In the world of flexible packaging, it’s not just about what goes inside — it’s also about how it’s presented, stored, and protected. Two of the most popular packaging formats today are lay flat pouches and stand up pouches. Both offer excellent customization, barrier protection, and shelf appeal, but each comes with unique advantages depending on your product type, customer experience, and retail goals.
So, how do you decide which one is the better fit for your brand?
Space, Shape, and Function
When comparing lay flat pouches and stand up pouches, the first thing to consider is your product’s form and how customers use it.
Lay flat pouches are sleek, minimal, and lie flat (as the name suggests). They’re excellent for smaller quantities, single-serve products, or items that benefit from a low-profile footprint. Think trial sizes, samples, sachets, or lightweight goods like powders, tablets, or small snacks. Their slim profile makes them ideal for subscription boxes, online orders, and any packaging scenario where saving space is key.
On the other hand, stand up pouches are gusseted at the bottom, allowing them to stand upright on shelves. This added structure enhances visibility in retail settings and makes them easier to store and reseal at home. They’re often used for heavier or bulkier items like granola, pet treats, coffee, and wellness powders.
But lay flat pouches shine in areas where flexibility, simplicity, and portability are priorities — which is why they’re frequently chosen for health supplement packaging like single-serving vitamin packs, collagen sticks, and daily dose mixes.
Use Cases That Make Lay Flat the Better Fit
The key advantage of lay flat pouches is their versatility in smaller formats. If your product is shipped directly to consumers, space-saving packaging can reduce your shipping costs, lower your carbon footprint, and make unboxing more efficient. These pouches are ideal for ecommerce brands that want to offer grab-and-go convenience without compromising on brand presence.
Take coffee, for example. While stand up pouches dominate the shelves in-store, many DTC brands are using lay flat formats for sampler packs, trial-size roasts, or bundle kits. In fact, coffee packaging for ecommerce often blends both formats — using stand up for full-size products and lay flat for promotions or limited runs.
In addition to their use in food and beverage, lay flat pouches work well for nutraceuticals, dry goods, spices, and even non-edible items like wipes, beauty refills, or small accessories. The pouch’s structure makes it ideal for both vertical and horizontal displays, and with ePac’s digital printing, even the smallest format can pack a big visual punch.
Choosing between lay flat and stand up pouches depends on more than just design — it’s about how your customers interact with your product. If you prioritize portability, cost-effective shipping, or convenient sampling formats, lay flat pouches might be the clear winner.
But no matter which direction you go, it’s about finding the format that aligns with your product’s purpose and your brand’s goals. With ePac, you have the flexibility, speed, and expertise to bring it all together.
