Whether you're packaging coffee, snacks, supplements, or cosmetics, custom pouches are one of the most versatile and brand-friendly options available. However, choosing the right pouch type and features can make all the difference in shelf appeal, product freshness, and customer experience.
Our guide breaks down the key features you can consider for your next custom pouches—from pouch styles to functional extras—so you can design the best solution for your product and your brand.
Pouch Styles: Flat Pouch vs. Stand-Up Pouch
Flat Pouches
Flat pouches are simple, cost-effective, and ideal for single-use or small quantities. Flat pouches are sealed on three sides and have an open top, making them lightweight and space-saving. Due to their lower material usage and shipping costs, they are most suitable for brands looking for a smart, cost-effective solution for custom pouches.
Best for: Sachets, sample-sized products, small snacks, and lightweight items.
Why choose flat pouches?
- Lower material and shipping costs
- Great for single-serve products or giveaways
- Minimalist presentation
Stand-Up Pouches
With a sturdy base that allows them to sit upright on shelves, these types of pouches offer excellent shelf presence and ample space for branding. Their larger capacity means they can hold more volume than flat pouches, making them ideal for everyday use products. Plus, they’re highly versatile as they are compatible with a wide range of add-ons like zippers, valves, and tear notches, giving you the flexibility to customize both performance and experience.
Best for: Food, pet treats, cosmetics, supplements, and retail packaging.
Why choose stand-up pouches?
- Excellent shelf presence
- Holds more volume than flat pouches
- Compatible with a wide range of add-ons (valves, zippers, etc.)
Functional Features & Pouch Add-Ons
Hang Holes & Hang Tabs
Hang holes and tabs are a common feature of pouches. They are often there for retail display, as they allow your pouch to be pegged or hung within stores. There are two common types of hang tabs that we often see:
- Round Hang Hole: This is often the most common option. The round hang hole is simple and is ideal for standard peg hooks.
- Euro Slot: Shaped like an inverted “T”, the euro slot hole allows for greater stability as it has a wider base for the flat pegs to sit on. This type of hang tab is more versatile as it is compatible with a range of pegs.
Tear Notches
Though small in size, tear notches are one of the most thoughtful and user-centric features you can add to your custom pouch. They provide a precise, easy-to-locate opening point that allows your customer to open the pouch effortlessly.
This tiny detail creates a seamless first impression and communicates that your brand has considered every part of the experience, even the opening. For single-use products, travel-size items, or on-the-go snacking, they can make the opening process extremely intuitive for users, especially when paired with resealable closures.
Resealable Zippers
A resealable zipper might seem like a simple feature, but in the world of flexible packaging, it’s a game-changer. They protect your product from moisture, air, and contamination. Seamlessly integrated into the pouch’s opening, resealable zippers help to keep what’s inside fresh and protected.
Whether your product is a premium coffee blend, crunchy granola, or delicate supplements, the resealable mechanism extends product life far beyond the first use. It's not just convenient; it’s a tactile assurance of care and quality. For products that may need extra protection, you may even consider a double zipper.
Twist Ties & Tin Ties
Another sealing option is twist ties and tin ties. Often found on bakery bags, artisanal coffee pouches, and handmade goods, these closures offer a nostalgic feel beyond function. For brands that want to evoke craftsmanship, simplicity, and small-batch quality, these ties send the right message.
They’re perfect for larger pouches where a zipper may be overkill, but freshness still matters. They're especially effective for dry goods like bread, coffee beans, flour, and loose snacks, offering a charming balance of practicality and presentation.
Degassing Valves
Degassing valves are a great custom pouch feature for products, such as freshly roasted coffee, that continue to emit gas post-production. This one-way valve allows built-up carbon dioxide to escape from the pouch without letting oxygen in, preserving the quality of your product from the inside out in the absence of preservatives. Without a valve, the natural gases from roasted coffee can cause the pouch to bloat, strain seals, or generally compromise the freshness and shelf appeal of the product.
Transparent Windows
A transparent window allows your product to take center stage, offering a glimpse of texture, color, or quality that builds instant trust and appeal. In a world full of packaging promises, sometimes the most powerful move is simply to show what’s inside. Windows can be subtle and minimal, or custom-cut into shapes that reflect your brand’s personality, but a well-placed window invites curiosity and allows consumers to get a glimpse of the product you’re proud of, boosting product credibility and encouraging purchase decisions.
Choosing the Right Features for Your Product
Choosing the right features for your custom pouch isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about finding the perfect balance between function, form, and feasibility. Here’s a summary of the key features and why you might choose them.
- Hang Holes & Hang Tabs: Perfect for point-of-sale displays or stores with limited shelf space
- Tear Notches: Seamlessly improves overall consumer experience and eliminates the need for scissors
- Resealable Zippers: Extends product life and enhances customer experience by keeping contents sealed between uses
- Twist Ties & Tin Ties: A tactile, handmade sealing option for larger pouches that need resealing but don’t require zippers
- Degassing Valves: Protects product quality by preventing oxygen exposure, thereby extending shelf life by preserving the product
- Transparent Windows: Boosts product credibility and acts as a clean, confident, and creative way for you to showcase your product
Whether you're working within a tight budget or aiming to create a premium, intuitive unboxing moment, the choices you make should align with your product’s needs, your brand’s values, and your customer’s expectations. To help guide your decision, here are a few questions you can ask yourself:
- Where will this product be sold? (shelf vs. hanging display)
- Will the customer need to reseal the pouch?
- How long should the product stay fresh?
- Is the product single-use or multi-use?
- What impression do I want my packaging to leave?
Ready to Create Your Own Custom Pouch?
PackMojo's custom pouches offer a wide range of features, sustainable materials, and flexible configurations that are sure to fit your brand's needs. We’re here to help you create a custom pouch that not only protects your product but delivers a seamless, memorable experience for your customers.