Types of Bags/Pouches used in the Coffee Industry.

Key Considerations for Choosing Coffee Bags

• Freshness: Use bags with degassing valves for roasted coffee.
• Resealability: Zippers or tin ties help retain aroma and prevent staleness.
• Material: Foil-lined or multi-layered for barrier protection; compostable options for sustainability.
• Branding: Choose shapes and finishes that reflect your brand identity and target market.
• Min Order Qty : Depends on stage of the company - Startup or Medium+ Scale.
• Cost per Bag : Costing is key for choosing a packing material, eg. in case of 250g packing, Just packing material budget is Rs. 60-80, which is very expensive.
• Digital or Rotogravure Options: It is cruicial to note printing capability for digital(fast, Low Budget turnaround times), Rotogravure( Slow and Expensive turnaround times)
• Fill Type : Manual, Semi-Automatic, Pick and Pack, or Automatic Types.

1. Flat Bottom Pouch ( FBP )

• Description: Stands upright with a flat base; four side panels for branding.
• Advantages:
  • Excellent shelf stability and presentation.
  • Maximizes space for branding and information.
  • Resealable zippers and degassing valve options.
• Best For: Premium retail coffee, specialty blends, café displays.
• Challenges: High Min. Order Qty from Suppliers, Require Manual/Semi-Automatic Packing
• Approx Cost : Rs. 15~20 per 250g Bag

2. Side Gusset Pouch ( SGP )

• Description: Expands at the sides, forms a brick shape when filled.
• Advantages:
  • Traditional look, commonly used for larger volumes.
  • Stacks well for shipping and storage.
  • Large printable area on front and back.
• Best For: Automated machine Packing, Hi-Speed packing, Economical, In-line Valve Application.
• Challenges: Not the best in retail showcase, traditional/legacy packing, Limited zipper or closer options.
• Approx Cost : Rs. 8~15 per 250g Bag

3. Stand-Up Pouch (Doypack) ( SUP )

• Description: Rounded bottom, stands upright when filled.
• Advantages:
  • Modern look, great for shelf display.
  • Resealable and easy to handle.
  • Suitable for smaller quantities (250g–500g).
• Best For: Retail, ecommerce, sample packs, Small MOQs, Most Economical on scale and versatility.
• Challenges: Due to Large Pouch area, the shipper cartons tend to be bigger size.
• Approx Cost : Rs. 8~15 per 250g Bag

4. Quad Seal Pouch ( QSP )

• Description: Four corner seals for a boxy, stable shape.
• Advantages:
  • Strong structure, stands tall even when partially full.
  • Maximizes branding space on all sides.
  • Often used for high-end or export packaging.
• Best For: Premium retail, export, specialty coffee.
• Challenges: High Min. Order Qty from Suppliers, Require Manual/Semi-Automatic Packing, Filling opening is small, need custom hoppers, Sealing needs to be aligned to prevent miss/overlap.
• Approx Cost : Rs. 12-18 per 250g Bag

5. Pillow Bag (PB )

• Description: Simple, flat bag with top and bottom seals.
• Advantages:
  • Cost-effective and easy to produce.
  • Lightweight, suitable for single-serve or small packs.
• Best For: Large Volume Production in Form Fill Seal machines, best for Chain type packing.
• Challenges: Not the best in retail showcase, traditional/legacy packing, Limited zipper or closer options. Coffee Require Pin-hole or Valve, Collapes the pillow show.(customer might think old stock)
• Approx Cost : Rs. 3.5~8 per 250g Bag

6. Tin Tie ( TT )

• Description: Side Gusset Bags with a metal tie for resealing.
• Advantages:
  • Simple and classic, easy for consumers to reseal.
  • Often used for artisan or eco-friendly branding.
• Best For: Side Gusset type packing that require a closing mechanism
• Challenges: The application of Tin Tie is critical, as a slant or improper application might upset the design look and feel. Flags as metal in some of the metal detectors, not scalable.
• Approx Extra Cost : Rs. 1.5~2.5 per Bag.

7. Valve ( One-Way Degassing Valve) ( ODV )

• Description: Any of the above bags with a one-way degassing valve.
• Advantages:
  • Allows CO₂ to escape without letting air in, preserving freshness.
  • Essential for freshly roasted coffee.
• Best For: All types of roasted coffee, especially specialty and premium.
• Challenges: Application Limitation in Automatic Machines, Expensive for large insitutional volumes, Non-biodegradable in paper bag pouch types. Position/size of the valves is fixed. Limited Suppliers globally. Limited Capability from packing material suppliers.
• Approx Extra Cost : Rs. 2.5 ~ 5 Per Bag.

> Need help selecting the right packaging for your coffee business, or want supplier recommendations? Let me know your volume, branding goals, and target segment!