Flexible pouches have become the standard in modern packaging, both for innovative small businesses and for major brands in the food, cosmetic or nutraceutical sectors.
But with the variety of formats, materials, finishes and technologies, how do you choose the right flexible pouch for your product?
In this guide, ePac helps you understand the differences, make the right choices and optimise your costs.
1. The main types of flexible pouches
Each shape has its technical, marketing and logistical advantages. Here are the most common:
Stand-up pouch (Doypack)
Stable, self-supporting and highly visible on the shelf, the Doypack pouch is one of the most popular formats. It can be equipped with a resealable zip to enhance practicality. Ideal for products such as coffee, snacks, dietary supplements or pet food.
There are several variations of stand-up pouches. To find out which one best suits your product, see our article on the different types of stand-up pouches.
Flat pouch with 2 or 3 seals
More economical and compact, this format is particularly suitable for samples, sachets or individual portions.
If your priority is sustainability, explore the most responsible options in our analysis: What is the most eco-friendly packaging pouch?
Film Roll
An ideal solution for automatic bagging lines, the roll allows for large-scale packaging while maintaining freedom of design and materials. Perfect for manufacturers wishing to automate while customising their packaging.
2. Choosing the right dimensions for your pouch
The dimensions influence not only the product’s capacity but also production costs, ease of shelving, and user experience. At ePac, we offer standardised sizes as well as custom formats.
To help you make the right choice, discover our article on how to choose the right dimensions for your doypack pouch.
3. Materials suited to your needs
The choice of material is strategic: it determines the level of barrier against oxygen, moisture, or UV, as well as the recyclability of the packaging.
Examples of commonly used materials:
- PET / PE: versatile, good barrier, easy to seal
- Metallised PET: high protection, ideal for coffee, tea, crisps
- Recyclable mono-material PE: PPWR compliant, sustainable alternative
To go further, read:
- Why choose mono-material packaging for your brand?
- What type of barrier film is best suited for food packaging?
4. Technical customisation options
Beyond the format and material, it is often the details that make the difference on a shelf.
Among the available options:
- Convenient closures: resealable zip
- Visual elements: transparent window, metallic inks, matte or soft-touch finishes
- Facing optimisation: addition of an euro hole for hanging on the shelf
To master all these options, consult:
- Fill and seal your packaging pouches efficiently
- Heat sealing: the ideal solution for waterproof food packaging
5. How to optimise your flexible pouch costs?
Thanks to digital printing, you can launch your productions quickly, without plate costs, by ordering in small quantities and testing different designs or formats.
It is the ideal solution to gain agility, especially during launch periods or limited editions.
We explain how:
- Estimate the costs of your pouches and reduce your expenses
- Reduce your packaging costs thanks to small batch orders
Need help choosing your pouch
Tell us about your product, your target audience, and your constraints. We will suggest the flexible pouch best suited to your brand.