In today’s extremely competitive global marketplace, packaging is becoming more than just a simple container, but a dynamic marketing and branding opportunity. Of all of the types of unique packaging options that exist today, custom stand-up pouch packaging (SUP) is growing in popularity and versatility, with potential applications for a variety of products and industries, including food and beverages, personal care and household products. SUPs offer an excellent blend of function, aesthetics, and sustainability.
What Is Custom Stand Up Pouch Packaging?
Stand-up pouches (SUPs) are flexible packaging options that feature a gusseted bottom that allows each SUP to remain standing upright when placed upon a display fixture. Due to this unique feature, SUPs offer superior product visibility as well as increased shelf presence when compared to standard flat packaging options. SUPs can be customized based on size, material, structure, print quality, and finish options to match the needs of a company’s product and brand identity.
Since SUPs can be easily integrated with features like zipper closures, spouts, tear notches, and clear windows, they are very user friendly for consumers and highly adaptable to a wide variety of product configurations.
Key Benefits of Custom Stand Up Pouch Packaging
1. Increased Brand Exposure
The primary benefit of SUPs lies in their ability to showcase branding. The wide surface area of SUPs provides companies with a significant amount of space for creating high-quality images and vibrant colors and communicating their message to customers. As SUPs are printed in custom fashion, companies have the opportunity to differentiate themselves through branding in a crowded retail environment.
2. Flexible Across Multiple Industries
Custom SUPs can accommodate a wide array of products including; snacks, coffee, sauce, frozen foods, pet foods, vitamins/supplements, cosmetics and cleaning supplies. The flexibility of SUPs, whether used to package solid or liquid products, enables companies to create durable protective packaging that is convenient for the end-user.
3. Lightweight and Economical
Due to their lightweight nature, SUPs are far less expensive to ship than rigid packaging, such as glass jars, metal cans or plastic containers. Shipping and storage costs decrease, as do greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, due to their compact size, SUPs require fewer packaging materials than other forms of packaging which results in lower manufacturing costs for companies.
4. Superior Product Preservation
Companies may produce SUPs with multi-layer barriers that protect products from moisture, oxygen, light and contamination. This results in extended product shelf life and maintains product freshness, particularly important for food and beverage products.
5. Improved User Experience
Consumers are increasingly seeking convenience in their purchasing experiences and SUPs deliver. SUPs can be designed with re-sealable zippers, easy-to-open tear lines and spouts which increase usability and minimize product waste. The ability to remain standing upright also provides for ease-of-use for consumers when storing and handling products at home.
Customisation Options for Stand Up Pouches
There are numerous options for designing custom SUPs.
Material Options
SUPs can be produced using a variety of materials, depending on the product, including PET, PE, aluminum foil, kraft paper and biodegradable films. Each of these materials possess unique barrier properties and visual characteristics.
Printing & Finishing Options
High resolution graphics can be created using advanced printing technologies and finished with matte, gloss or soft touch coatings. Companies can further enhance the visual appeal of their SUPs by incorporating additional features such as spot UV, embossing and metallic coatings.
Structural Options & Features
SUPs can be customized with a variety of structural features and functional attributes, including flat bottoms, spouts, clear windows, hang holes, or child resistant zipper closures. Each of these features will enhance both the usability of a product and its visual appeal on a retailer’s shelf.
Size Options & Capacities
SUPs are available in a variety of sizes ranging from small sample packs to large bulk packaging, enabling companies to customize the size of their packaging to meet the varying needs of their products.
Sustainable Packaging Solutions – SUPs
Increasingly, companies are considering the sustainability of their packaging solutions. Many suppliers of custom SUPs are now producing eco-friendly SUPs made from recyclable mono-materia or biodegradable structures. These sustainable alternatives enable companies to meet the demands of environmentally conscious consumers while minimizing their own environmental impact.
SUPs utilize minimal packaging materials when compared to rigid packaging options, thus reducing the overall packaging lifecycle impact.
Why Custom Stand-Up Pouches Are Perfect for Emerging Brands
Whether emerging or mature, custom SUPs are scalable and adaptable. The low minimum order quantity and rapid turnaround of custom SUPs enable companies to test new products or upgrade their packaging designs rapidly. The modern appearance of custom SUPs enable companies to project a progressive image and establish themselves as innovative and customer-centric.
Conclusion
Custom stand-up pouch packaging represents a revolutionary advancement in the presentation, storage and consumption of products. The combination of durability, visual appeal, cost efficiency and sustainability offered by custom stand-up pouch packaging positions this packaging format as a viable alternative for today’s competitive market. Whether companies are introducing a new product or updating their current packaging formats, investment in custom stand-up pouches can greatly enhance a company’s brand value and customer experience.
As consumer behavior continues to evolve, custom stand-up pouch packaging is a future ready packaging solution that combines both performance and style.
