How to Choose a Flexible Pouch Type that Suits Your Product

Choosing the right flexible pouch for your product involves a nuanced consideration of your sales channels, competitive landscape, product characteristics, and customer needs. Below, we delve into how these factors influence your packaging decisions, drawing insights from industry best practices and expert advice.

Consider Your Sales Channels

Investigate In-store Retail Locations

Understanding where your product will be situated in a store is crucial. Whether it’s hanging from a hook or sitting on a shelf impacts the visibility and design requirements of your pouch.

Analyze Store Placement

Products placed at eye level might benefit from different features than those stocked higher or lower. The physical placement dictates the design and structural considerations to ensure maximum appeal and practicality.

Direct to Consumer

E-commerce and shipping directly to customers poses another challenge. How to ship your products? Choosing the most efficient pouch size and weight can help to reduce shipping fees and material costs.

Do Some Competitor Research

Understand the Competition

Knowing where your competitors are selling their products and the type of pouch they use provides valuable insights. It helps in positioning your product effectively without straying too far from what customers expect in a particular retail space. 

Stand Out, But Wisely

Striking the right balance between differentiation and conformity is key. A packaging type that’s too divergent might hinder your chances of securing desirable shelf space. 

Another way to stand out would be through your pouch design itself. A high quality design has been proven to attract new customers.

Consider Product Weight

Stability Concerns

Heavier products require sturdy packaging solutions. A plow bottom or K-seal pouch might not offer the needed stability, making flat bottom or quad seal pouches preferable for such items.

Lighter items and pouches with smaller fill weight may not provide the most impactful shelf presence, but may be placed on hooks that are generally at eye level, influencing a potential customer’s purchase decision.

Is Your Product Single Use?

Resealability

For products intended for multiple uses, the packaging must accommodate this by being resealable. Fin seal or some lay flat pouches may not offer this functionality, affecting consumer convenience and product longevity.

How You Plan To Fill Your Pouches

Choosing the right pouch also hinges on your filling process. If automation is your route, the machine’s specifications will likely dictate the pouch types compatible with it. It’s essential to consult with the machine manufacturer to understand any specific pouch requirements. This ensures that the packaging process is seamless and efficient.

On the other hand, manual filling offers the broadest flexibility in pouch selection. This method doesn’t impose machine-related constraints, allowing for a wider variety of pouch types to be considered. Whether opting for an automated system or a manual process, aligning your filling method with your pouch choice is crucial for operational efficiency and product success.

Consult a Professional

Expert Guidance

Leveraging the expertise of professionals, like ePac sales representatives, can be invaluable in selecting the optimal pouch type for your product. They can offer tailored advice based on your specific needs and industry trends.

Getting Started

Starting with a no-hassle consultation can demystify the selection process, ensuring your product is packaged in a way that enhances its marketability, preserves its integrity, and meets consumer expectations.

Choosing the right flexible pouch is more than just a packaging decision; it’s a strategic move that can influence your product’s success. Taking a comprehensive approach that considers sales channels, competitive context, product specifics, and professional guidance ensures your packaging decision supports your brand’s overall goals and consumer needs.