Custom Printed Pouches vs Stock Pouches Which is Right for Your Brand?

In today's competitive market, packaging plays a crucial role in catching the eye of potential customers and boosting sales. When it comes to pouch packaging, businesses have two main options custom printed pouches and stock pouches. But which one is the best fit for your brand? 

Key Takeaways

What Are Custom Printed Pouches?

Custom printed pouches are packaging solutions designed specifically for your brand. They allow you to create unique packaging that stands out on the shelf and reflects your company's identity. With custom pouches, you have control over the design, colours, logos, and even a range of finishing extras taht can be added. This level of customisation ensures that your packaging aligns perfectly with your brand image and product requirements.

Customisation Options

When opting for custom printed pouches, you have a wide range of options to choose from:

1. Materials:
• Plastic films
• Foil laminates
• Paper-based options
2. Pouch Types:
• Stand up pouches
• Flat bottom bags
• Spout pouches
• And many more, all of the pouches on the Polypouch website can be customised
3. Printing techniques:
• Digital printing for short runs and intricate designs
• Flexographic printing for large volumes and consistent results
• Kraft overprinting for short runs on kraft pouches

These options allow you to create packaging that not only looks great but also functions perfectly for your specific product.

The Custom Pouch Production Process

Creating custom printed pouches involves several steps, ensuring that the final product meets your exact specifications. The process typically begins with a design consultation, where you'll work with packaging experts to determine the best options for your brand. This is followed by artwork preparation and proof approval, ensuring that the design looks exactly as you envision it.

If flexographic printing is used, the next step is plate making. Then comes the actual printing process, followed by laminating if required. The pouches are then cut and shaped to the specified dimensions. Before being packed and shipped, each batch undergoes rigorous quality control to ensure that every pouch meets the high standards you and your customers expect.

Another option includes one of many online packaging design tools that now exist such as the Polypouch Pouch Creator. These tools are essentially a print on demand service allowing you to either upload professionally designed artwork or design your pouch packaging on the go within the tool. These tools are able to offer much lower MOQ print runs.See the overview blog post about the Polypouch tool to gain a better understanding of how this tool works.

What Are Stock Pouches?

Stock pouches are pre-made packaging options that are readily available for purchase. They come in standard sizes, shapes, and materials, making them a quick and easy solution for many businesses. While they don't offer the same level of customisation as custom printed pouches, they do have several advantages that make them attractive for certain situations.

Stock pouches are available in various types to suit different needs:

1. Resealable zipper pouches
2. Spout pouches for liquids
3. Flat bottom bags for stability
4. Three-side seal pouches
5. Stand up pouches

They typically come in standard sizes, such as 100g, 250g, 500g, and 1 kg etc, with materials including clear plastic, metallic films, and kraft paper blends.

One of the main benefits of stock pouches is their immediate availability. When you need packaging quickly, stock pouches can be an excellent solution. They're also more cost-effective for small orders, as there are no setup fees or minimum order quantities to worry about.

Custom Printed Pouches vs Stock Pouches How Do They Compare?

Now that we've covered the basics of both custom printed pouches and stock pouches, let's look at how they compare in key areas that might influence your decision.

Brand Identity and Marketing

Custom pouches give your brand a unique voice on the shelf. With full control over colours, logos, and designs, you can create packaging that truly represents your company's identity. For example, a gourmet coffee or tea brand might use custom pouches with rich colours and gold foil accents to convey a premium image. This level of customisation can significantly enhance brand recognition and appeal to your target market.

Stock pouches, while functional, offer limited branding opportunities. You might be able to add a label or sticker which will take time to apply and not all pouches will be exactly the same, but the overall look will be more generic. This could work for some brands, like a small local farm selling produce at a farmers' market, where simplicity is part of the appeal. However, for brands looking to stand out in a crowded market, the limitations of stock pouches might be a significant drawback.

Cost Considerations

When it comes to costs, there are several factors to consider:

• Initial investment: Custom printed pouches often have higher upfront costs due to design fees and setup charges. Stock pouches have lower initial costs, making them attractive for businesses with tight budgets or those just starting out.
• Per-unit costs: For high-volume orders, custom pouches can become more cost-effective over time. As order quantities increase, the per-unit cost typically decreases. Stock pouches maintain a steady price point, which can be higher per unit for large orders compared to custom options.
• Minimum order quantities: Custom pouches often have higher minimum order quantities (MOQs) due to the setup involved in the printing process (with the exception of kraft overprint). Stock pouches offer more flexibility, allowing you to purchase smaller quantities as needed.

Lead Times and Flexibility

The production of custom pouches takes time. From design approval to manufacturing and shipping, you might be looking at a lead time of 4-6 weeks or more. This longer lead time needs to be factored into your planning and inventory management.

Stock pouches, on the other hand, offer quick turnaround times. In many cases, you can receive your order within a few days. This makes stock pouches an excellent option for businesses that need packaging quickly or those with fluctuating demand.

Product Protection and Functionality

With custom pouches, you can tailor the packaging to your product's specific needs. This might include:

1. Extra barrier layers for sensitive products
2. Custom shapes for unique items
3. Special closures for user convenience
4. Dispensing features for liquids or powders
5. Window panels for product visibility

This level of customisation ensures that your packaging not only looks great but also provides the best possible protection and functionality for your product.

Stock pouches offer basic protection and functionality. While they may be suitable for many products, they might not meet specific requirements for items that need special care. If your product has unique needs in terms of preservation, dispensing, or storage, custom pouches might be the better option.

Environmental Impact

Sustainability is an increasingly important consideration in packaging decisions. When designing custom pouches, you have the opportunity to choose eco-friendly materials and printing processes. This might include options like recyclable mono-material films, compostable materials, or water-based inks.

Many suppliers now offer stock pouches made from sustainable materials as well, though your options may be more limited compared to custom solutions. When considering the environmental impact, it's important to look at the entire lifecycle of the packaging, from production to disposal or recycling.

When to Choose Custom or Stock Pouches

The choice between custom printed pouches and stock pouches ultimately depends on your specific business needs and circumstances. Here are some scenarios where each option might be the better choice:

Custom printed pouches are ideal for:

• Brand launches or rebrands
• Products in highly competitive markets
• Premium or luxury items
• Products with unique shapes or sizes
• Businesses looking to enhance brand recognition

Stock pouches can be the right option when:

• You're working with a tight budget
• You need packaging quickly
• You're testing a new product
• Your order volumes are low or inconsistent

The Future of Pouch Packaging

As technology advances, we're seeing exciting developments in both custom and stock pouch options. New printing techniques are making it easier and more affordable to create eye-catching custom pouches. Digital printing, in particular, is opening up possibilities for short-run custom orders, variable data printing for personalised packaging, and photorealistic imagery on pouches.

Both custom and stock pouch manufacturers are focusing on sustainability, developing new materials and designs that reduce environmental impact. Some key trends include:

1. Mono-material pouches for easier recycling
2. Bio-based films from renewable resources
3. Reusable pouch designs
4. Compostable materials for eco-friendly disposal
5. Smart packaging with QR codes or NFC technology

Making the Right Choice for Your Brand

Choosing between custom printed pouches and stock pouches comes down to carefully considering your specific needs. Think about your brand identity and marketing goals, budget constraints, time frame, order volumes, and product requirements. By weighing these factors, you can select the pouch packaging solution that best fits your business and helps your products shine on the shelf.

Remember, your packaging is often the first thing a customer sees. Whether you choose custom or stock pouches, make sure your selection aligns with your brand values and meets your customers' expectations. The right packaging choice can significantly impact your product's success in the market.