Plan a custom printed pouch by deciding its format, filled size, material, opening features and artwork. Use this guide to compare the choices, prepare a live quote and identify what needs a sample test before production.
For a first packaging decision, start with what flexible packaging can do. If you already know you need a pouch, work through the choices below.
What are custom printed pouches?
Custom printed pouches are flexible packages printed with your brand artwork and product information. Businesses use them for products such as:
Coffee
Powders
Snacks
Candy
Pet treats
Supplements
Cosmetics
Dry goods
Unlike a label placed on a stock bag, the artwork is printed as part of the pouch. Your artwork still needs to account for seals, folds, the zipper and other features that can interrupt important text or graphics.
Choose between stand-up and flat pouches
Start with how the pouch will be displayed, filled and used. CustomPrintedPouches.com offers stand-up and flat pouch formats through the online configurator.
Stand-up pouches
A stand-up pouch has a bottom gusset that opens to create a base. Choose this format when the pouch needs to stand on a shelf or counter.
The front and back panels provide space for branding and product information.
The bottom gusset affects how the artwork sits when the pouch is filled.
Flat pouches
A flat pouch does not have the bottom gusset used to create a standing base. It can suit samples, smaller portions and products that will be displayed lying flat or hanging.
Before choosing a size: measure the space occupied by the actual fill, then trial-fill a physical sample. Allow room for filling, closures and sealing. Use the pouch size guide for the measurement and sample-check steps.
Compare materials and finishes by appearance
The material and finish affect how the pouch looks and how artwork appears. Appearance alone does not tell you how the complete pouch will perform with your product.
See the six appearances at a glance
White Matte BOPP
Opaque white with a smooth, low-sheen finish.
White Gloss PET
Opaque white with a brighter reflective finish.
Clear Matte BOPP
A softer, frosted view of the product inside.
Clear Gloss PET
A clearer product view with a reflective surface.
Metallic Matte BOPP
A muted metallic look with lower reflection.
Metallic Gloss PET
A bright metallic look with stronger highlights.
Visual guide only: a screen cannot show the exact transparency, color or finish of a printed pouch. Review physical samples before production.
Choose a white material for an opaque, neutral print base, clear when the product view is part of the design, or metallic when that effect should remain visible. Review the materials and finishes guide for the six options.
Then test the finished pouch with your actual product, filling and sealing process, storage conditions, shipping conditions, customer use and target shelf life.
Decide whether your pouch needs a zipper
Choose a standard resealable zipper when customers will open and close the pouch several times. Skip it when the whole product will normally be used at once.
The zipper is for reclosing. The completed top heat seal keeps the pouch closed until first use. A standard zipper is not child resistant and does not provide tamper evidence.
Tear notches are a separate first-opening aid, and hang holes are separate merchandising features. For products that leave crumbs, powder, oil or residue near the zipper, test a filled pouch to make sure customers can close it again in normal use.
The stand-up and flat pouch configurators let you choose Add zipper or No zipper. The zipper guide helps you test whether reclosure is useful with your product.
Understand what changes pouch pricing
There is no useful universal price per pouch because the total changes with the configuration and order quantity. The main pricing inputs include:
Pouch format and size
Material and finish
Order quantity
Zipper and other selected features
- Number of artwork designs
Production speed
Compare the total order cost as well as the unit price. A larger order can reduce the unit cost but also commits more cash and storage space before you know how quickly the product will sell.
Use the online configurator to select your options and get a live custom quote. This is more reliable than planning around a generic price range.
Check the minimum order in the configurator
CPP orders start at 100 pouches. Check the quantities available for your chosen format, size and options in the configurator. For a new product or seasonal design, compare that commitment with what you can fill, store and sell.
When choosing quantity, also consider which artwork version you need and whether its information could change before you use the full order.
Plan production around artwork approval
Production timing depends on the selected production speed and when the artwork is approved. Build time into your schedule for design, artwork review, corrections, approval, production and shipping.
Use the production choices shown in the configurator and allow separately for shipping, receiving and filling. Production begins after artwork approval; a production-speed selection is not an arrival date.
Prepare artwork from the correct dieline
Start with the dieline for the exact pouch size and selected features. Visit the Artwork page for current setup guides and downloadable resources. A dieline shows where the pouch will be cut, sealed and folded, so artwork from a different size should not be reused without adjustment.
Before submitting artwork
Follow the file requirements supplied with the dieline.
Extend backgrounds and images through the required bleed area.
Keep important text and logos inside the safe area.
Keep critical information away from seals, folds, the zipper and tear notches.
Check image quality at the final printed size.
Proofread every panel, flavor, weight and product variation.
Artwork review can identify production-file issues, but it does not replace your review of spelling, product claims, required label copy or regulatory information. Approve the final proof only after the people responsible for your brand and labeling have checked it.
Check disposal claims before printing them
Do not assume a pouch is recyclable or compostable from its appearance. Disposal instructions depend on the complete material, available collection systems and the rules that apply where the pouch will be sold.
If an environmental claim will appear in your artwork, check the exact material and the claim requirements before approving the print file.
Choose the next step for your order
Use the testing checklist to record what the sample establishes. For a larger commitment, review demand and production readiness, then assemble the bulk order approval packet.
Build and price your pouches
Choose your format, size, materials and finishes, features, number of artwork designs, quantity and production speed to see a live custom quote.
