Reduce, reuse and recycle are three ways to lower the impact of packaging, also for stand up pouches like doypacks, flat bottom bags and side gusset bags. Reduce: choose smarter sizes and thinner films, minimise ink and extras, so you use less material while keeping the same protection. Think of a more compact doypack or a flat bottom bag with the right film thickness. Reuse: encourage reuse with refill packaging and sturdy pouches that can be used multiple times, for example a flat bottom coffee pouch with a reclosable zipper or a side gusset bag as a refill. Recycle: make your packaging highly recyclable by choosing mono material solutions such as mono PE or mono PP pouches and provide clear sorting instructions. Paper pouches can go with paper waste when they are fully paper, and mono material plastic pouches fit existing plastic recycling streams.

Stand up pouches save material because thin, strong films provide enough protection. A doypack, flat bottom or side gusset bag is lightweight per pack, so you use fewer grams and less energy in production. Their shape reduces empty space, and because they transport flat and light, you can ship more pouches per box or pallet, use less fuel per shipment and reduce CO2 emissions.

A reclosable zipper keeps your product fresh for longer and helps prevent waste. You can close it airtight between uses, reducing exposure to moisture, oxygen and aroma loss.

The share of plastic packaging waste that gets recycled is growing. Investments are being made in better collection, smarter sorting technology and more processing capacity at recyclers. Mono material pouches, such as mono PE or mono PP, support this because they are easier to recognise and sort, increasing the chance of high quality recycling. The result is more material returning into the chain and less ending up as residual waste. Performance differs by country and municipality, and clear sorting instructions on the packaging help.

Match the material and specification of your pouch to your product, supply chain and legislation. We help with a short checklist, practical advice and samples to test.

Choose a smaller size and thinner film. Use one type of material where possible. Fill more compactly and leave as little empty space as possible. Skip extra coatings or metallic layers. Use less ink. Align components, for example zipper and valve made from the same material. Test the thinnest film that still performs well for your doypack, flat bottom or side gusset bag.