Spout pouch packaging is becoming a top choice for UK businesses. It offers a lightweight, compact alternative to rigid bottles and tubs. This format supports easier storage, reduced shipping costs, and improved product use across drinks, cosmetics, and food sectors.
The shift toward flexible packaging isn't just about following trends, it's about solving real problems that brands face every day. Rising transport costs, storage limitations, and growing consumer demand for convenient products are driving this change. Spout pouches help to address these challenges while giving brands a fresh way to stand out on crowded shelves.
What Is a Spout Pouch?
Spout pouches are flexible packs with a built-in spout or fitment and resealable cap. They hold liquids and semi-liquids securely. These pouches are used for many product types from juices, sauces, gels to refills, and more. The spout design allows easier dispensing and helps reduce spillage and product waste.
Think of them as the evolved cousin of traditional bottles. The flexible material means they can be squeezed to get every last drop out, whilst the spout gives you the control of a bottle cap. When empty, they fold flat, a feature that's particularly appealing to environmentally conscious consumers who want to minimise their household waste.
Industries Using Spout Pouches
Spout pouches are now widely used across many industries, each finding unique advantages that traditional packaging couldn't deliver.
Drinks Packaging
Drinks pouch packaging is ideal for smoothies, fruit juices, and sports drinks. Lightweight and resealable, they suit on-the-go consumers. Athletes particularly appreciate how easy they are to grip during workouts, and parents love that kids can handle them with ease.
Alcohol Packaging
Ready-to-drink cocktails and single-serve wines often use alcohol pouch packaging to reduce bulk and chill quickly. The format works especially well for outdoor events, festivals, and picnics where glass bottles aren't practical or permitted. Premium wine brands are also exploring this format for wine-by-the-glass programmes in restaurants.
Cosmetics Packaging
Shampoos, creams, and gels work very well with cosmetic pouch packaging because it's easy to dispense. The controlled dispensing means customers can use exactly what they need without waste. Hotels and spas find them particularly useful for refill programmes, whilst consumers appreciate being able to store them in tight shower spaces.
Food Packaging
Food pouch packaging suits condiments, sauces, and baby foods perfectly. They help preserve freshness and reduce mess. Restaurant chains are adopting them for portion control and food safety, whilst busy families find them perfect for quick meal preparation. The squeeze-and-serve action makes them ideal for people with limited hand mobility.
Coffee Packaging
Cold brew and concentrate coffe products using coffee pouch packaging benefit from reduced oxygen exposure. Coffee roasters report better flavour retention compared to traditional packaging, and cafes appreciate the space savings in their storage areas. The format also works well for nitro coffee and speciality coffee drinks.
Key Benefits of Spout Pouch Packaging
- Compact size: Takes up less space in storage and transit, reducing warehouse costs by up to 40%
- Ease of use: Built-in spout allows controlled pouring and resealing, with user friendly design that works for all ages
- Reduced waste: Up to 99.5% product dispensing reduces leftover contents, saving money and reducing consumer frustration
- Lower impact: Uses less plastic than rigid packaging, appealing to eco-conscious consumers
- Brand presence: Large surface area ideal for custom printing, offering 360-degree branding opportunities
- Temperature resilience: Some flexible materials can handle freezing and heating better than rigid containers
- Tamper evidence: Clear indication when packaging have been opened, important for food safety
Cost and Efficiency Advantages
Brands switching to spout pouches typically see significant cost reductions in multiple areas. Packaging costs can drop substantially due to lower material requirements and reduced weight. Transport savings accumulate quickly when shipping lighter, more compact products.
Small businesses particularly benefit from lower minimum order quantities compared to custom bottles. This allows them to test new products without huge upfront investments in packaging.
Growth in the UK Market
According to Spherical Insights, the UK pouch packaging market was worth £1.5 billion in 2023 and will reach £1.94 billion by 2025 (source).
Spout pouches are expanding in food, drink, and cosmetics. Businesses choose them for cost savings, less material use, and customer convenience. The growth is particularly strong in the premium segment, where brands use the format to differentiate themselves from traditional competitors.
Spout Pouches from Polypouch
Polypouch supplies a wide range of spout pouches for UK brands. Options include:
- 50ml to 5-litre pouch sizes
- PET, PE, and Nylon materials
- BRC-certified for food and drink use
- Plain and custom printed finishes
- Suitable for hot fill, alcohol, and household use
- Child-resistant closures available
- Clear and opaque material options
- Fast turnaround times for urgent orders
Polypouch matches each pouch to the product type, filling method, and compliance requirements. Their technical team provides filling equipment recommendations and helps troubleshoot any production challenges during the transition from traditional packaging. Bespoke sizes can also be created to meet your requirements.
Making the Switch: What to Expect
Changing packaging formats requires planning, but the process is simpler than many brands expect. Most filling equipment can be adapted for spout pouches with minimal modifications. The key is working with experienced suppliers who understand both the packaging and the filling process.
Customer acceptance is typically high, especially when brands explain the benefits clearly. Focus on convenience, freshness, and environmental benefits rather than just cost savings.
Contact Polypouch
To request samples, pricing, or expert advice, contact Polypouch. A specialist will help select the right pouch for your product and guide you through the entire transition process.