Granola continues to be a hot retail product.  Granola packaging historically has tried to use packaging that reflected the all natural nature of granola itself.  However, that granola packaging failed miserably when it came to protecting the contents.  Paper pouches and paper packaging are about as natural looking as granola but they have no barrier protection.  Granola packaging using paper  must be lined with another substrate such as a layer of plastic to provide any type of protection from moisture and outside odor.  Further, many small granola manufacturers purchase stock paper pouches with a clear window from stocking distributors who service bakeries and convenience stores only to find out that not only is their granola packaging weak and flimsy, their product goes stale within a matter of days.

Granola packaging using paper is not nearly as strong and durable as other types of packaging such as stand up pouches made from flexible film, also known as stand up bags.  Paper pouches do not have the puncture resistance or the shelf stability on their own to withstand the handling and abuse dealt on retail store shelves.  If granola packaging using paper gets wet, it loses strength and the packaging is compromised. In a nutshell, granola packaging using paper must have additional layers or even additional types of packaging (like a bag in a box) in order to confidently protect and ship the granola.

Stand up pouches are made from multiple layers of barrier film laminated together to create  a pouch that can stand erect on a store shelf while handling the abuse of the retail environment.  Further, the film itself flexes...meaning if a pouch is folded, bent, tipped over, or even stepped on, the film will spring back to its original shape.  Stand up pouches for granola packaging will keep the contents fresher for longer and protect from moisture, vapor, and odor that can negatively affect the taste.  These layers of laminated film create a bottom gusset or base that allows the pouch to stand effectively on a store shelf.  Further, these layers are available in clear film to see the granola or metalized and even foil structures, each providing puncture resistance and strength without needing additional and more expensive types of packaging for a manufacturer to ship with confidence.

Stand up pouches are available with ziplocks and tear notches, even hang holes and pour spouts to increase the level of convenience for the consumer.  Paper granola packaging cannot make the same claim.

While paper has that "natural" look, it doesn't come with the strength, durability, and barrier protection of stand up pouches.  Without question, using stand up bags instead of paper will save money.  Either in the packaging itself, the convenience and consumer appeal, or the ability to keep the granola fresher for longer, using stand up bags will save money.