The Anatomy Of A Stand Up Pouch

Stand up pouches have revolutionized the way brands package their products. These versatile containers offer a range of benefits, from extended shelf life to eye-catching branding opportunities. But what exactly goes into the construction of a stand-up pouch?

Let's take a closer look at the anatomy of this popular packaging format, exploring key features like the tear notch, hang hole, resealable zipper, custom printed graphics, and bottom gusset. Understanding these components will not only showcase the functionality of stand-up pouches but also highlight their appeal to both consumers and businesses alike.

First Off...How Are Custom Printed Stand Up Pouches Made?

Before we explore the anatomy of the pouch let's quickly go through the pouch making process. Custom printed stand up pouches are made using 4 manufacturing techniques:

1. Printing

The pouch material, or film, is determined by the product weight and barrier requirements. *Barrier means how much the film can resist moisture and oxygen to maximize shelf life and product freshness. The film is printed through a variety of printing processes such as digital printing or flexography printing. The printing process is determined by the quantity needed and the customers deadline. 

Shorter runs, quick lead times = digital printing       Larger runs (for low unit cost), longer lead times - flexography printing

2. Laminating

Once the rolls of films are printed, they are laminated to other films to give the pouch stiffness. This stiffness allows the pouch to stand up. If the pouch is too flimsy or thin, like a candy bar wrapper, the pouch couldn't stand up.

3. Slitting

The printed/laminated rolls are then slit to the exact size requirements to ensure there is no excess material on the pouch. This ensures when the pouch goes to the next step it will be the exact size that the customer has requested.

4. Pouching/Forming

It's now time to turn those rolls of film into actual pouches. Our pouching machines take the rolls and add the tear notch, hang holes, zippers, and gussets all in one pass. Rolls of film on end of the machine, fully formed pouches being packed at the other end.

The Anatomy Of A Stand Up Pouch

Here are the key elements that make up a stand up pouch. If you're a first time buyer be sure to think about the consumer experience to ensure you're adding the proper elements to your pouch.

Tear Notch:

• Makes the pouch easy to open without scissors or tools.

• Recommended: Highly.

• Different types of tear notches. (e.g., straight, rounded)

Hang Hole:

• Hang holes can be round or sombrero shaped.

• Recommended: Only if you're in a traditional retail setting.

• Design considerations for hang hole size and shape - also make there's enough room at the top, or header, of the pouch.

Resealable Zipper:

• Zippers come in many iterations.

  • Do you have a powder product? : Consider a powder proof zipper for easy closure.
  • Does your product require "poison control"? : Detergent pods and cannabis products require a child-restant zipper.
  • Is your product single use or multiple use? : If it's a single use, then a zipper may not be required at all.

• Recommended: Highly, epecially for mulitple use products.

• Types of resealable zippers (e.g., press-to-close, slider, child-resistant, etc...)

Custom Printed Graphics:

• Crucial for branding and product differentiation. 

• Recommended: Very Highly...take advantage of the branding real esate on the pouch.

• Make sure you work closely with your printer to ensure the files are "press ready". If you have a window or a spot foil effect, this is especially important.

Bottom Gusset:

• This gives the pouch a "foot to stand on". You can print on it as well, or leave it clear to show product contents.

• Recommended: Flat pouches don't require a gussets, but if your contents have voume, then yes a gusset is required. 

• Different types of bottom gussets (e.g., round, K-seal, plow)

Want to see the pouches for yourself? Request a FREE sample kit to test today!