Flexible packaging.  Is there a more popular way to package products these days?  If the retail and grocery store shelves are any indication, probably not.   Flexible packaging is durable, versatile, practical, convenient and, in many cases, recyclable (or at least landfill friendly).  Flexible packages, especially those made from plastic film, are lighter and take up less space than boxes, cartons or cans.  This means that flexible packaging is more fuel-efficient to produce and transport per unit than other package types.

Stand up pouches have long been considered the standard in flexible packaging.  And now that there are side gusset stand up bags, the bar has been raised even further.

Stand up pouches have also been known as stand up pouches, Mylar® stand bags and custom printed stand bags.   Much like those previous incarnations, side gusset stand up bags are constructed by laminating multiple layers of specially formulated film together.   This process results in creating a barrier that is both moisture and puncture resistant and protects the contents from vapor, odor and, if necessary, ultraviolet light, pests and unwanted oxygen (a feature especially important when packaging seafood, for example).

Not only these bags keep the unwanted out, they keep the desirable, such as freshness, flavor, aroma and/or chemical potency, in.  Available zip seal type closures safely store, protect and preserve package contents, prolonging shelf life and thereby saving the consumer money.  

But what is so special about side gusset stand up bags?  Several things.  Included among them are:

• They require 12% less film but hold more product;
• They require less shelf space (in the store and at home);
• The flat bottom provides the ultimate in stability;
• Like a box, side gusset stand up bags don't flop over, no matter the size/weight of the contents (especially suitable for large quantities of pet food, to provide just one example);
• The side gussets create, in essence, a box like structure which provides more printable area on which to order custom printing or affix your labels, both of which help your product tell its story, thereby strengthening your brand;
• Both clear film and opaque film are available (and so is opaque depending on your needs and the characteristics of your product;
• No inner lining or packaging is required (cereal boxes, anyone?).