Introducing a new product is a real handful for brand owners. There are tons of things to take care of, from getting the materials to making sure it sells. It can be a bit too much to handle, given to long list of things that need to get done.
Packaging is usually one of the later items on that list, but certainly not the least important. The way you package your products is a big deal. It's not just about finding the right materials; it's also about making sure that your packaging acts as a sales tool that represents your brand well.
Stand up pouches are a widely utilized packaging solution. Odds are there are a few in your cupboard or fridge right now, so you don't have to go on a wild goose chase to find inspiration.
If you're new to the whole stand up pouch thing and don't know what questions to ask, this list is going to turn you into an expert in no time.
Step 1:
What's going in the pouch?
That should be an easy one. It’s your product after all! It is crucial to communicate the contents of your product to your packaging printer. This information will help determine the appropriate material for your packaging, ensuring product freshness and safety.
Points to consider:
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Shelf life
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Barrier (*moisture and oxygen)
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Sharp edges
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Weight
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Filling limitations
Step 2:
What is the size of the pouch?
Oftentimes, customers supply fill weights needed, not dimensions. Will this fit your product and does it comply with shelf dimensions in a retail setting? Request samples to test if you’re starting from square one.
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Fill weight = dimensions in inches?
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W x H x D/G = Width x Height x Depth (or Gusset)
Step 3:
What is the aesthetic and desired consumer experience?
Basically, figure out how your art should look on the proposed material. If you’re inspired by other pouch designs in the marketplace, let you printer know for frame of reference.
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Ex: Do you want the customer to see the product? - If so, then you should confirm if clear film is an option for your product/barrier.
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Tear notch
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Powder proof zipper
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Colors and color matching
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Is a PDF proof good enough or should you do a press proof?
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Matte vs. gloss (note: matte on a clear film makes a "foggy" window…which actually looks cool!)
Step 4:
How many of each flavor or SKU do you need?
Determine the cross-section of the lowest total cost vs. the lowest unit cost.
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The larger the quantity the lower the unit cost
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Ordering 10,000 once is way cheaper than ordering 5,000 twice (or 1,000 10 times)
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Don’t get stuck with pouches you don’t need.
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Design changes
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Regulation changes
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Unpopular flavors
Step 5:
When do you need them?
Digital printing lends itself to smaller runs and quick turns. If you have a strict deadline, you’ll need to start with that in your early conversations with your packaging provider.
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What are the lead times AFTER proof approval? Remember: You need to supply art that is press ready to ensure it gets into production without delays. Important: Quick approvals are key, but make sure you're thorough and catch any possible errors or typos.
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Are you ordering for the future?
A quick summary:
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The size and shape of your pouch will depend on the size and shape of your product. You also need to consider the amount of product that you want to package.
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The material of your pouch will depend on the needs of your product. For example, if your product is food, you will want to choose a material that is food-safe with barrier to ensure freshness.
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The printing process for stand up pouches can be either flexographic or digital. Flexographic printing is a more traditional printing process for larger runs, while digital printing is geared for smaller and faster turnarounds.
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The design of your pouch should be eye-catching and engaging. It should also include all of the necessary information, such as the product name, the ingredients, and the nutritional information
Interested in custom stand up pouches? Reach out to The Pouch House today and ask for a FREE sample kit.
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