Keep in mind, each product inside a stand up pouch is unique and this should be taken into account when designing the stand up bag to begin with. Some products need to be protected more from moisture, others may have sharp edges, while some have an oil residue, etc. Two, the laminated barrier film creates the strength and durabilty for the stand bag to stand effectively and erect on a store shelf. Finally, by design the wide face and back and bottom gusset even provide generous amounts of space and room for custom printing and brand building.
However, stand up bags are landfill friendly and can be thrown away with general trash as well as being recycled via a recycling program. As part of a reycling program, a stand up pouch would be considered an R7. This R7 designation means it will be grouped together with other plastic items, bottles, canisters, jugs, plastic bags, etc. All of these items will be ground up into tiny pellets, called re-grind and be used as a filler or a base ingredient in other types of packaging materials like park benches, picnic tables, plastic lumber, etc.
It's important to note, not many packaging items can say the same as a stand up bag. Many items need to be thrown away completely due to glue or adhesive or ink used as part of their original manufacturing process. Stand up pouches are different. Even with custom printed stand up pouches, the inks used are water based and there are no solvents or nasty chemicals used when making stand bags so everything is safe.
Finally, being recyclable is different than biodegradable. Each of these terms mean something completely different. Rest assured, stand up pouches are recyclable and in coming posts, I will explain biodegradable.