Compostable and Biodegradable Stand up Pouches -The Complete Guide

Compostable and biodegradable stand up pouches is packaging materials that are much kinder to the environment.

This is because they decompose much easier and are safe to the environment when disposed of appropriately.

In this article, we will take a deep dive into the two pouches, compostable and Biodegradable Stand up Pouches

Typical Application Areas for Compostable and Biodegradable Stand Up Pouches

Compostable and biodegradable stand up pouches

Compostable and biodegradable stand up pouches are highly stable when full.

Their stand up construction offers a great solution to retail packaging.

It makes the pouches highly visible on display shelves and retail stands.

The uses of this stand up pouches are broad.

They are used to pack a range of products that include:

• Sweet and Savory Snacks: these are Nuts, dehydrated fruit, granola, and Beef Jerky
• Miscellaneous: manufactured and frozen foodstuff, a mixture of Beverage, tea, or coffee.

Off the kitchen, the pouches are majorly used in these verticals:

• Outdoor: fertilizer, lawn chemicals, seeds, and Insect Control
• Pet Food: Dogs, Cats, Birds, and fish

Other applications of compostable and biodegradable stand up pouches are in the beauty industry.

Here, the pouches are used for packaging jewelry and cosmetics.

The pouches are also used in the industrial packaging of various products.

Benefits of Choosing Compostable and Biodegradable Stand up Pouches

Compostable and biodegradable stand up pouches offer the following benefits:

• Less pollution

By using these biodegradable stand up pouches, you reduce carbon emissions into the environment.

You also help the conservation of resources needed for new packaging as these can be reused.

The pouches’ composting nature also positively impacts reducing pollution levels in soil, water bodies, and air.

• Financial benefits

Using these pouches for your packaging helps to streamline waste management hence saving you money.

In this way, you also play a role in corporate social responsibility by going green.

Research has proved that companies that take partake in CSR are more successful.

This is because they identify with consumers who are sensitive to environmental conservation.

Types of Compostable and Biodegradable Stand up Pouches

There are several types of compostable and biodegradable stand up pouches.

These include:

• Compostable Stand up Pouches with Handle

These are stronger to hold the substances and are freezer nontoxic.

They also guarantee the provision of oxygen to the contents packaged in it.

Compostable stand up pouches with handles comprise a moisture barrier.

They are also made from reusable and compostable raw products.

These properties help to keep the products in the package free from damage, grease, or water.

The portable packaging of this type makes it comfortable for storing and shipping.

• Recyclable stand up pouches

These provide various advantages and chances for cutting costs.

They can fit up so many units in a track.

Recyclable stand up pouches can minimize supply expenses and destructive emissions.

It needs fewer materials to produce as compared to other packages.

The process utilizes few resources, and it’s easily obtainable if one chose to capitalize on those.

• Kraft Paper Pouch

Kraft Paper Pouch

Kraft paper pouch has recyclable packaging formed from recycled craft paper.

The inside is lined with aluminum foil, which retains the fillings moisture-free.

This type of compostable and biodegradable stand up pouches is made in diverse arrangements and forms.

The pouch is tremendous for keeping nourishment and pharmaceutical produces due to its feature of moisture blocking.

What Compostable and Biodegradable Stand up Pouches are made of

For our compostable and biodegradable stand up pouches, we use a range of highly sustainable and innovative materials in the market.

All of our materials undergo strict checks and vetting to ensure quality and sustainability.

The checks also ascertain that the materials we use are reusable, recyclable, compostable and biodegradable.

The materials we use fall into the following categories:

• Laminates

These comprise of certified and bio based laminate films which ensure high barrier for the resulting stand up pouches.

The laminates are derived from various raw materials that include sugarcane, cellulose, paper, and metals.

Usually, the choice of laminate materials depends on the client’s unique application and intended sales channel.

• Kraft paper

We use high quality Kraft paper for some compostable and biodegradable stand up pouches.

Our Kraft paper options are white Kraft paper, ivory paper and the normal brown Kraft paper.

Each of these material options come in standard 80-230 gsm thickness.

However, we can always increase or reduce the material thickness to suit your application.

• Films

Film materials are generally single layer films for not so heavy content fills.

These could be made from LDPE, PLA/PBAT, or PE films.

All of these, note, are certified compostable and bio based film materials suitable for all kinds of packaging applications.

Other compostable and biodegradable stand up pouches are made using bubble films made from 100% recycled materials.

Sustainability Properties of Compostable and Biodegradable Stand up Pouches

The packaging business, the régime, and ever-developing clienteles concentrate on the impact of packaging on the environment.

Flexible packaging is one of the choices for environmental conservation.

First, it requires less capital to produce and package the goods in the smallest packaging conceivable.

This kind of packaging also produces fewer emissions and generates less waste.

Manufacturing flexible pouches for foodstuff needs about 75% less energy compared to alternative packaging.

This produces about 10% of the carbon monoxide emission.

Design Considerations for Compostable and Biodegradable Stand up Pouches

Stand up pouch design

A properly done compostable and biodegradable stand up pouch design allows for attractive aesthetic finishing.

Not only that, but it also protects its contents and improves your business bottom-line results.

Well-thought-out stand up pouches also reduce the use of materials and energy.

They require less space during transportation and on display shelves.

Here are some considerations to get you started in designing bespoke compostable and biodegradable stand up pouches.

• Objective

You need to consider your end goal when designing any kind of packaging for your products.

Determine if the pouch will be the main packaging or just a part of it.

Also, consider whether the pouches will stay on shelves or if they will undergo transportation from one place to another.

Basically, you should consider your distribution channel and design a pouch that withstand the type and number of handling present therein.

• Material and durability

How long do you expect the pouch to survive on the shelf and after use?

The answer to that question should guide you in choosing an ideal material and structure for your pouch.

Remember, compostable and biodegradable stand up pouch material choice should not just be based on your preference.

Rather, it should also be based on your audience’s needs as well as your budget.

The correct material choice should be based on the consumer, distribution channel, display, and safety requirements.

• Printing

If you’re opting to have your stand up pouches printed, you may want to consider the technique to be used and other related things.

Keep in mind that the graphic design of any packaging is usually its most selling points.

So you need to pay attention to the fonts and colors you use in the design.

The surface finishing (Gloss, matte, etc.) is also a key factor to consider.

Other factors to consider when designing this kind of pouch are the price point you’re aiming for as well as the structural design.

Generally, your choices in size, material, and design will affect the overall outcome of your compostable and biodegradable stand up pouch design.

Difference between Biodegradable Stand up Pouches and Degradable Stand up Pouches

Biodegradable stand up pouches is made from plant-based material.

Degradable stand up pouches, on the other hand, are made from chemical additives inclusive of heavy metals.

Their differences are as follows:

• Environment friendliness: Biodegradable stand up bags are produced with less energy and funds. Thus, a smaller amount of harmful fumes are released throughout production.
• Customization: The bio-degradable options have various designs, unlike the other pouches, which have a regular crafty making them less attractive.
• Cost-effectiveness: minimal investment is needed for biodegradable packaging.

Thus, it involves less as linked to other stand up pouches. Consequently, stand up pouches wholesale can simply be bought.

• Custom printing: Biodegradable pouches have a broad front and back. It can also be Custom printed, which is less labor-intensive as well becoming inexpensive.

Available Thickness for Compostable and Biodegradable Stand up Pouches

Compostable and biodegradable stand up pouches range from 14,000-76,000 components in every design.

This is concerning dimension and material thickness.

The pouches are accessible in standard sizes or custom sizes and are made from 100% specialized compostable resources.

Sustainable material composition is 125 microns thick, oxygen and vapor barrier are higher.

A clear window enables it to be visible.

Biodegradable Stand up Pouch has three layers of metalized PLA & PLA, which offers a high-barrier shield from oxygen and vapor.

It also has a zipper that is 100% Biodegradable.

Standards for Compostable and Biodegradable Stand up Pouches for Food and Medicine

Various internationally recognized standards are used to regulate the quality and safety of compostable and biodegradable stand up pouches.

The standards include:

• FDA- Food and Drug Administration.
• GMP-Good Manufacturing Practices.
• HACCP-Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point.
• BRCGS-British Retail Consortium
• ISO-International Organization of Standardization.
• GMI- Graphic Measures International

When buying these pouches, always ensure that the end product conforms to the above standards.

If there are specific industry standards (by type of application), ensure that the pouches meet them to avoid violations.

Special Options available in Compostable and Biodegradable Stand up Pouches

Custom compostable and biodegradable stand up pouches may come with the following add-on features depending on need and application.

• Tear notches
• Gussets
• Perforations
• Handles
• zipper
• valve
• tin-tie

Generally, these features make the pouches more effective for use in their specific applications.

How long Compostable and Biodegradable Stand up Pouches take to Decompose

These stand up pouches take about three to six months to decay completely.

That is much faster than synthetic foils that can take many years.

Note that precisely how long a recyclable bag takes to decay relies on numerous elements, such as heat and the vapor present.

However, the bags are not always as ecologically responsible as they appear.

They are made from comparable petrochemical-based resources to conservative plastic.

In this case, composites are added that induce them to break progressively in the occurrence of heat or oxygen.

They frequently then destroy into the mud of poisonous chemicals.

Bioplastics composed of cornstarch and extra plant-based ingredients are better.

They release carbon monoxide as they decay.

However, they are simply ejecting carbon which is consumed by the plants that initially formed them.

The net effect on the setting is consequently close to zero.

The decomposition of Compostable and Biodegradable Stand up Pouches is dependent on a variety of issues.

If they are retained in a microbe-rich setting to assist its decay, the pouches can some time to completely decay.

In contrast, traditional plastic bags take much time to completely decay.

The question is where these pouches end up.

Appropriately disposing of decomposable plastic bags and guaranteeing they transpire in the correct setting for decaying is the only way to guarantee they can break down completely.

So the biodegradable is considered to be destroyed by natural bacteria such as fungi and microorganisms.

However, they cannot be broken down in a marine setting like a sea.

That is why they are usually floating around the oceans and other water masses still intact.

But if one puts compostable bags anywhere off a composting facility, they merely will not decay.

This comprises landfills (a place where most of the plastics finally decay.

This is the reason landfill-biodegradable pouches are the much better alternative as far as minimizing the ecological footprint is concerned

Various Types of Testing Compostable and Biodegradable Stand up Pouches should undergo

Compostable and biodegradable stand up pouches undergo different tests to ensure their quality and safety.

These tests include:

• Product/package compatibility testing

This is a test to ascertain resistance to chemical or physical change from interaction to the product.

You will find it mostly conducted on packaging laminations.

• Compression Testing

This entails exposure to different pressure forces for varied periods.

• Seal testing

This entails testing the fusion seals that hold the plastic within the packaging material.

This is tested on a molecular level.

• Puncture resistance testing

This method tends to ascertain the pressure necessary to puncture flexible packaging material.

It takes into account the ASTM standards.

• water bath testing
• tensile testing
• Burst testing

This is done by introducing pressure into the pouch.

It is done at a controlled rate.

As the air (Pressure) is introduced, the internal pressure is maintained for a specified duration.

The aim is to determine the strength of the seals.

• Drop testing

This ascertains the height from which a pouch can free fall without failing.

The height and surface are predetermined.

The most widely used test for this is the 1A 10 drop procedure.

Benefits of Spouts and Fitments for Compostable and Biodegradable Stand up Pouches

Stand up pouches with spout

Both consumers and manufacturers alike benefit from using compostable and biodegradable stand up pouches with spouts and fitments.

Some of the benefits to the manufacturers are:

Spouts and fitments push down the cost of manufacture and production.

This is because it offers flexible packaging.

This translates to:

• Less material usage
• Weighs less
• Low storage space and shipping cost

The benefits enjoyed by consumers are:

• Longer shelf life for products, thereby saving the dispensable income
• Stand up pouch with spout and fitments are convenient due to precision in dispensing substance and reducing the mess
• Enhanced safety and security as a result of being child friendly
• On the go convenience

Lead-time for Compostable and Biodegradable Stand up Pouches Manufacturing

The lead time for making compostable and biodegradable stand up pouches is 6 weeks.

However, the duration varies depending on individual client requirements.

Non-printed pouches take a shorter period to produce and dispatch.

Custom printed compostable, and biodegradable stand up pouches take longer.

This is due to the add-on features and printing process that require more time and precision.

Also, larger orders will take longer to produce than small volume orders.

How to Ship Compostable and Biodegradable Stand up Pouches

As customers become more aware of their spending ways, they are concentrating not only on maintainable foodstuffs.

However, productions are devoted to being ecologically responsive in all features of their processes.

Shipping is a vital share of operating an online company, with about six hundred million substances posted every day in American alone.

How these acquisitions are packed and shipped has a main influence on the world—and clienteles are seriously taking note.

The following is how businesses are e-commerce packaging, supplying, and satisfying their orders with the environment in mind.

Here are some of their tips for sustainable packaging and shipping:

• Provide carbon-neutral shipping by counterweighing discharges
• Ship the products in large quantities
• Utilize justifiable wrapping that can be put to new use
• A return program must be offered for the empty item containers
• Reprocess on behalf of the providers and give shipping-friendly substances
• Work with traders to decrease distinct shipments and restrict return shipping
• Decrease the scope of the packaging
• Utilize compostable mailers

Compostable dispatching bags provide an ecological mailing resolution.

When selecting a mailing preference, compostable bags provide an explanation that is healthier for the surroundings since they are compostable.

The item can only be used once due to the double glue streak seal as an additional ecologically responsive.

Consequently, the bags can be utilized two times and are completely compostable.

Therefore, one does not have to fear concerning the waste they are generating when shipping their products.

Mailing bags are utilized in several diverse businesses since they are adaptable and cost-effective.

In businesses that transport out many products daily, the usage of compostable or biodegradable pouches can make a major dissimilarity.

Productions currently are more worried about their impact on the environment with such operations.

Compostable mailing pouches offer a choice that permits businesses to select a nontoxic choice for their trade.

These pouches are formed from bio-resin, which will decompose overtime.

Consequently, it does not remain in a landfill for several years.

It is a perfect alternative to plastic pouches.

Compostable dispatching pouches are as strong as consistent plastic pouches.

One, therefore, does not have to worry about if their items will reach their destination.

One needs to ship their items with comfort and feel secure that they will get to the destination protected.

The bags are intended to be adequately long-lasting that they will not be perforated, resulting in the items becoming lost in transportation.

When selecting posting bags, one needs to validate that they are long-lasting to securely ship the products.

Mailing bags offer the customer a choice of sending peculiarly shaped goods in a package rather than a box to save on postage.

Numerous shapes and sizes exist to house the transport of a broad range of items.

The mailing bags permit one’s business to preserve the organic waste of the landfills.

Pledging the setting and their consumers will raise it.

Compostable bags are a healthier way to remove waste.

Some industries reprocess that gets rid of wastes and others utilize composting to remove the waste.

Ecologically cognizant businesses are constantly looking for diverse techniques to change.

Using compostable mailing bags is a better venture and very affordable.

How to fill and Seal Compostable and Biodegradable Stand up Pouches

The needed requirements include: a manual impulse heat sealer, a selected stand up bag, and a smooth workspace. The pouch should be filled from the top.

Next, the seal should be used to close the bag.

Use the machine by placing the filled bag in between the seal bars and press it down softly for about 3 seconds.

The pouch now has a professional, air-tight, fiddle-marked seal.

When the bag has not been sealed properly, start by gradually adjusting the heat until a broad seal is realized.

Heat fastening is an elective element and is not essential to Copious Bags pouches’ usage since they contain enclosable zip lock closing.

Shelf Life of Compostable and Biodegradable Stand up Pouches vs. Traditional Stand up Pouches

The shelf life for most stand up pouches depends mainly on the products being packaged.

In this case, what is considered most is the amount of oxygen.

The second thing that is needed is using a barrier film. Traditional bags are not formed with a barrier film.

Generally, compostable and biodegradable stand up pouches can last for 2 months from production as regular.

This is when the compostable plastics utilized are considered to decompose after this stage mechanically.

It is vital to stock compostable wrapping in a cool place.

This is because exposure to direct temperature, sunlight, or vapor can minimize its shelf life.

Compostable and biodegradable stand up pouches need a lively microbial setting, like a fertilizer pile, to decompose.

When located in business composting circumstances, it will first crumble then biodegrade to CO2, H2O, and biomass with no harmful waste.

The compostable packaging range must meet the European standard that guarantees that the material will break in twelve weeks.

Meaning it should biodegrade in six months in business composting circumstances.

Actual composting times for much of our compostable range are likely to be shorter than this.

The composting procedure will take much time in local composting circumstances, as these do not match the high temperatures.

Times will vary according to composting conditions (e.g., location, size, temperature, moisture, microorganisms).

Best Interior Volume/Capacity for Compostable and Biodegradable Stand up Pouches

Innermost layer for seal integrity: the innermost layers need to be made from polyethylene to be heat sealed.

Many companies will try hard to cut corners to save on costs in every pouch.

Do not settle on any other form of inner layers, but the best should be at least 100 microns thick.

The Right Size Compostable and Biodegradable Pouch for your Product

The right size of stand up pouch packaging helps save the freight costs as bags need to be far lighter.

This would allow the transportation of more products and less packaging while saving the available space.

Therefore, the right size pouch should not consume a lot of space like bottles.

Determining the Level of Barrier you need for Compostable and Biodegradable Stand up Pouches

Organic feel: The full thickness of the stand up pouches is 6.1 mils and comprises the Kraft paper and two other layers, creating a transparent window and the innermost layer for wrapping.

For instance, the 60 Bag uses materials with a small carbon footprint and the least ecological influence.

The pouch is formed from flax fiber, which has little energy.

Artwork Requirements for Compostable and Biodegradable Stand up Pouches

Artworks requirements need to be sent in time and meet certain specifications.

Some of which are:

File format

The accepted file formats are:

• Adobe illustrator
• Encapsulated postscript
• Adobe Photoshop

Editable document (Portable document folder)

Kindly ensure that images are embedded within the design file.

You will be required to send a soft proof, with either a flattened jpg or Pdf.

Once sent, our graphic designers might make amendments on the best quality feasible.

Fonts

The fonts ought to be converted to outlines within the document.

Alternatively, it can be included in the design files.

This is important in ensuring the design remains intact.

The only downside with this is that text cannot be modified.

When considering fonts, chose outlined fonts.

Colors

The acceptable colors are Pantone color format.

Pantone colors should be included in the color code.

It is advisable to provide a printed sample though not mandatory.

Under no circumstance is the RGB format accepted.

You need to note that CMYK colors will be converted to Pantone.

However, the color consistency might be slightly different.
You will be requested to include a color key in the image.

Bleed

Bleed refers to the overlapping section of the print that goes beyond the edges.

The recommend bleed is 1/8″.

Resolution

The recommended resolution is 300 dpi in full size (100%)

This is to ensure there is no pixelation.

Artwork submission

You should submit the artwork via email, WeTransfer, or google drive.

Print Methods used for Compostable and Biodegradable Stand up Pouches

The print methods that are used are:

• Flexographic printing
• Digital printing
• Rotogravure printing

Custom Printed Compostable and Biodegradable Stand up Pouches vs. Blank Pouches

Printed compostable and biodegradable stand up pouch

Compostable and biodegradable stand up pouches have turn out to be somewhat of a style and position representation in today’s industry.

This is because of the period and determination to spend planning a good-looking paper bag for their goods.

With good-looking paper pouches that promote the company’s trademark, consumers offer a system of free promotion and endorsement.

A Custom-printed pouch can assist in improving the brand value in several techniques.

They are a big image for advertising information, unlike the blank pouches.

Reusability is another aspect whereby the advertising plastic bags containing the logo are reusable.

Unlike the blank pouches, the clients usually love to reuse them numerous times before they decay or wear out.

Blank pouches note, don’t have any printing.

Their effectiveness concerning marketing and advertising is limited.

They offer limited product visibility on retail displays.

In comparison, printed compostable and biodegradable stand up pouches are more effective as a packaging solution.

They offer greater visibility, promote brand awareness and growth, and are generally good-looking.

However, they are costly to produce and procure. They also take a longer time to manufacture.

The bank stand up pouch options is usually readily available off-the-shelf.

They require lesser time and resources to produce and hence cost less.

Steps to Consider when choosing Compostable and Biodegradable Stand up Pouches

You need to consider the following when choosing compostable and biodegradable pouches.

Certification

You will need to consider if the pouches have been certified and tested by relevant bodies.

Chemical composition

You will need to check the chemical composition and ensure that they are not harmful to human health.

Some chemicals which are hazardous to human health are bisphenol and phthalates.

Use

You should consider the intended use of compostable and biodegradable stand up pouches.

The compostable pouches are made with specific applications in mind.

Some of these are good for dry goods, while others are meant for semi-liquid or liquid materials.

Storage

You will note that some compostable and biodegradable pouches can be stored in the freezer.

On the other hand, others cannot be stored in low-temperature areas without being damaged.

Other factors to consider include size, shape, add-on features, and cost.

Suitable Storage Conditions for Compostable and Biodegradable Stand up Pouches

It is vital to store compostable wrapping in a cool, dry area, away from sunshine or vapor that can minimize its lifetime.

Possible Limitations of Compostable and Biodegradable Stand up Pouches

Engineering issues: Biodegradable plastics are composed of plants like soybeans.

Hence, there is a danger of pollution since the crops might contain pesticides while still on the farm.

Another limitation is that there is a requirement for expensive equipment in processing and recycling.

Industrial processing is expensive to those that require high-scale temperatures to decompose.

It needs equipment that may be a problem.

Thirdly, there is the risk of pollution from the confusion of identifying between Bio-degradable and Non-Biodegradable Plastics.

The major challenge is that so many people do not know how to differentiate between the two.

Hence they end up mixing them, which may cause contamination and difficulty in recycling.

Another limitation is that they may discharge methane in the landfills while decomposing, which may be high and increase climate change.

Biodegradable does not resolve the marine pollution issues since they do not decompose in the waters.

The plastics end up floating in the water, which is a health danger to marine life.

Another limitation is that there is a need for bulk production of crops to produce these plastics.

Furthermore, they come at a higher cost of production than traditional plastics.

Finally, biodegradable Plastics can comprise metals, which are released during decomposition.

At TedPack, we strive to give you the best quality compostable and biodegradable stand up pouch that meet your unique application requirements.

Contact us today for all your compostable and biodegradable stand up pouch needs.