For more information on products, companies, or shipping, you can also check out our other FAQs!
1. What is a fin seal pouch?
A fin-seal pouch is a bag with a simple bottom and back seal.
2. What industries can fin seal pouches be applied to?
In general, the food industry is a huge market. Especially for fin seal pouches, this food market can be extended to dry, aerated, confectionary, and miscellaneous food. Dry food includes nuts, biscuits, and various snacks. Aerated food mainly refers to French fries. Confectionary foods include fudge, chocolate, chewing gum, and various hard candies. Other types of food include noodles, tea, powdered sauces, and spices. Sometimes fin seal pouches are also used to package toys and many other products.
Another surprising application is packaging magazines, collector cards, and promotional materials! If you’re wondering if fin seal pouches are right for your business, get in touch! For more details, you can also look at specific bag applications, such as coffee bags. The material used for fin seals depends on the type of food involved. See the material table for more information… Additionally, you can scroll down to the questions about the material.
3. What does the bag protect the food from?
The packaging protects not dust, dirt, or theft, but other – tiny – things. For one, good packaging must be airtight so that the tantalizing aroma of the food stays inside while keeping the oxygen out. Oxygen is a natural catalyst that speeds up the rate at which the product spoils. So in order to keep the food fresh, the oxygen needs to be kept away. Even with candy, the oxygen will dry them out, leaving a gooey mess. Another important thing is to keep all kinds of pollutants out. These can include dust, industrial chemicals, bacteria, fungi, metals, and other toxins.
Carbon dioxide works well inside the package because it dilutes and reduces the amount of oxygen, which preserves the food. Finally, some bags offer UV protection, which may also reduce the shelf life of the product. Make sure you know which products your product needs to protect and contact us for a consultation!
4. What types of bags are there?
In addition to the fin pocket, there is a center seal pocket, a T-seal pocket, a pillow pocket, and a lay flat pocket. Despite the different names, they are both synonyms. Other bag types include stand-up bags, spinner bags, block bags, simple bags, gusset bags, four-side seal bags, gusset bags, flat-bottom bags, brick bags, and expander bags. There is also a range of stand-up bags with or without valves, as shown at the bottom of the picture. A variety of custom-shaped bags also exist, so you are welcome to send your designs. Each has a purpose and accommodates different products as shown.
Doy-style bags are designed to be upright and are considered trendy and trendy. Typically, coffee, biscuits, and pet food are placed in these bags. The Pirouette bag has an interesting look. Their shape is narrow at the base and wide at the top, giving them the appearance of a funnel. This is also a stand-up seal bag for hard candy. Block bags are great for coffee and cereal. They are large and easy to display. Easypack bags have a convenient and reusable opening. They are used to wrap larger items like pizza.
Gusset bags are very similar to quad seal bags, except quad seal bags use 4 instead of 2 seals connecting the side gussets and panels. Gusset bags can be used for larger snacks like biscuits, while quad-seal bags are often used for coffee. Gusseted bags can have any type of gusset: sides or bottom. These bags are great for biscuits or anything else that is a bit heavy and needs support from the bottom. Flat-bottom bags are also used for heavy products. They are large and easy to pack. This type is popular in pet food.
Brick bags are more durable. Their shape allows optimal use of space and volume. Therefore, they are ideal for storing grains and flour. Pillow pockets work well with fin seals. They are the most commonly used, cheapest, and easiest. They are used in various food industries. Expander bags are similar in shape to spinner bags, but with additional longitudinal and top seals.
5. Are there different types of pillow bags?
There are 6 main ways you can do pillow pockets. You can have symmetrical vertical seams or asymmetrical vertical seams. When choosing which one, consider where and how you want your customers to access your product. If it’s something large that people will eat straight out of the bag, like potato chips, a symmetrical seam is fine. If it’s something small, something people might pour over, then an asymmetrical seam is fine. There are also pillow bags with different hanging holes – Euro holes or round holes. These allow your pouch to be displayed on a shelf.
Whether you choose round holes or euro holes is up to you as they just look different and serve different purposes. Round holes look more minimalist and simple, while European holes look sleeker. Some pillow bags can also have zippers. This allows your customers to easily and conveniently reuse, close and open the bag. Zippers are great if your food item is something that won’t be eaten in one sitting. Finally, the pillow bags can be linked together to become chain bags. This is useful if you wish to purchase your products in bulk. Also, if your bags are small, you can link several bags together for your customers to buy.
6. What are the opening designs of the fin seal pouches?
There are 3 main rip spout designs: vertical, horizontal, and pour spout. A vertical tear resembles an asymmetrical seam (rolled up). Both are fine if your products allow people to pour them into a bowl rather than eat them straight out of the bag. This works well for smaller treats. A horizontal tear is similar in use to a symmetrical seam. This is great if your product is large and likely to be eaten in one sitting right out of the bag, like chips. A sprout will have a similar effect to a vertical tear. However, it is even better if your products are very small, such as small candies, powders, or even loose tea leaves. Basically, something gets broken down into small pieces over time.
7. Is there an option to make the fin seal pouches reusable?
As above, you can request a zip. Another option is pouches that can be taped together. This type has an adhesive strip on one side of the film that seals the bag when the user overlaps it. Such a solution might be perfect for a big bag of candy or other treats. Tin ties are another option you can use for fin seal pouches. Tin ties are suitable for coffee or loose-leaf tea bags. Basically, the material at the top of the bag is rolled up with a metal strip inside. Users can use this strap to fasten the top or roll it up.
8. What is the difference between a fin seal and a lap seal?
Fin seals are also known as fold seams. This is when the two inside edges of the material are sealed together and folded over. A lap seal, also known as an overlap seam, has an outer edge that is sealed to the inside. Selecting the correct seal type depends on the materials used. Lap seals require less material and are therefore more economical. However, it only works if both the exterior and interior materials are sealable. The material used must be either polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP). Fin seals are used when the sealing medium is inside the material, making them more versatile than lap seals and applicable to more materials.
9. How can fin seal pouches benefit you?
First off, fin seal pouches are cheap and great for start-ups. They are also cheap and easy to transport. As expected, they are quick to make and you can order large quantities at once. Fin seal or pillow bags are lightweight, easy to open, eye-catching, and large enough to bring success to your business. What makes them appealing is their huge print area and the number of products you can place there.
10. What is a gusset?
A gusset is a triangular piece of material used to widen the bag to make it freestanding. Gussets can be on the bottom or sides of the bag.
11. What are the disadvantages of using fin seal pouches?
Fin seals are less strong and puncture resistant than some other types of seals. Also, while economical, fin seals do use more material than lap seals. Fin seal pouches also have a relatively short shelf life of 9-12 months. However, this can be a problem if you are running a small family business. Finally, many business owners no longer prefer fin seal pouches. They order film and pack everything themselves. While it’s cheaper and quicker, the ready-to-fin-seal bag is easier for you to get started with if you’re new to it.
12. What different fin seal pouches are produced?
We manufacture fin-seal pouches with side gussets. We also produce foil pouches, craft paper pouches, tear-off pouches, wet wipe pouches, medical prescription pouches, and heavy-duty pouches that can hold up to 5kg of product. Want to know more, please contact us!
13. What are the additional design options and features of the fin seal pouches?
You can apply a zipper to make your pouch reusable. You can also add a valve for the same purpose. Valves are typically used to dispense liquid or pasty products, but certain powders can also be used. Another use for valves/vents is to place them strategically so that consumers can smell the product, thereby convincing them to buy. Another option is if you need a clear window so consumers can see what the product will look like. This is a great design option.
You can also request a certain type of tear-off, ergonomic handle, and punch-out – Euro or round. Finally, you are free to choose the finish of your packaging – matte or glossy, or a combination of both. A matte finish will make your packaging look unique and interesting, and your labels will stand out even more. Glossy finishes make your packaging look sparkly and automatically grab the attention of your customers.
14. What is the typical shelf life of a fin seal pouch?
Fin seal pouches typically have a shelf life of 9-12 months. However, if you request metalized PET material, you can extend the shelf life to 15-18 months. This range also depends on the quality of the seal.
15. What material is used for the fin seal pouches?
We offer a wide range of custom laminates to meet your specific needs. The following materials are commonly used for fin seal pouches.
1) BOPP
It has high heat resistance, which is why it is often used for surface printing. It is available in simple 2-ply fin seal pouches. Other surfaces can be laminated with it.
2) PET
It’s a lightweight, clear, and strong material that’s great for controlling moisture. May contain metalized PET for extended shelf life.
3) PP
This is the most popular fin seal pouch material. It is the lowest-density commodity plastic.
4) PE
PE is a non-toxic and flexible plastic used for a secure seal. It is also the most common plastic.
5) PETAL
This is PET with aluminum, which is metalized PET.
6) Kraft paper
It is craft paper material. Puncture resistant; it’s also easy to print. Lastly, it gives the packaging a stylish look.
7) LLDPE
This is a material that is flexible, puncture resistant, and does not let any chemicals through. It is used to improve the security and heat sealability of bags.
8) CPP
CPP is a popular fin seal pouch material. It has a high heat resistance and puncture resistance.
9) VMCPP
This is a metalized CPP that adds to the appearance of the pouch, strengthens it, and is cost-effective. For a more extensive list of materials and films, check out our other FAQs! Below you will find more information.
16. How do you manufacture the fin seal pouches?
Most fin seal pouches are made of 2 or 3 layers of clear or foil material. The film is stretched on rolls. It is then formed into a tube; the sides are sealed together to form a fin seal or lap seal. Finally, seal the bottom and top of the tubular section to create a perfect bag. If you want to know more about the manufacture, the machines used, and various other technical details, Please contact us.
17. What is the difference between metalized bags and foil fin seal pouches?
Materials depend on what industry you are in. Foil, especially aluminum foil, is airtight; it’s lightweight, recyclable, and versatile. It retains its freshness and aroma very well. However, toxic chemical reactions may occur in contact with acidic, alkaline, and salty foods.
18. Why is the printing area important?
Today, consumers choose products based on QQAA or quantity, quality, affordability, and attractiveness. People like big, bright print, so if your bags have a lot of room for print, you can develop a more appealing design, and it will be easier to do because you have a lot of room to work. That’s why fin seal pouches are great.
19. What does gravure printing mean?
Using rotogravure, or simply gravure, an image is etched onto a metal plate and inked. This sheet of metal then transfers the image onto other materials, such as those used in fin-sealed bags. This printing method is most commonly used for fin seal pouches.
20. What other printing options are available?
Some other printing methods include hot stamp printing, screen printing, offset printing, flexographic printing, and digital printing. Hot stamping is used for small orders, such as promotions. It’s also fast. This method involves pressing dry ink or foil onto the package. This option is smudge-free as the ink dries.
1) Screen printing
It is a method of pushing ink into the web media, which is then transferred to the packaging. This method allows up to three colors, each of which is placed on the package one by one. So it’s a somewhat limiting approach, but it’s also cheaper.
2) Offset printing
Ink is transferred to an aluminum plate using this method. This ink is then applied to a rubber medium and finally to your packaging. This method is more expensive and requires a flat surface, so it may not be the best choice for fin seal pouches.
3) Flexographic printing
More versatile and less expensive than lithography. It uses quick-drying inks, and the process is like letterpress printing, only much faster. It is usually printed on non-porous packaging, such as those used in the food industry.
4) Digital printing
Finally, digital printing uses large laser printers and inkjet printers. This method is expensive, but it has a quick turnaround time and versatility. How do I draw print designs? Each bag shape has its size and advantages, but below is an example of a pillow bag layout. It is important to note that the entire area is available to you or your designer/artist. Once you have ideas and sketches, please feel free to send us and our designers will advise you!
21. How environmentally friendly are your fin envelopes?
Flexible packaging, such as different fin-seal pouches, is generally more environmentally friendly than another packaging. First, it takes less heat and energy to make the bags. This means fewer greenhouse gas emissions. These products are also lightweight so less fuel is burned during transport, which also reduces costs. Finally, many of these bags are reusable and recyclable. We can use recycled materials for your packaging if you request it.
22. How can I be sure that the fin seal pouches are safe?
All materials we use are 100% FDA-approved and BPA-free, so you can be sure of the safety of your products.
23. How much does it cost to ship a fin seal pouch to the US?
Once you send us a quote, we’ll let you know the estimated cost!
24. Do you test the quality of the fin seal pouches?
Certainly! Bags are randomly tested to ensure quality. Some of the tests include compression testing, tensile testing, compatibility testing, and drop testing. Compression testing evaluates how much pressure a seal can withstand for varying lengths of time. The tensile test checks how much force the sealing film can withstand before breaking. Compatibility testing evaluates how materials will behave with different products and chemicals. The drop test checks that the fin seal pouch can withstand a drop without being punctured.
We do more tests to make sure our fin seal pouches are of high quality. You are welcome to learn more about testing and contact us! Fin seal pouches are readily available in supermarkets or small chain stores. Whether it’s 7/11, Family Mart, or Murphy, it’s easily identifiable by the way it hangs on the shelf, is easy to grab, and is brightly colored. Fin seal pouches are very cheap and cost-saving. Its shelf life is not very long, generally 9-12 months. It is made of a simple thin material of two layers of BOPP laminated with metalized CPP or PE, while three layers add a layer of PET. Metalized PET material is also placed inside to make it thicker, extending the shelf life to 15-18 months. It also depends on the strength of the seal.
Basically, with fin seal pouches, it’s easier to add euro holes or round holes, and serrated edges to the top of the bag. We can produce products with or without transparent windows if required. We typically offer back and bottom seal complete wing seal pouches with an open top for our customers to fill with product and then seal using a sealing machine. The material used to produce fin seal pouches is also the most common material PP. The only difference is that we use BOPP (Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene) for printing on the surface. Using our 10-color rotogravure presses, we can ink any color image, text, or logo on the reverse side of the material.
You can’t rub it off on the surface and then laminate it with CPP (cast polypropylene) or aluminum-coated CPP. We call it metalized CPP or VMCPP as the sealing layer and then use our bag-making bags to make fin-seal pouches. Sometimes for better barrier properties, shading or anti-odor, or shelf life, we use PET (polyethylene) as the first layer, and then add a layer of aluminum-coated PET. We call it metalized PET or aluminum in the middle, then laminated with CPP or PE (polyethylene) for heat sealing. We customize it according to your choice.
The fin envelope bag is a simple bag used for low-value-added products. As we mentioned above for a dollar cost or low-priced product, it’s often used in snacks or candy. If you compare this bag with a three-side seal bag, the seal strength and puncture resistance are not good enough, and the others are similar. It cannot be used for vacuum purposes as the cross-heat seal area can easily break if the bag starts leaking from there. More and more customers now prefer roll and flexible packaging films over fin seal pouches. But if you are a startup or family business with few products, then it is not recommended to put it in the machine.
Buying bulk fin seal pouches would be a good choice. It is cheaper to use bottles or jars than fin-seal pouches and shipping costs are 1/5th or less. Another rigid packaging also produces less CO2 when producing fin seal pouches. Contact us today to purchase fin seal pouches to start your business.
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