Custom Printed Pouches FAQ

You can request a quote by completing the custom print quote form, emailing enquiries@polypouch.co.uk or calling 0203 475 3456.

To prepare an accurate quote, Polypouch needs the pouch type, approximate size, quantity, product being packed and any features you need, such as a resealable zip, window, valve, spout or hanging hole.

It also helps to know whether you need plain stock pouches or custom print, how many artwork files are involved, and when you need the order delivered. If you’re not sure about the size, material or features, Polypouch can advise once it understands your product, fill weight, shelf life needs and how the pouch will be filled and sealed.

The MOQ for printed pouches depends on the pouch type, material and print method.

Kraft overprint projects usually start from 100 units. Plastic, clear, foil and metallic printed pouches usually start from 1,000 units. Spout pouches and sachets usually start from 5,000 units, while specialist packs, including stick packs, usually start from 10,000 units.

The best route depends on your pouch size, material, artwork, quantity and timescale. If you’re not sure which print method fits your project, Polypouch can advise once it has the main details.

Yes. Polypouch can print smaller quantities for testing before you place a full order at the usual MOQ.

This can be useful if you want to check the pouch size, material, print finish or how the finished pack looks with your product before committing to a larger run. Smaller runs usually have a higher unit cost because the set up work is spread across fewer pouches.

For other projects, the set up involved means a very small run may not be practical or cost effective. If your required quantity is below the usual starting point, it’s still worth speaking to Polypouch. The team can check what’s possible, explain the realistic options and advise whether a different pouch type, material or print method would be a better fit for the project.

Lead times depend on the print method and usually start once artwork or proof approval is complete.

Kraft overprint projects are usually produced within 10 days after artwork approval. Digital print projects usually take 4 to 6 weeks from proof approval. Gravure print projects usually take around 12 weeks from proof approval.

Some orders can be delivered a few weeks quicker in certain cases, but this will usually add cost. If you’re working to a fixed launch date, tell Polypouch as early as possible so the team can advise what’s realistic.

Yes. Polypouch supplies both stock pouches and custom printed pouches.

Stock pouches are plain, unprinted pouches that can be ordered online and are a good option when you need packaging quickly. Custom printed pouches are produced with your own artwork and specification, including pouch type, material, print method and features.

If you’re not sure which route is right for your project, Polypouch can advise based on your product, quantity, timescale and print requirements.

Yes. You can request up to 5 samples before placing an order.

Samples are useful for checking pouch size, material, finish and how your product fits before you commit to a print run. These are usually plain stock samples, so they won’t show your own artwork.

If you need to test the printed result before a full order, Polypouch can also advise on smaller printed quantities for testing where the pouch type and print method allow it.

The best pouch type depends on your product, fill weight, shelf life, storage needs and how the pouch will be filled and sealed.

For example, liquids usually need a spout pouch, coffee often needs a valve, and products that need strong protection from oxygen, moisture or light may need a higher barrier material. Dry goods such as snacks, powders, tea, supplements and pet treats are often packed in stand up pouches, flat bottom bags or sachets, depending on the size and how the product will be sold.

If you’re not sure, send Polypouch the product details, target fill weight, quantity and any features you need. The team can recommend a suitable pouch type, material and print method.

Yes. Many printed pouches can be made with a resealable closure, depending on the pouch type, material and product being packed.

Yes. Pouches can include features such as a window, valve, spout or tear notch, depending on the pouch type, material and product being packed.

A window can help customers see the product inside. A valve is usually used for whole bean coffee, where gas needs to release from the pouch. A spout is suitable for liquids and pourable products, while a tear notch makes the pouch easier to open.

Some features can affect material choice, barrier protection and production method. Polypouch can advise which options are suitable once it knows your product, pouch size and how the pouch will be filled and sealed.

Whole bean coffee usually needs a degassing valve, especially when it’s packed soon after roasting.

Freshly roasted coffee releases carbon dioxide. A degassing valve lets this gas escape without letting air back into the pouch, helping to protect the coffee during storage and transport.

Ground coffee doesn’t usually need a valve because most of the gas has already been released before packing. If you’re not sure, Polypouch can advise based on the coffee type, roast date, fill weight and shelf life needed.

Yes. Spout pouches are a good option for many liquids, including drinks, sauces, gels, refills and other pourable products.

The right specification depends on the liquid, fill volume, thickness, shelf life and how the pouch will be filled. Spout size, cap type, material and barrier protection all need to be checked before production.

Some products may need extra testing, especially if they’re acidic, oily, thick, hot filled or have a long shelf life. Polypouch can advise once it knows the product, fill size and how the pouch will be used.

Pouches can be made from a range of materials, depending on the product, shelf life, barrier needs and how the pouch will be used.

Common options include kraft paper laminates, clear plastic, foil, metallic films and recyclable mono-material films. Some products need extra protection from oxygen, moisture, light or grease, so the material has to be matched to the product inside.

All Polypouch pouches are food grade certified as a minimum. Recyclable, compostable and specialist materials may also be available depending on the pouch type, quantity and print method.

Yes. All Polypouch pouches are food grade certified as a minimum.

The right pouch still depends on the product being packed. Dry foods, liquids, powders, oily products, acidic products and products with a long shelf life can all need different materials or barrier protection.

Polypouch can advise on a suitable pouch type and material once it knows the product, fill weight, shelf life, storage conditions and how the pouch will be filled and sealed.

The right barrier depends on what your product needs protecting from.

Barrier means how well the pouch protects the product from oxygen, moisture, light, aroma loss or grease. Coffee, powders and dry foods often need moisture and aroma protection. Oily products may need grease resistance, while products affected by light or oxygen may need foil or a higher barrier material.

Polypouch can advise once it knows the product, fill weight, shelf life, storage conditions and how the pouch will be filled and sealed. Samples or testing may also be needed before choosing the final material.

Yes. Polypouch supplies recyclable and compostable pouch options.

Code 4 and code 7 recyclable stock pouches are available to buy online, with next working day delivery available on many stock orders. For custom print projects, Polypouch can produce code 4, 5 and 7 recyclable pouches, depending on the pouch type, material and order requirements.

Compostable stock pouches are also available, and custom compostable pouches can be produced for suitable projects. The best option depends on your product, shelf life, quantity, print method and how the pouch will be used after purchase.

Polypouch offers 3 main print methods for custom pouches: kraft overprint, digital print and gravure print.

Kraft overprint is used for printed kraft pouches and can work well for lower quantity projects. Digital print is often used for full colour artwork and shorter to medium runs. Gravure print is better suited to larger production runs where the quantity justifies the set up.

The right method depends on your pouch type, material, artwork, quantity, timescale and budget. Polypouch can advise which print method fits your project once it has the main details.

Artwork should usually be supplied as a CMYK PDF at 300dpi, set to the finished pouch size or using the supplied dieline if one has been provided.

A dieline is the template that shows where the pouch will be cut, sealed and folded. Artwork requirements can vary depending on the print type, pouch material and finish, so Polypouch will confirm what’s needed before production.

You don’t need final artwork to request a quote. The team can quote from the main project details first, then check the artwork before the order moves ahead.