Choosing the right packaging for your product is a make-or-break decision. Whether you’re selling candy, vitamins, or a frozen food product, the packaging around it is one of the most important elements of your marketing campaign. That’s why it’s important to understand the differences between Mylar bags and stand-up pouches — and choose the best one for your product’s needs. Both options have plenty of advantages, but they both may not be best for every kind of product. There are several factors to consider when choosing between the two, including the level of insulation that your product requires, whether you want to use post-consumer recycled materials, and what your budget is for packaging.
Pros and Cons of Mylar Bags
Mylar bags have both advantages and disadvantages. Perhaps the greatest benefit of this packaging, though, is its ability to provide powerful insulation to products that are especially sensitive. Mylar features a film that has a very low OTR, or oxygen transmission rate. This means that its multiple layers effectively shield contents from any moisture, air, or light that may otherwise penetrate the package. In addition to keeping contamination out, Mylar bags can keep odors in, which is great if you’re selling a product that happens to have a particular odor.
Although Mylar bags are great for many uses, there are disadvantages that you should be aware of, too. If you’re looking for frozen food packaging bags, for example, Mylar likely isn’t the best option. The low temperature associated with a freezer could damage the oxygen absorption capacity, rendering the biggest benefit of Mylar useless. Despite its resistance to contamination, Mylar can also be a fragile material. This means that it probably isn’t the best option for any products that could be sharp enough to penetrate the bag, including any foods that have sharp edges.
Pros and Cons of Stand-up Pouches
Stand-up pouches, like Mylar bags, have both pros and cons. One of the greatest benefits they offer, though, is the ability to feature vibrant colors on its packaging. Custom printed stand up pouches are one of the most effective options for any product that relies heavily on visual branding. Digital printing techniques allow for the transfer of incredibly crisp and vivid images, making your packaging stand out in an aisle full of comparatively boring products. Customers will be drawn to the premium appearance of your product, and you can print on any part of the package, too — including the bottom and gusset.
With all of these benefits, there are a few disadvantages, too. If you’re packaging a product that may emit a certain smell, a non-Mylar stand-up pouch may be insufficient to contain it. Though stand-up pouches do feature a high vapor barrier, they can’t match the odor-resistant performance of a Mylar bag. They may also be less resistant to light because they do not feature the same layers that a Mylar bag provides. Despite this, they are likely the better option for a frozen food product and many other types of items.
