and reduce environmental footprints.

Key Manufacturers in the Spout Pouch Market

Amcor Ltd.

Mondi Group

Berry Global Inc.

Huhtamaki Group

Sealed Air Corporation

Smurfit Kappa Group

Glenroy, Inc.

ProAmpac

Constantia Flexibles

Coveris Holdings S.A.

Sonoco Products Company

Printpack

Key Segments of Market Report

By Material:

Material is segmented into material, plastic, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyester (PET), bioplastics, pcr plastics, aluminum foil, and paper.

By Product:

Stand-up spout pouch and flat spout pouch are the products.

By Capacity:

Less than 200 grams, 200 to 500 grams, 501 to 1000 grams, and above 1000 grams are the capacities.

By End Use:

End use is classified into food, beverages, cosmetics and personal care, home care, pharmaceutical, and other industrial.

By Region:

The industry is spread across North America, Latin America, Europe, East Asia, South Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East and Africa.

[rutukadam]

Stand-up Pouches Market to be Worth $52.1 Billion by 2032

Meticulous Research®—a leading global market research company, published a research report titled, ‘Stand-up Pouches Market by Material (Plastic, Foil, Paper, Bioplastic), Closure (Tear Notch, Spout, Zipper, Slider), End User (Food & Beverage, Beauty & Personal Care, Agriculture, Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Others), and Geography -Global Forecast to 2032.’

According to this latest publication from Meticulous Research®, the stand-up pouches market is projected to reach $52.1 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 7.8% from 2025 to 2032. The growth of the stand-up pouches market is primarily driven by the rising demand for packaged food & beverage products and the increasing demand for flexible packaging solutions. However, stringent government regulations for plastic packaging products restrain the growth of this market. Furthermore, consumers’ changing lifestyles & food preferences and technological advancements in packaging materials are expected to generate opportunities for market growth. However, the increased focus on waste recycling & management and the availability of alternative packaging options are major challenges in the stand-up pouches market.

The stand-up pouches market is segmented based on material, closure type, and end user. The study also evaluates industry competitors and analyzes the market at the regional and country levels.

Based on material, the stand-up pouches market is segmented into plastic, foil, paper, and bioplastic. In 2025, the plastic segment is expected to account for the largest share of over 43.0% of the stand-up pouches market. The segment’s large share is attributed to the benefits of plastic, such as durability, cost-effectiveness, light weight, and lower shipping costs of plastic compared to other materials.

However, the bioplastic segment is expected to record the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The growth of this segment is driven by growing consumer awareness about environmental concerns, dynamic regulatory standards, and the ongoing push toward sustainability, which includes replacing plastic-based packaging products with biodegradable materials.

Based on closure type, the stand-up pouches market is segmented into tear notch, spout, zipper, and slider. In 2025, the zipper segment is expected to account for the largest share of over 36.0% of the stand-up pouches market. The segment’s large share is attributed to the rising need to prevent stored items from coming into direct contact with air and protect products from dust, humidity, and other pollutants, coupled with the rising consumer demand for easily resealable pouches.

However, the spout segment is expected to record the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The growth of this segment is driven by benefits such as convenience, ease of use, and improved product protection, and the increasing use of spout packaging to store, transport, and dispense various liquids, pastes, and powders.

Based on end user, the stand-up pouches market is broadly segmented into food & beverage, beauty & personal care, agriculture, chemicals, healthcare & pharmaceuticals, automotive, and other end users. In 2025, the food & beverage segment is expected to account for the largest share of over 40.0% of the stand-up pouches market. The segment’s large share is attributed to the increasing use of stand-up pouches for packaging food products such as ready-to-eat meals, breakfast cereals, grains, gourmet products, frozen fruits & vegetables, and frozen fruit pulp, and beverage products such as flavored juices, energy drinks, tea, and coffee, and market players’ growing focus on developing clear stand-up pouches to preserve food quality and enhance product appeal.

However, the beauty & personal care segment is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The growth of this segment is driven by the rising consumer spending on beauty & personal care products and the increasing use of stand-up pouches by beauty & personal care product manufacturers to protect items from contamination, light, air, and temperature variations and reduce product waste with longer secondary shelf life and maximum product evacuation.

Based on geography, the stand-up pouches market is segmented into North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. In 2025, Asia-Pacific is expected to account for the largest share of over 42.0% of the stand-up pouches market. Asia-Pacific’s large share is attributed to the growing food processing and retail sectors, changing lifestyles, the increasing demand for convenient packaging, rapid urbanization, and increasing consumer spending power in the region.

Moreover, Asia-Pacific is expected to register the highest CAGR of over 9.0% during the forecast period. The growth of this regional market is driven by market players’ increasing focus on introducing sustainable solutions to fulfill market needs. For instance, in February 2022, Shako Flexipack Pvt. Ltd. (India) introduced a jumbo 5-liter stand-up pouch for food and non-food applications. The product offers better shelf life, is more environmentally friendly, and is lightweight and cost-effective.

Key Players:

The key players operating in the stand-up pouches market are Amcor plc (Switzerland), Mondi plc (U.K.), Smurfit Kappa Group plc (Ireland), Sonoco Products Company (U.S.), Coveris Group (U.K.), ProAmpac (U.S.), Berry Global Group, Inc. (U.S.), Huhtamaki (Finland), Constantia Flexibles (Austria), Winpak Ltd. (Canada), Bischof+Klein SE & Co. KG (Germany), FLAIR Flexible Packaging Corporation (U.S.), Glenroy, Inc. (U.S.), and Uflex Limited (India).     

Download Sample Report Here @ https://www.meticulousresearch.com/download-sample-report/cp_id=5902

Key Questions Answered in the Report:

·  Which are the high-growth market segments based on material, closure type, and end user?

·  What was the historical market size for stand-up pouches?

·  What are the market forecasts and estimates for the period 2025–2032?

·  What are the major drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges in the stand-up pouches market?

·  Who are the major players, and what shares do they hold in the stand-up pouches market?

·  What is the competitive landscape like in the stand-up pouches market?

·  What are the recent developments in the stand-up pouches market?

·  What are the growth strategies adopted by major players in the stand-up pouches market?

·  What are the key geographic trends, and which are the high-growth countries?

·  Who are the local emerging players in the stand-up pouches market, and how do they compete with the other players?

Contact Us: Meticulous Research® Email- sales@meticulousresearch.com Contact Sales- +1-646-781-8004 Connect with us on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/company/meticulous-research

[flexiblepackagingsolutions]

What Are Kraft Standup Pouches? Everything You Need to Know

Kraft standup pouches are an innovative flexible packaging solution designed to enhance product presentation and functionality. Unlike flat pouches, they stand upright, providing a user-friendly and dynamic packaging option. Widely used in industries like food, beauty, and pharmaceuticals, they offer benefits like extended product freshness, protection from environmental factors, and cost-effectiveness. Sky Flexi Pack, a leading manufacturer, offers diverse styles like base gusset and spout pouches, tailored to meet various industrial needs. Discover how Kraft pouches can elevate your brand!

Visit:

[global-research-report]

Revolutionizing Packaging: A Comprehensive Analysis of the Stand-up Pouches Market

The global stand-up pouches market size is projected to reach USD 48.4 billion by 2030 and is projected to grow at a 8.0% from 2024 to 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Rising demand for the product from several industries, including food & beverages, pet food, and personal care & cosmetics, is anticipated to boost the market growth during the forecast period.

Factors such as changing lifestyles, rapid urbanization, and rising disposable incomes are anticipated to boost the demand for packaged goods, which is further expected to benefit the stand-up pouches market growth. In addition, several benefits offered by stand-up pouches, including convenience, aesthetic appeal, and availability of various valued-added features such as spouts, zippers, and tear notches is further expected to stimulate their demand.

Stand-up pouches also offer several advantages including greater functionality, coupled with lower shipping costs and also occupy lesser shelf space as compared to several other rigid packaging formats owing to which they are being largely preferred by consumer packaged goods (CPG) manufacturers as well as retailers worldwide. In addition, they also offer marketing advantages and aesthetics, which further likely to increase their demand.

Plastic is the widely used material for manufacturing stand-up pouches owing to the material being cost-effective, lightweight, and durable. However, the growing environmental concerns and stringent regulations pertaining to plastic waste, coupled with growing focus on sustainability, is expected to increase the usage of bioplastics and paper by several key players in the market for the manufacturing of stand-up pouches.

Growing demand for single-serve, smaller portion packs, and ready-to-eat meals is expected to boost the market growth. In addition, the trend towards on-the-go snacking is further expected to benefit the market growth. Furthermore, improving sanitation standards in several emerging countries including India and China are, in turn, expected to augment the demand for various homecare products, thereby having a positive impact on the market growth.

Stand-Up Pouches Market Report Highlights

Plastic dominated the market and accounted for the largest revenue share of 55.0% in 2023. This growth is attributed to the expanding packaged foods and beverages industry, with increasing packaged solutions.

Standard pouches led the market and accounted for the largest revenue share of 55.0% in 2023 attributed to consumers' increasing demand and popularity for single-serve and portable packaging due to standard pouches' ease, convenience, and versatility.

Zipper held the largest market share of 40.1% in 2023 as they are widely adopted for the packaging of food items, including pharmaceutical goods and personal care products.

Food and beverages dominated the market and accounted for the largest revenue share of 54.7% in 2023 pertaining to the rising demand for stand-up pouches to improve the packaging technology of food and beverage products, including frozen food, fast food, and liquid consumables, such as dairy products, ready-to-eat soups, and sauces.

Asia Pacific stand-up pouches market dominated the global market and accounted for the largest revenue share of 33.9% in 2023 attributed to increasing demand for packaged food and beverages, particularly in developing countries such as China and India, driven by rising disposable incomes and changing lifestyles.

Stand-Up Pouches Market Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented the global stand-up pouches market on the basis of material, type, closure, application, and region:

Stand-Up Pouches Material Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

Plastic

Paper

Metal

Bioplastic

Stand-Up Pouches Type Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

Aseptic Pouches

Standard Pouches

Retort Pouches

Others

Stand-Up Pouches Closure Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

Tear Notch

Zipper

Spout

Stand-Up Pouches Application Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

Food & Beverages

Cosmetics & Toiletries

Healthcare

Others

Stand-Up Pouches Regional Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

North America

US

Canada

Mexico

Europe

UK

Germany

France

Italy

Spain

Asia Pacific

China

Japan

India

Australia

South Korea

Southeast Asia

Latin America

Brazil

Argentina

Middle East and Africa (MEA)

South Africa

Saudi Arabia

UAE

Order a free sample PDF of the Stand-up Pouches Market Intelligence Study, published by Grand View Research.

[willyskristina]

Retort Packaging Market

Retort Packaging Market Size, Share, Trends: Amcor plc Leads

Adoption of Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Retort Packaging Materials

Market Overview:

The global retort packaging market is expected to develop at a 6.2% CAGR from 2024 to 2031. Asia-Pacific now dominates the industry, accounting for the vast majority of worldwide sales. Key metrics include rising demand for convenience foods, technological breakthroughs in packaging materials, and heightened knowledge of food safety and shelf-life extension. The market is expanding rapidly, owing to increased global consumer demand for ready-to-eat meals and on-the-go food products. Technological advancements in retort packaging, such as the development of high-barrier materials and enhanced sterilisation processes, increase product quality and shelf life. Furthermore, the expanding urban population and shifting lifestyles in emerging economies are driving market expansion.

DOWNLOAD FREE SAMPLE

Market Trends:

The use of environmentally friendly and sustainable materials in retort packaging is redefining the industry landscape. This trend is being pushed by increased consumer awareness of environmental issues as well as stringent plastic use limits. Manufacturers are creating bio-based and recyclable retort packaging solutions that retain the necessary barrier qualities and heat resistance. For example, some companies are experimenting with recyclable mono-material architectures, while others are combining paper-based materials with specific coatings for retort applications. This shift towards sustainable packaging addresses not just environmental problems but also appeals to environmentally concerned consumers, thereby driving brand loyalty and market growth.

Market Segmentation:

The Pouches category, which comprises stand-up pouches, flat pouches, and spouted pouches, currently controls the retort packaging industry. These adaptable packaging options have various advantages, including lightweight features, easy handling, and effective storage. The category is expanding due to rising customer demand for convenient, portable food packaging solutions, as well as pouches' ability to keep product freshness. Recent technological improvements, such as high-barrier multilayer pouches, have significantly extended the shelf life of retorted items. Major industry participants like Amcor are focusing on producing innovative pouch designs to maintain their competitive advantage.

Market Key Players:

The retort packaging industry is characterized by fierce competition among significant competitors with an emphasis on product innovation and strategic alliances. Major corporations such as Amcor plc, Berry Global Group, Inc., Sonoco Products Company, Coveris, Mondi Group, Sealed Air Corporation, Huhtamaki Oyj, Wipak Group, Constantia Flexibles, and ProAmpac are investing extensively in R&D to offer packaging solutions with greater barrier characteristics, increased sustainability, and consumer-friendly features.

Contact Us:

Name: Hari Krishna

Email us: hari.krishna@aurorawaveintellects.com

Website: https://aurorawaveintellects.com/

[industrynewsupdates]

Future of Flexible Packaging Market: Trends and Innovations to Watch

The global flexible packaging market was valued at USD 270.96 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.8% from 2024 to 2030. This growth is being driven by a variety of factors, particularly the increasing demand for flexible packaging products in sectors such as medical and pharmaceuticals. Flexible packaging materials are gaining popularity across industries due to their numerous advantages over traditional packaging solutions. These include their variety of container types, reduced raw material usage, lightweight nature, and ease of disposal, all of which contribute to their growing adoption in both consumer and industrial applications.

Flexible packaging is particularly favored in industries like pharmaceuticals, where it is used to package a wide range of medical products, including medicines, medical devices, and consumables. These packaging solutions are valued for their ability to provide a secure, cost-effective, and protective means of storing products while maintaining convenience for both manufacturers and consumers. As these sectors continue to expand, driven by rising healthcare needs globally, the demand for flexible packaging is expected to increase accordingly.

Additionally, the environmental benefits of flexible packaging contribute significantly to its adoption. Flexible packaging typically requires fewer raw materials compared to rigid packaging alternatives, which helps reduce resource consumption during production. Furthermore, its lightweight nature leads to lower transportation costs and a smaller carbon footprint during logistics. The ease of disposal also makes flexible packaging more attractive to consumers and businesses looking for sustainable packaging solutions.

Gather more insights about the market drivers, restrains and growth of the Flexible Packaging Market

Regional Insights

North America

North America accounted for a significant share of the global flexible packaging market in 2023. Several well-established flexible packaging manufacturers, such as Amcor plc, ProAmpac, Mondi, American Packaging Corporation, Cheer Pack North America, and Eagle Flexible Packaging, are based in this region. These companies are actively focused on developing sustainable flexible packaging solutions to enhance their market presence and meet the growing demand across various end-use industries. This continuous innovation is expected to boost the adoption of flexible packaging in North America. Furthermore, government initiatives aimed at improving labeling and traceability of packaging are encouraging end-user industries to increasingly adopt flexible packaging. For example, in April 2023, Cheer Pack North America introduced a new flexible packaging solution for ScottsMiracle-Gro, packaging its weed and grass killer concentrate in 5-ounce flexible spouted pouches—the first of their kind in the lawn care market. Such innovations underscore the growing importance of flexible packaging in addressing diverse industry needs.

U.S. Flexible Packaging Market Trends

The U.S. flexible packaging market is poised for significant growth in the forecast period, driven by increasing demand across sectors such as food & beverage, healthcare, and personal care. The continuous growth of these industries, combined with changing lifestyle and demographic factors, is expected to further accelerate the demand for flexible packaging. For example, the demand for cosmetic products is rising as consumers increasingly seek convenient, easy-to-use packaging solutions. Additionally, the shift from rigid plastic packaging to flexible plastic packaging is gaining momentum due to the former’s higher energy consumption and greater waste production. This transition is expected to further support the growth of flexible packaging, as it offers advantages like reduced material usage, lower energy consumption, and a smaller carbon footprint during transportation.

Asia Pacific Flexible Packaging Market Trends

The Asia Pacific region led the global flexible packaging market, holding around 43.0% of the total revenue share in 2023. The region’s rapid economic growth, coupled with a significant increase in disposable income among consumers, has fueled demand for flexible packaging. Consumers in countries like China, India, and Japan are increasingly purchasing packaged goods from a wide range of retail outlets, further expanding the need for flexible packaging solutions. In addition, leading packaging companies in the region, such as Sealed Air, are investing in advanced packaging technologies to enhance the integrity of their products. For instance, in September 2023, Sealed Air collaborated with Sparck Technologies to introduce automated packaging systems across Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea to improve operational efficiencies and the quality of packaging solutions.

The Chinese flexible packaging market has experienced substantial growth, driven by demand from industries such as food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and household care. Stringent regulations aimed at reducing packaging waste and promoting sustainability are expected to further support the expansion of flexible packaging solutions in the country. China’s regulatory push for more sustainable packaging practices is likely to be a key driver for the market’s growth over the forecast period.

In India, the flexible packaging market is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 6.5% during the forecast period. Rapid changes in food consumption habits, along with the growing demand for convenience packaging, are propelling the adoption of flexible packaging solutions such as stand-up pouches and flat pouches. As the demand for easy-to-use, single-serve packaging options rises, the need for flexible packaging solutions in India is expected to continue its upward trajectory.

Europe Flexible Packaging Market Trends

The European flexible packaging market is expected to see increasing demand, especially in the food & beverage sector, which is experiencing growth in products like ready-to-eat meals and fruit compotes. The shift from traditional packaging materials like glass and metal to flexible packaging is driving this growth. Flexible packaging's ability to offer lightweight, cost-effective, and sustainable solutions is making it an attractive alternative, particularly for packaged food products.

In Germany, the flexible packaging market held over 25% of the European market share in 2023. As the largest food producer in Europe, Germany plays a crucial role in driving demand for flexible packaging solutions. The country’s focus on sustainability and efficient packaging further contributes to the increasing adoption of flexible packaging in the region.

In the UK, the market is expanding due to continuous innovation in packaging forms and materials. The presence of various industries in the UK, particularly in healthcare, is also expected to drive demand for packaging solutions tailored to medical devices and pharmaceutical products.

Central & South America Flexible Packaging Market Trends

The flexible packaging market in Central & South America is influenced by the well-established food processing industries in countries such as Brazil, Argentina, and Chile. Brazil, in particular, has a strong presence in the fruit juice and tomato puree markets, both of which require packaging solutions that offer high oxygen and moisture barriers to prevent spoilage. For export, these products are often packed in liners with EVOH coatings to ensure product quality during transportation.

In Brazil, the flexible packaging market is seeing growth across various sectors, including food & beverage and pharmaceuticals. For example, Heineken partnered with Valgroup in March 2023 to develop shrink films made with 30% recycled resins for packaging alcoholic beverages. This collaboration supports sustainability initiatives and addresses growing concerns about waste reduction in the packaging industry.

Middle East & Africa Flexible Packaging Market Trends

The Middle East & Africa (MEA) flexible packaging market is evolving due to increasing consumer awareness and the growing popularity of soft drinks and natural, cleaner food diets. Consumers in the region are increasingly opting for packaged natural foods, driving demand for flexible packaging solutions. In Saudi Arabia, the market is growing as demand for meat, dairy products, and juices rises. As rigid plastic packaging generates substantial waste, there is a strong push towards adopting flexible packaging solutions that can reduce environmental impact. The Saudi government is likely to support this shift through sustainability initiatives, further fueling the growth of flexible packaging in the country.

Browse through Grand View Research's Plastics, Polymers & Resins Industry Research Reports.

• The global cold form blister packaging market size was valued at USD 4.38 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.7% from 2025 to 2030.

• The global green packaging market size was valued at USD 344.32 million in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.6% from 2025 to 2030.

Key Flexible Packaging Company Insights

The flexible packaging market remains highly fragmented, with numerous small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) actively participating alongside major players. These companies primarily serve industries such as food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. The industry has witnessed a surge in mergers and acquisitions and new product launches in recent years, as companies seek to enhance their market position and innovate to meet evolving consumer and industry demands. The combination of technological advancements and strategic partnerships is likely to drive further market expansion in the coming years.

Key Flexible Packaging Companies:

The following are the leading companies in the flexible packaging market. These companies collectively hold the largest market share and dictate industry trends.

• Amcor plc

• Mondi Group

• Huhtamaki Flexible Packaging

• Sonoco Products Company

• Sealed Air

• DS Smith

• Berry Global

• Constantia Flexibles

• Bemis Manufacturing Company

• UkrMetal

• ProAmpac

• Wipak Group

• FlexPak Services

• Transcontinental Inc.

• Coveris Holdings

• American Packaging Corporation

• InterFlex Group

• FLEX-PACK ENGINEERING, INC.

• Innovia Films

• Cosmo Films

• Novolex

• Sigma Plastics Group

• Graphic Packaging International, LLC

• Bischof+Klein SE & Co. KG

• Südpack

Order a free sample PDF of the Flexible Packaging Market Intelligence Study, published by Grand View Research.

[wythedumpstercat]

Cillian's Day(NOT) Off

- Wy has been told to get the Goristro heart the party has collected Gentle Reposed. Bc y'know. They need it fresh. But. Um. Instructions Unclear.

Cillian is having a Good Day. It was one of his very precious days off from duty, and so he’d gotten to sleep in before leisurely ambling out of bed to grab a breakfast of sugary puff pastry filled with custard from his favorite bakery on the way into town to seek out his potter friend. Well there he’d chattered his friend’s ears off while being mesmerized by deft hands shaping bowl after bowl with expert technique, before bringing out the bag of more pastries and fluffy breads and a jar of fresh pressed apple juice he’d bought for lunch to share.

And now, well into the day when he deemed himself having disturbed his friend in his work for long enough, he’d wandered back to the barracks, only to be hailed by one of the castle guards(Jason? Jackson? Jayden?) with. Work. Fuck.

Looking over the man’s shoulder was a taller lad in clothes that definitely had seen better days, or maybe just had a slightly bad day? His face was familiar though…where…

Oh.

Hell.

Well. Fine.

This was for the Prince. His Royal Highness was lucky that he was so damn pretty. The things Cillian was willing to do just for a pretty face…didn’t go further than temporarily postponing his day off, but that was already asking for a lot.

Figuring he might as well hear the Prince’s friend out, he gestures for the pair to follow him to his personal room for some privacy. Whatever it was, they didn’t need to do it in the open for the entire castle to know. Selune knows the rumour mill in the castle was running rampant enough as it was.

“Well then? What. May I help you with, Lad?” Cillian grouches as the door closes behind the bushy haired youth. The Guard(definitely Jaycob. ….Jaimie…?) had intelligently chosen to stay outside. The youth shuffles a bit on his feet for a moment as he fiddles with the strap of the bag in his hands.

“Mmm…I was told you could cast…uh. Re…no…um. What was it. Repost…uh. No….”

“Gentle Repose.” Jiminy(?) calls through the door.

Cillian can feel his eye twitch. He clicks his tongue. “I do have the components for that readily available, yes. Now, who do you need me to–” he doesn’t get much further before the Donkey Head before him has upended the bag in his hands, and violently shook a very. Very. Large. Bloody. And Gorey. Piece. Of. Is that a HEART the size of his ENTIRE CHEST? Out onto his carpet.

“YOUMOTHERFUCKINGPIECEOFGREENTEACHICKENWHATTHEEVERLOVINGFUCKISWRONGWITHYOUYOUTWICEUNWASHEDPAIROFTROLLBOLLOCKFUCKFUCKFUCKGJEKENGJGJH–” Cillian sucks in a breath in an attempt to calm down, but that just gives him a mouthful of the scent of blood and the acrid aftertaste of guts that makes him want to gag, but he’s way too professional to do so. Instead he swears some more to alleviate his temper while digging in his pocket for the accursed coppers he needs. Then he grabs a handful of salt from his component pouch and slaps both at the slab of still bleeding meat as he hisses the incantation acidly. That the copper pieces happens to line up with the trail of salt landing in a cresent shape ends up looking like a smiling face just pisses him off further. “There! Fuckin Done. NOW GET THAT ACCURSED FILTHY SEPTIC TRASH OUT OF MY ROOM–WHY AREN’T YOU MOVING RAT BRAIN? I! SAID! GET! OUT!”

The lad blinks down at the huge heart adorned with salt and coppers on the floor with stupid fascination, then tilts his head at Cillian as if he hadn’t heard a single thing that Cillian had been spouting.

“...that’s it…? It’s all good now? Gentle…Reposed?” He says slowly.

Cillian picks up the heart, momentarily uncaring of the blood that gushes out of the thing, and chucks it at the lad’s face. “YES! FOR FUCK’S SAKE! NOW GET THE FUCK OUT COCKROACH CHUGGING GUTTERSNIPE!”

The slight ‘oof’ the lad utters as he catches the heart brings Cillian way too much glee. Instead of focusing on that, he helps the idiot sandwich with stuffing the bloody heart back into the bag he’d brought it with, then shoves him out the door a bit more forcefully than probably necessary.

Slamming the door behind him also brings Cillian a certain amount of fleeting joy, until his eyes take in the state of his room…

He might run out of curses today.

Later however, Cillian will muse to his potter friend that the lad would probably work well in a team with him since he didn’t even bat an eyelash at Cillian’s cursing. Honestly, a good trait, all things considered, the friend laughs.

[packaginginsight]

Inclusive Packaging Market Growth Analysis Global Trends, and Opportunities Forecast by 2031

Inorganic Chemical Packaging Market ForecastScope & Overview

Inorganic Chemical Packaging Market Forecastresearch examines supplier differences in revenue and customer base. All market information is included in the research, making it easier for newcomers to understand the sector. Estimating a supplier's size and competitiveness may be made easier by knowing its market share in the base year. It exemplifies the market's characteristics of accumulation, fragmentation, domination, and amalgamation. Key market components including primary competitor financial performance, SWOT analysis, product portfolio, and most recent tactical advances are also highlighted in the market research.

The Inorganic Chemical Packaging market research offers a succinct analysis of the current market landscape, outlining significant elements like development drivers, difficulties, constraints, and opportunities for the future. In the market share study, market participants are rated according to their overall market contribution. It shows how much money it makes compared to other businesses in the sector.

Instant Access to Your Exclusive Sample Copyhttps://www.snsinsider.com/sample-request/4226

Market Key Players:

Berry Global, TPL Plastech, The Cary Company, Hoover Ferguson Group, Milford Barrel, International Paper, Orlando Drum & Container Corporation, DS Smith, Snyder Industries, Sealed Air

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

In order to identify significant COVID-19 concerns and viable solutions, our ongoing research aims to enhance our research technique. The COVID-19 is being evaluated in the context of shifting consumer demand and behavior, as well as changes in spending patterns, supply chain rerouting, market dynamics, and government engagement. This most recent analysis, which includes observations, analyses, projections, and estimates, evaluates the effect of COVID-19 on the Inorganic Chemical Packaging market. The long-term effects of COVID-19, a public health calamity that has impacted almost every company, are anticipated to hinder industrial expansion during the anticipated period.

Russia-Ukraine War Impact on Inorganic Chemical Packaging Market

The impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on the worldwide market is covered in great detail in the study paper. Although tensions between Russia and Ukraine have been increasing for some time, the recent military action raises questions regarding the possibility of a protracted conflict in Ukraine as well as its potential effects on the market and the global economy.

Research Methodology

Based on data acquired from many sources and analyzed using a number of methodologies, such as Porter's five forces analysis, market attractiveness analysis, and value chain analysis. Furthermore, each application/product sector in the worldwide Inorganic Chemical Packaging market is thoroughly examined using these methods. These methods are employed to get insight into the market's potential value, giving corporate strategists the most recent prospects for growth.

Competitive Outlook

The report gives a summary of the numerous business expansion strategies used by the leading market players. This section of the news keeps you informed and encourages market participation by providing you with crucial information at various stages of the business. To assist suppliers in determining whether their capabilities and potential for future growth are a good fit in the Inorganic Chemical Packaging market, the competitive strategic window analyses the competitive environment in terms of markets, applications, and geographies.

Other Reports You May Like:

Spouted Pouch Market Size

Global Packaging Market Size

Underwater Concrete Market Size

Tube Packaging Market Size

Sustainable Plastic Packaging Market

Filling Machines Market

About US:

SNS Insider has been a leader in data and analytics globally with its authentic consumer and market insights. The trust of our clients and business partners has always been at the center of who we are as a company. We are a business that leads the industry in innovation, and to support the success of our clients, our highly skilled engineers, consultants, and data scientists have consistently pushed the limits of the industry with innovative methodology and measuring technologies.

We assist our clients to anticipate industrial, economic, and consumer trends to drive disruptive change by fusing global experience with local information from experts throughout the world. We bring context to strategic and tactical data by bridging approaches based on data science and field research, assisting you in addressing your most pressing problems and spotting possibilities.

[psatalk]

Galaxy Packtech eyes K 2025, to launch new line of filling machines 

Greater Noida-based Galaxy Packtech highlighted its automatic high-speed pouch-making machines — the GS-200 Plus 200 and GSC 14 Plus 200 — at IntraPac 2024 in Greater Noida in March. Since their plant was near the India Expo Center, the exhibition venue, the manufacturer of pouch-making machines decided not to display the machine live at the event. Instead, it arranged visits to the plant for potential customers.

Gaurav Sharma, chief marketing officer of Galaxy Packtech, spoke about the company's market share -- almost 90% in stand-up zipper pouches and 60% in center seal pouches. “Since most of the pouching plants are concentrated in the Gujarat, Daman, and Silvassa regions, our dominance is particularly strong in the western region of the country with a significant number of machine installations.” He adds, “Wherever pouching is happening, Galaxy is there.”

In the conversation, Sharma emphasized the rapid and continuous developments in the pouching industry. He stressed the importance of staying responsive to market needs, stating that the key to success lies in understanding the needs and anticipating future trends. “It's not just about machines, it's the service, support, and people as well.” According to him, research and development is highly essential for staying ahead of the curve.

Talking about future plans, he spoke about the company's participation at K 2025 in Dusseldorf, Germany, where it will launch its new line of filling machines. Additionally, Galaxy Packtech is focussing on designing high-speed spouting lines for recyclable pouches.

Sharma said, “Our target is to design machines that can run at high speed, even on recyclable same-family materials. Right now, the existing machines are not good for spouting in recyclable pouches. Galaxy Packtech will launch something on these lines soon.”