Shaped Pouches
Elevate your brand’s visibility and stand out from the competition with uniquely shaped packaging. Shaped pouches make it easier than ever to get your product noticed on supermarket shelves.
Perfect for specialty items, supplements, and food products, Hezcy’s shaped pouches can be customized to match your product’s specific shape, size, opening, and other features. Our packaging experts can also help you select the perfect pouch style and design to enhance your brand’s unique identity.
Rest assured that Hezcy’s shaped pouches are manufactured using the highest quality FDA-approved materials in our fully accredited production facility. Our facility is BRC and ISO accredited for direct food contact, ensuring that your products are packaged safely and securely.
Choose Hezcy for a packaging solution that elevates your brand’s visibility and enhances your product’s appeal with unique and customized shaped pouches.
Hezcy Shaped Pouch Examples
Custom Shaped Pouches
*Brand Identity with HD Graphics Printing *Most Guaranteed Fitting Pouch Sizes *All the Extra Features *Standing Out on the Shelf
Hezcy Shaped Pouch Specification
- Pouch shapes can be completely customised based on your product and specifications
- Modern die-cutting technology
- Hourglass shaped pouch (ideal for liquids)
- Shaped pouches with ergonomic handles
- Printable on full area for effective brand messaging
- Product window for increased customer engagement
- Resealable zippers and easy-open tear notches
- Low weight, cost-efficient transport
- Less waste to dispose
- Wide range of shapes, designs, and unique features
- Food Grade Materials
(All of our Shaped Pouches are manufactured using the FDA-approved highest quality materials in our BRC accredited production facility.)
- Soups, sauces and spices
- Dry food / powders
- Snack foods
- Confectionery
- Pet food / Treats
- Coffee / tea
- Frozen food
- Sports nutrition
- Health and beauty
- Home care
- Horticulture
- Liquids
- Baby food
- And More!
- Press-To-Close zipper (PTC)
(*delivery with zipper opened for easily fill by hand or machine)
- Velcro zipper (Hook to hook)
- Pocket zipper (Front load zipper)
- Powder-Proof™ zipper (ideal for flour, sugar, and grains packaging)
- Tear notch for easy tearing
- Product display window
- Hang hole
- Header and handle
- Diamond cut bottom
- On wicket
- Spout and fitment
- One-way degassing valve
- Laser scoring
- Micro-perforation vent holes
- Rounded corners
- Extrusion lamination
- Adhesive lamination
- Dry lamination
- Registered matte coating or soft-touch matte
- Registered de-metalized
- Additional options available on request
Coffee | MET PET/LLDPE |
PET/FOIL/LLDPE | |
Snack Foods – Salted | OPP/OPP |
MET OPP/OPPPET/LLDPE | |
Nuts | PET/LLDPE |
OPP/EVOH PE | |
Frozen Foods | PET/LLDPE |
Spices | PET/LLDPE |
Flour & Mixes | PET/LLDPE |
Bakery | OPP/LLDPE |
MET OPP/OPP | |
Liquid or Gel Products | PET/LLDPE |
PET/MET PET/LLDPE | |
PET/FOIL/LLDPE | |
Medical | PET/FOIL/LLDPE |
TYVEK | |
Barrier properties | Depends on specification and application |
Printability | Rotogravure or Digital, Reverse printed or Surface printed |
Lamination | Solvent-based or Solvent-free |
Optical properties | High gloss or Matt effects |
Filling process | Premade bags |
*examples are not limited to these structures.
Steps To Custom Shaped Pouches
PRE-PRESS
Hezcy works alongside your designer to ensure package art is optimized. Our web rotogravure print rivals any other print technology.
ON-PRESS
Hezcy uses the rotogravure printing process with a max 10 color capability. It ensures to deliver high quality and precise printing results with good repeatability.
LAMINATING & SLITTING
Solvent, solventless, and water-based technology; Inline lamination; Up to 5-ply structures; Multiple film structures and barrier options; Extrusion; Precise and accurate slitting
CONVERTING
The process of making a pouch involves slitting, converting the pouch, and sometimes laser scoring or spout insertion.
QUALITY MANAGEMENT
We have a team of experts for quality assurance that can spot even the tiniest flaws in our final product.
A Guide to Shaped Pouches
Shaped pouches are flexible packaging containers that stand out with their different shapes and sizes. They are a creative type of pouches that are very popular in various industries. This guide provides more information on forming bags.
Shaped pouches date back to the 1960s when a French manufacturer named Louis Doyen discovered them. He first developed the stand-up pouch, which was later reinvented as the demand for forming bags for packaging material continued to grow. These pouches were originally called DoyPacks because of their inventors. Also, the shaped pouches are constantly evolving with the growing creativity of our design team.
The types of shaped pouches on the market include:
1) Stand-up pouch
These are shaped pouches with flat or gusseted bottoms that stand on their own. They can be made in any shape you choose and are common in the packaging industry due to their flexibility. You don’t need hanging holes with stand-up bags.
2) 3 side sealing
Three-sided seal bags are sealed on three sides and only one side is used for product filling. They are mostly flat in nature so hanging holes can be added for easy display.
Some features of shaped pouches include:
1) Shape
The shape is very important for shaped pouches as this feature allows them to fit any product. Shaped pouches can be processed into any shape according to your products and consumer needs. For example, you can make them into car-shaped children’s toys and tube-shaped household items such as toothpaste.
2) Brand Marketing
This is due to the ease of printing on the surface of the forming bag and the unique shape. If shaped pouches are brightly colored and have the right shape and design, they will attract more customers to your product.
3) Barrier properties
Shaped pouches are known for their excellent barrier against external disturbances that can affect product quality. They extend the shelf life of products by protecting them from oxygen, moisture, dust, light, etc.
4) Easy to fill
The shape makes the bag compact so it is easy to fill the product with a machine. Automation makes the process faster.
5) Heat resistance
You can customize shaped pouches that can withstand high temperatures by combining films of materials with excellent heat resistance. This feature allows you to microwave the bag when heating baby food, and even pasteurize certain products such as milk.
Some benefits of shape bags include:
- Shaped pouches are customer-centric and thus more attractive and stand out from other types of packaging solutions.
- They offer better marketing solutions because of their unique shape and ease of printing and surface branding.
- These bags are inexpensive to produce due to readily available materials and low energy consumption.
- Shaped pouches with clear windows and aroma valves allow for increased product visibility without opening the bag.
- They have excellent barrier properties against external factors such as light, moisture, oxygen, dust, etc.
- We use recycled materials and renewable energy in the manufacture of our shaped pouches. This greatly reduces the level of harmful carbon released into the environment and is therefore considered environmentally friendly.
- Shaped pouches are easy to fill due to the compactness that comes with the shape.
- They are made in layers of durable high-quality material so they can withstand different external pressures.
- It’s easy to add extra features and customize them to meet your product needs.
- Due to their unique shape, size and design, they are a unique packaging solution.
- Due to its shape, it is easy to handle shaped pouches.
- They are very flexible and can fit into very small spaces on the shelf.
- Shaped pouches can be made to suit a specific theme or occasion, such as Easter, Christmas, Halloween, and more.
Shaped pouches have limited filing options. Due to their complex design, they cost more compared to other flexible packaging bags.
1) Dimensions
Larger and thicker shaped pouches cost more than smaller and thinner shaped pouches.
2) Shape/Design
The shape design of the shaped pouch affects the price in terms of complexity. The more complex the shape, the more expensive it is to produce.
3) Use
Shaped pouches for liquid products require additional material reinforcement, so they cost more than bags for solid products.
You can use shaped pouches for any of the following items:
- Packaging of liquid, solid, and semi-solid products.
- Product branding and marketing.
- Promote themed seasons like Easter, Halloween, and Christmas.
You can increase the value of your shaped pouches by requesting additional features such as:
1) Processing
A handle is added to the formed pouch to make it easier and more convenient for consumers to carry the bag. You can define the size and type of handle required for the pouch.
2) Hanging hole
These are primarily mounted on shaped pouches to enhance the presentation of the bag and minimize space occupation. Holes can be designed as round or European.
3) Vents or valves
They are one-way outlets mounted on forming bags to facilitate additional product ventilation, degassing or product aroma.
4) Opening
A shaped pouch with an opening allows for quick and easy opening by hand without accidental spills. We add them by pre-cutting one end of the forming bag to guide the consumer.
5) Surface treatment
Shaped pouches are available in two finishing options: glossy and matte. Each has unique qualities, so use them according to your product requirements and consumer preferences.
6) Clear window
This is an important additional feature as it increases product visibility and gives consumers a real feel for the product. They come in various shapes such as oval, round, triangular and square.
7) Fillet
We achieve this by expertly cutting the sharp edges in a curved fashion. This prevents injuries from puncturing with sharp corners.
8) Resealable zipper
The reclosable zippers are a pair of plastic zippers that fit near the edge of the shaped pouch and close with an interlock. They prevent product spills and disturbances from external elements and make the bags reusable.
9) Spout
These tubes fit into the tip of the shaped pouch, making it easier for you to dispense the product. They are mostly packed in shaped pouches containing beverages, juices, alcohol and other liquid products. The pouches are also resealable after opening.
You may consider any of the following finishing options:
1) Glossy
The glossy finish shines, allowing the molded pouch to reflect light on sunny days. It’s a high-quality finish that shows off the print well and makes the pouch stand out. In addition, they are waterproof and suitable for packaging products that do not require any moisture contact. The downside of the glossy finish is that fingerprints can linger on the bag.
2) Matte
This is a non-reflective finish that prevents light from reflecting off the forming bag. This method of bag finishing gives a professional look to shaped pouches. Plus, the font on this bag is easy to read and is a less expensive option. The disadvantage of this method is that it is usually monotonous and cannot be used when printing small fonts.
Filling and sealing of formed pouches can be done automatically using a filling machine or manually. It depends on the size of the product you want to pack.
1) Machine filling
Medium and large packaging industries prefer to use automatic filling and sealing machines to make formed pouches. Not only is this faster and more cost-effective, but it also ensures uniform product weight across all bags. Additionally, products that require the complete removal of oxygen from the bag can only be packaged using machines.
- The shaped pouches are loaded into the filling machine with the top open.
- A rotating conveyor belt takes them to the filling area, where a certain amount of product is placed into bags.
- After being loaded into the forming bag, they move to the sealing area according to the sealing method.
- The heat sealer sandwiches the two mouths of the bag between them and heat seals the film layers. Apply moderate heat to avoid melting the material film.
2) Manual filling
This is ideal if you are packaging products on a small scale.
- You need to open the forming bag and fill your product by scooping or pouring liquid product.
- Weigh the filled shape bag on a scale until the desired weight is reached.
- Take out the filled-shaped pouch and seal accordingly using a zipper, heat sealer, screw cap, etc.
- Before sending the packaged bag to the customer, double-check that the seal is secure.
1) Zipper lock
These are the plastic tracks that allow you to close the forming bag by interlocking. They are supplied in pairs and mostly mounted on or near the top of the forming bag. The benefit of using a zip lock in your shaping pouch is the ability to reseal the pouch after opening it. Some customers have gone green and find resealable bags more attractive and convenient
2) Spout
It is the short tube secured to the mouth of the forming bag to aid in dispensing the product. They have a screw cap for easy opening and closing of the forming bags. Additionally, they are commonly used in baby food packaging, juices and purees.
3) Sprayer
This type of closure is found in shaped pouches used to package liquid chemicals such as herbicides and cleaners. It is very convenient and smooth to dispense products with them.
4) Opening
Pre-cut lines along the edge of the forming bag to make opening the bag easier. Shaped pouches using this closure method are disposable bags.
The manufacture of shaped pouches involves the following key processes:
- Shaped pouches are made by laminating films of different materials using adhesive materials.
- Next, the pouch design is precisely cut out in the desired shape using a die-cutting technology machine.
- Finally, the resulting pouch is sealed and ready for filling.
We have advanced equipment to test the quality of shaped pouches, namely:
1) Thickness
We use the octagon to check whether the thickness of the bag is within limits. Readings are taken along the width.
2) Barrier strength
The barrier of the bags to oxygen, moisture, etc. is done using machines that check moisture and oxygen thresholds. Anything above the set threshold is an indication of poor bag quality.
3) Melt index
Important for heat-sealed shaped pouches to prevent melting while sealing.
4) Dart impact
This demonstrates the burst strength of the formed pouch under pressure.
- Shaped pouches are very flexible and can fit into limited spaces, while plastic containers are rigid and take up a lot of space.
- While shaped pouches are less expensive to ship due to their lightweight, plastic containers are heavy and cost more to ship.
- Shaped pouches are made of laminated films of material, while plastic containers are made of one material.
- Preshaped pouches are highly recyclable, while plastic containers emit harmful carbon fumes when burned.
- Shaped pouches cost less than plastic containers because they are less expensive to produce compared to plastic containers.
- Both shaped pouches and plastic containers provide a good barrier against moisture, odor, light and oxygen.
- Plastic containers and pouches can be made in a variety of shapes.
We manufacture bags in all shapes and sizes, small, medium, large and extra-large. We define dimensions for length, width and height. The smallest bags range from 3mm x 3mm x 3mm and the largest bags can be 45 x 35 x 30 inches.
The best materials for making shaped pouches should be approved by the safety standards of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They should also be Bisphenol A (BPA) free. These materials are of high quality and are laminated according to the product requirements.
Some of the best forming bag materials are:
- Polyethylene (PE) is a plastic polymer with good heat resistance. It is mostly used for lining, which is convenient for heat sealing.
- Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a plastic polymer with excellent moisture resistance. It is also transparent which is perfect for a shaped sachet.
- Aluminum foil (AL) is excellent at preventing odors, moisture and oxygen. They are widely used in the food industry because of their ability to keep food fresh for a long time.
- Kraft paper is usually brown or white, made of wood fibers, and has strong tensile strength.
- Biaxial polypropylene (BOPP) has better heat resistance and is lightweight and transparent. This increases the visibility of the product.
We offer shaped pouches in different colors, such as light, dark, mixed, or monochrome combinations. You can choose up to ten color options for your forming bags and we’ll print them for you.
Shaped pouches adopt different shapes, while packaging films are invisible and adopt the shape of the packaged product. In addition, the forming bag is sealed and only one end is open for product loading, while the packaging film is open. Both are made of the same material structure.
Shaped pouches are subject to quality control measures to determine whether they meet safety and health standards. The certificates that shape the packaging bag inspection awards include FDA, EC/CE, SGS, ROHS, ISO, QS, etc.
The thickness of the shaped pouch will be determined by the product to be packaged. A thickness range of 2 to 7.5 millimeters (mm) is available.
Printed-shaped pouches help convey product information and brand your product in a way that makes it stand out. There are different types of printing options to choose from.
1) Digital printing
Digital printing Prints images from a computer using a digital printing press and the CYMK color combination of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. This is a fast, precise, and clean printing method recommended for small print jobs.
2) Flexographic printing
This form of printing method uses a rotating plate to transfer the print onto the surface of the bag. The raised areas of the plate collect the ink, and a squeegee is used to expel excess ink before printing on the pouch. It is ideal for high-quality printing of large volumes of shaped pouches.
3) Gravure printing
The gravure printing method caters to shaped pouches that cannot be printed by flexographic printing. This is a high-speed machine printing that uses a metal roller to engrave the print on the shaped pouch. The metal engraving cylinder is filled with ink, drains excess ink, and then impresses the image or print on the surface of the bag. It provides high-quality prints without print spillage.
A valve is a one-way vent that is fitted to a forming bag for a variety of reasons, such as:
- The valve is installed in the forming bag used to pack the coffee beans to release excess gas to avoid pressure build-up. This helps maintain product freshness.
- They also act as an aroma outlet for certain products, allowing consumers to smell the product without opening the package.
- Valves are also used to provide product ventilation, which enhances air circulation in the bag, thereby extending product shelf life. The size of the orifice depends on your product requirements and the type of material used.
Shaped pouches can be used to pack edible or inedible solid and liquid products. The product range includes:
- juice
- water
- yogurt
- baby food
- puree
- butter
- cream
- dressing
- vinegar
- coffee beans
- alcoholic beverages
- gel
- handwashing fluid
- shampoo
- lotion
- oil
- hand soap
- detergent
- lubricating oil