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Paper stand-up pouches

100% paper stand-up pouches

A 100% paper stand-up pouch is an eco-friendly and practical packaging solution. These fully paper pouches, also called kraft paper bags, are ideal for non-food products or temporarily packaged food items. They are widely used in the food and hospitality sector for items like tea sachets, sandwiches, cookies, popcorn, nut mixes, chocolate, dried fruit, and pasta. In retail and gifting they are popular for scented candles, jewelry, stationery, and more. These bags are available from stock in white and brown.

Paper stand-up pouches are also perfect for events and marketing, such as welcome packs, giveaways, wedding favors, or creative goodie bags.

The big advantage is that they are made from a single material and are therefore fully recyclable (PAP22) with waste paper. They fit perfectly with the monomaterial trend and contribute to a circular packaging chain.

Paper packaging at PouchDirect

When is 100% paper less suitable?

A fully paper pouch is not always the most sustainable choice. For applications where food or other sensitive contents are packed, direct contact with paper is often undesirable. Paper is not moisture or grease resistant and offers limited protection against light and oxygen.

That’s why PouchDirect also offers paper pouches with a laminated inner layer. This way you combine the natural look of kraft paper with the functional properties of a protective barrier layer. These packs are ideal for products like tea, herbs, or candy. Also available with a window, so you can showcase the product.

Is paper the right choice for your product?

While paper stand-up pouches have advantages in simplicity and recyclability, there are also limitations. Paper production requires raw materials like wood, which has an environmental impact. Paper pouches also offer less protection than plastic variants and cannot be heat-sealed, which is important for some applications.

For customers looking for a more sustainable middle ground, we also supply custom solutions. For example, paper pouches with a PVA coating, a water-soluble polymer that allows the bag to be recycled with waste paper despite the added protection.

Want to know if paper is a suitable solution for your product? Our specialists are happy to think along with you and help you find the right packaging.

Looking for a quick answer? Check out these FAQs!

100% Paper

When should I choose a 100% paper stand up pouch?

Choose a 100% paper stand up pouch for non food products, or for food applications with fast turnover where only limited protection is needed and you want the packaging to go easily into the paper recycling stream. Think of items like cards, textiles, cosmetic samples, dried flowers, or bakery products and to go snacks that are consumed quickly. Keep in mind that 100% paper offers less protection against moisture, grease and oxygen, so it is not ideal for long shelf life or products that are highly aroma or fat sensitive. If you need more protection, choose a paper pouch with an extra inner layer or barrier. Go for 100% paper when maximum recyclability via paper collection is your priority.

Are paper stand up pouches fully recyclable?

Yes. 100% paper stand up pouches are fully recyclable via paper collection and are often classified as PAP22. Dispose of the pouch empty, clean and dry with paper waste. Note that extras like stickers, labels and windows can affect recyclability. Prefer paper labels with water based adhesive and avoid plastic labels, or remove them before disposal. If the pouch has a (bio)plastic inner layer or coating, it is no longer 100% paper and may be sorted differently locally, so always check your local guidelines.

When are 100% paper stand up pouches less suitable?

100% paper is less suitable for direct food contact and for products sensitive to grease, moisture or oxygen, such as coffee beans, nuts, granola, spices or greasy snacks. Also, when long shelf life, aroma retention or a high barrier is needed, a paper pouch without an inner layer offers too little protection. In those cases, choose paper with a (bio)coating or a paper stand up pouch with an extra barrier and optionally a valve for optimal freshness.

Which pouch should I choose if I need protection but still want a paper look?

Choose a paper stand up pouch with a barrier inner layer or with a transparent window. This keeps the paper or kraft look while blocking aroma, moisture and grease effectively. Ideal for coffee, tea, granola, nuts and other products that need to stay fresh and crisp. Please note that with an added layer it is no longer 100% paper, and collection may differ from PAP22. We offer several variants with high barrier and a paper look, also with options for a valve and printing, so you get both appearance and shelf life right. We also offer 100% recyclable stand up pouches with a paper look. This keeps the kraft appearance and supports a circular solution without compromising protection or brand experience. Depending on your product and the version, we are happy to advise the right waste stream.

Can paper stand up pouches be heat sealed?

Fully paper pouches usually cannot be heat sealed. Only paper with a sealable inner layer can be sealed using an impulse sealer or band sealer. For 100% paper, practical alternatives for closure and hygiene include a tin tie, adhesive strip, a label as a closing seal, a drawstring closure, or a tight fold with tape. On request, we also supply paper with a PVA layer. This allows a paper pouch that can be heat sealed and, with the right paper to PVA ratio, can still be accepted in the paper stream in many municipalities. We are happy to advise on the right specifications, the required barrier and suitable sealer settings for your product.

Is there a middle option such as PVA coating?

Yes. A PVA coating is a practical middle ground. A thin PVA layer enables heat sealing and, with the right paper to PVA ratio and without plastic windows, it can often still be collected with paper waste. It is especially suitable when you need a low to medium barrier against moisture or grease while keeping a paper look. Acceptance differs by municipality and also depends on details such as adhesives, labels and printing. We are happy to advise on specifications, test reports and sealer settings, or alternatives when a higher barrier or longer shelf life is needed.

What is the environmental impact of paper production for paper stand up pouches, from raw material to recycling?

Paper uses resources such as wood fibres, water and energy. The environmental impact depends strongly on the source of the fibres, the share of recycled paper and the efficiency of the production process. Paper is therefore not automatically more sustainable than plastic, especially with higher grammage papers or when an extra barrier is required.

Want to know more or have questions? Contact us - we'll be glad to help!