3. pouched contents can be eaten without heating if desired; or can be heated easily (microwave or boiling water); 4. pouch easy and safe to open; 5. empty and full weight of pouch is less than comparable cans, jars, and other conventional containers; 6. pouches reqoire less disposable space; 7. it os estimated that pouch production will require less energy than required for can, jar, etc. production; 8. pouches requir less brine, when needed, than larger containers, such as cans. greater details on the retort pouch will be found in the Mermelatein (1978) and Tatum (1979) references