Choosing the Right Bag Format

Different products and retail applications can require different types of packaging.

A conventional pillow pack provides a simple and versatile bagging option, while a tucked gusset can create a squarer finished pack. Quad bags provide a more structured format with four sealed corners, while preformed pouches offer another option where the finished pouch has already been manufactured and printed before filling.

Our principal bagging options include:

• Pillow packs
• Tucked gusset bags
• Quad or Stabilo bags
• Preformed pouches
• Printed or plain packaging
• Zip-lock pouches where required

We’ll work with you to understand the product and the finished pack you require before establishing the most appropriate bagging process.

Pillow Packs

Pillow packs are one of the most versatile forms of product packaging available.

Marsden Packaging uses fully automatic bagging machinery to produce pillow-style packs in accordance with customer requirements.

The familiar pillow format is created with sealed edges, providing a straightforward way to contain and present a wide variety of products.

Pillow packs can be produced in different sizes and depths and can use plain or printed packaging according to the customer’s specification.

Their flexibility makes them suitable where a relatively simple bag format is required without the more structured shape provided by gusset or quad bags.

Tucked Gusset Bags

Tucked gusset bags provide an alternative when a squarer finished pack is required.

The tucked edges give the bag additional shape compared with a standard pillow pack, creating a more structured format.

This can be particularly useful where the finished product needs to stand more effectively on a shelf or be presented within Shelf Ready Packaging.

As with our other bagging formats, the appropriate dimensions will depend on the product and required finished pack.

Quad and Stabilo Bags

Quad bags, also known as Stabilo bags, provide a more structured packaging format.

The bag is heat sealed at all four corners, creating defined edges and a shape that differs noticeably from a conventional pillow pack.

This format also provides a relatively large printable surface area, giving customers space for their required branding and product information when printed packaging is being used.

The combination of four sealed corners and a more structured shape makes quad bags an option where both the presentation and handling of the finished product are important considerations.

Preformed Pouch Filling

Marsden Packaging also has the capability to fill preformed and printed pouches.

Unlike bag formats produced as part of the automated bagging process, these pouches arrive preformed and can then be filled with the specified weight of product.

Once filled, the pouch is heat sealed to provide a secure closure.

Preformed pouches can also incorporate a zip-lock closure where required. This provides customers with an additional packaging option when a reclosable pouch forms part of the finished product specification.

Filling Pouches to a Specified Weight

Where a product needs to be packed into a preformed pouch at a specified weight, our packing process can be configured around that requirement.

The required portion of product is placed into the pouch before the final heat seal is applied.

This means the filling and sealing stages can form part of one coordinated contract packing operation.

When discussing your project with us, we’ll need to understand the product, required pack weight, pouch format and quantities involved so that we can establish the appropriate packing process.

Plain and Printed Packaging

Depending on your requirements, our bagging services can accommodate both plain and printed packaging formats.

Printed packaging gives brand owners the opportunity to incorporate the required product presentation and information directly into the finished pack, while plain packaging may be appropriate for other applications.

The packaging specification can be discussed with our team alongside the required bag style and dimensions.

For preformed pouches, we also have the capability to fill pouches that have already been manufactured and printed.

Bag Size and Format

Bagging requirements vary considerably between products, so flexibility in the dimensions of the finished pack is important.

Our pillow and quad bag formats can be produced in different sizes and depths according to the required specification.

Rather than assuming a standard bag will suit every project, we’ll need to understand the dimensions and characteristics of the product alongside the finished pack you’re looking for.

This enables the packaging format to be considered in relation to the actual product being packed.

Heat-Sealed Packaging

Heat sealing is used across several of our bagging and pouch-packing options.

Quad bags are heat sealed at all four corners to create their distinctive structured format, while filled preformed pouches can be heat sealed closed once the specified quantity of product has been added.

The precise sealing and packaging arrangement will depend on the format selected for your product.

Bagging for Shelf Ready Packaging

Where Shelf Ready Packaging forms part of your finished specification, the choice of individual bag can influence how products are subsequently presented.

Tucked gusset bags, for example, create a squarer format with the ability to stand independently or within a Shelf Ready Pack.

Where SRP is required, we can discuss the individual bag format alongside the requirements for the finished grouped product.

Considering these elements together helps ensure the primary bag and secondary packaging are compatible with the required finished format.

Which Bagging Format Do I Need?

The appropriate format depends on the product and how you want the finished pack to look and function.

A pillow pack may be appropriate when you need a straightforward and versatile bagging format.

A tucked gusset bag provides a squarer shape and can offer improved standing characteristics.

A quad or Stabilo bag provides a more structured format with four heat-sealed corners and a large printable area.

A preformed pouch provides another option where you already require a defined pouch format, including the possibility of a zip-lock closure.

If you’re unsure which option is best suited to your product, our team can discuss the requirements with you before establishing the appropriate packing process.

What We Need to Know About Your Bagging Project

Providing us with information about your product and packaging requirements will help us understand the scope of your project.

Useful details include:

• The type of product you need to pack
• Required pack weight
• Approximate bag dimensions
• Preferred bag or pouch style
• Whether packaging will be plain or printed
• Whether a zip-lock closure is required
• Required quantities
• Whether Shelf Ready Packaging is also required

If you’re not yet certain about every element of the specification, we can discuss the options available and establish what additional information is needed before packing begins.

Contract Bagging From Marsden Packaging

Our bagging capabilities give customers access to several different packaging formats through one contract packing operation.

Whether you require straightforward pillow packs, a tucked gusset format, structured quad bags or products filled into preformed pouches, we’ll work from your product and finished-pack requirements to establish the appropriate process.

Our capabilities include different bag sizes and depths, plain and printed packaging, heat sealing and zip-lock pouches where required.

This flexibility enables the bagging service to be adapted to different products rather than restricting customers to one standard format.

Talk to Us About Your Bagging Requirements

If you’re looking for a contract packing company to bag or pouch your products, talk to Marsden Packaging about your requirements.

Tell us what you need to pack, the required pack weight, the type of bag or pouch you’re considering and the quantities involved.

We can then discuss the available formats and establish the most appropriate approach for your product.

Call us on 01254 264687 or use our contact form to tell us about your contract bagging requirements.