Flat bottom pouch
High barrier laminate200 minimum · 10 to 14 business daysA flat bottom pouch is a box-shaped flexible bag with side gussets and a flat base, so it stands square on a shelf and shows five printed panels. We produce them, printed digitally, from 200 units in 10 to 14 business days after proof, on high barrier laminates with a zipper and tear notch. For coffee and granola, the 12 ounce or 1 pound size is the usual choice.
When to choose it, and when not to
Choose a flat bottom pouch when the bag has to sit on a retail shelf next to boxes and look as square as they do. The side gussets give you two extra printable panels for ingredients, brew guides or a second color, and the flat base means a 1 pound bag will not lean or tip when half empty. It is the bag for specialty coffee, granola, protein powder and anything sold at a premium by weight.
Choose a stand up pouch when the product is light or the run is small and you want the simplest bag with the lowest film use. Choose a three side seal pouch for single servings or anything under 2 ounces, since a flat bottom below 3 inches wide does not stand well.
Specifications
| Film | PET/AL/PE foil laminate or metallized PET/PE, kraft/PE on request |
|---|---|
| Digital CMYK on all five panels, white underprint on kraft or clear | |
| Finish | Matte or gloss, soft-touch on request |
| Closure | Press-to-close zipper or pocket zipper, tear notch, tin tie optional |
| Insert | None needed, the gussets carry the shape |
| Valve | One-way degassing valve fitted on request for roasted coffee |
| Minimum | 200 units |
| Lead time | 10 to 14 business days after proof |
| Ships | Flat, in cartons of 100 |
| Sizes we run | 3.5 x 8 x 2.5 in (8 oz) 4 x 9.5 x 2.5 in (12 oz) 4.5 x 10.5 x 3 in (1 lb) 6 x 12 x 3.5 in (2 lb) 7.5 x 14 x 4 in (5 lb) any size from 3 x 6 x 2 to 9 x 16 x 5 in |
Materials that suit it
Questions people ask
What is the difference between a flat bottom pouch and a stand up pouch?
Shape and shelf presence. A stand up pouch has a single round-bottom gusset and pillows out when filled. A flat bottom pouch has two side gussets and a rectangular base, so it stands like a small box and uses about 15 percent less film for the same volume. It also gives you five printed panels instead of two.
Which barrier film should I use for coffee?
Roasted coffee wants the foil laminate, a PET/AL/PE structure, with very low oxygen transmission. Metallized PET is a step down and fine for granola, nuts and powders. All our pouch films are food-contact grade and the film documentation is supplied with the quote.
Can I add a degassing valve?
Yes. A one-way valve is heat-sealed into the back panel or a gusset and lets carbon dioxide out without letting oxygen in. It matters for whole bean or ground coffee packed within 48 hours of roasting. For tea, granola or anything that does not off-gas, leave it off and save the cost.
Pocket zipper or press-to-close zipper?
A pocket zipper sits inside the top seal and stays hidden until the tear strip is removed, which looks cleaner and keeps the top edge flat for printing. A press-to-close zipper sits across the top and is easier to reseal one-handed. Both run from 200 units on any size over 8 ounces.
How do I choose the size?
By fill weight and how dense the product is. A 12 ounce bag of whole bean coffee fits a 4 by 9.5 by 2.5 inch pouch with room to seal. Ground coffee packs tighter and drops a size. Send us the product and the target weight and we test fill before the run.
What is the minimum order for a flat bottom pouch?
200 units, and reorders carry the same minimum. Lead time is 10 to 14 business days after you approve the free digital proof.
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Ready to price your flat bottom pouch?
Send the size and quantity for a quote and a dieline, usually within one business day. Your digital proof follows, usually within one business day of your artwork. Design help and the Swatch Book of materials are free.