Quick Answer: What Are Flat Bottom Bags for Tea?
Flat bottom bags (also called box pouches or block bottom bags) are premium flexible packaging with a unique 5-panel structure that stands upright on shelves. They are the gold standard for premium tea packaging due to their superior barrier protection, elegant shelf presence, and maximum branding surface.
Key Advantages for Tea Packaging:
Aroma Preservation: High-barrier materials block oxygen and moisture (OTR < 0.5 cc/m²/day)
Premium Shelf Appeal: Stands upright, 40% more branding space than stand-up pouches
Product Visibility: Clear window options showcase tea leaf quality
Freshness Retention: Resealable zipper keeps tea fresh for 12-24 months
Versatile Sizing: Available from 50g samples to 1kg bulk packaging
Best For: Premium loose leaf tea, single-origin specialty tea, herbal infusions, wellness blends, and luxury gift packaging
Table of Contents
1. Why Choose Flat Bottom Bags for Tea?
2. Tea Packaging Material Requirements
3. Loose Leaf Tea vs Pyramid Tea Bag Packaging
4. Size Guide for Tea Flat Bottom Bags
5. Premium Design Features & Options
6. Herbal & Specialty Tea Considerations
7. How to Order Custom Tea Packaging
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why Choose Flat Bottom Bags for Tea?
Tea is one of the most aroma-sensitive products in the food industry. The volatile compounds that give tea its distinctive flavor and fragrance—including catechins, polyphenols, and essential oils—can deteriorate rapidly when exposed to oxygen, moisture, light, and foreign odors.
This sensitivity makes packaging selection critical for tea brands. Flat bottom bags have emerged as the gold standard for premium tea packaging, and here's why:
1.1 Key Benefits Comparison
Feature | Flat Bottom Bag | Traditional Packaging |
Shelf Stability | Stands upright independently | May tip or fall |
Branding Surface | 5 panels (40% more space) | 2-3 panels |
Barrier Protection | Excellent (multi-layer laminate) | Variable |
Product Protection | Flat bottom prevents crushing | Less protection |
Resealability | Built-in zipper standard | Often not available |
Premium Perception | High-end appearance | Standard appearance |
![Flat Bottom Bags for Tea Packaging]( "Flat Bottom Bags for Tea Packaging")
Figure 1: Flat Bottom Bags for Different Tea Categories - Loose Leaf, Herbal, and Gift Packaging
Pro Tip: For premium single-origin teas, consider kraft paper flat bottom bags with a clear window. This combination showcases product quality while communicating an artisanal, natural brand image—commanding 15-25% higher retail prices. |
1.2 Market Trends
The global tea packaging market is experiencing significant shifts:
• Premium tea segment growing at 8.5% CAGR (2023-2028)
• 73% of consumers prefer resealable packaging for tea
• Flat bottom bags now represent 35% of premium tea packaging
• Eco-friendly packaging demand increased 42% since 2022
2. Tea Packaging Material Requirements
Selecting the right material is crucial for tea packaging. Tea requires protection from four main enemies that can degrade quality and shelf life:
Enemy | Effect on Tea | Required Protection | Recommended Material |
Oxygen | Oxidizes catechins, causes staling | OTR < 1.0 cc/m²/day | Aluminum foil laminate |
Moisture | Causes clumping, mold growth | WVTR < 1.0 g/m²/day | PE inner layer + foil |
Light | Degrades polyphenols, fades color | Complete light block | Opaque or metalized |
Odors | Tea absorbs surrounding smells | Complete barrier | Multi-layer laminate |
2.1 Material Options Comparison
Material | Structure | Barrier Rating | Best For | Price Level |
Kraft Paper + Foil | Kraft/PET/AL/PE | ★★★★☆ | Organic, artisanal brands | $$ |
Aluminum Foil | PET/AL/PE | ★★★★★ | Premium tea, max freshness | $$$ |
Metalized PET | PET/VMPET/PE | ★★★★☆ | Cost-effective premium look | $$ |
Clear PET | PET/PE | ★★☆☆☆ | Short shelf life, visual appeal | $ |
Recyclable Mono-PE | PE/EVOH/PE | ★★★☆☆ | Eco-conscious brands | $$ |
![Flat Bottom Bags for Tea Packaging]( "Flat Bottom Bags for Tea Packaging")
Figure 2: Material Options for Tea Flat Bottom Bags
Pro Tip: For premium green tea and white tea, always use aluminum foil laminate. These delicate teas are highly susceptible to oxidation and can lose up to 30% of their antioxidant content within 3 months without proper barrier protection. |
3. Loose Leaf Tea vs Pyramid Tea Bag Packaging
Flat bottom bags accommodate both loose leaf tea and pre-packaged pyramid/sachet tea bags. Each format has different packaging considerations:
Aspect | Loose Leaf Tea | Pyramid Tea Bags |
Target Customer | Tea connoisseurs, specialty shops | Convenience-focused consumers |
Price Point | $15-50+ per 100g | $8-25 per box of 15-20 |
Window Design | Large window (product is the hero) | Small/no window (focus on brand) |
Fill Weight | 50g - 500g typical | 15-20 pyramids per pouch |
Barrier Priority | Maximum aroma protection | Good barrier + visual appeal |
Recommended Material | Aluminum foil laminate | Metalized PET or kraft |
4. Size Guide for Tea Flat Bottom Bags
Choosing the right size is essential for both product presentation and cost efficiency. Here are the standard sizes for tea packaging:
Fill Weight | W × D × H (mm) | W × D × H (inch) | Volume (ml) | Tea Type | Use Case |
50g | 100 × 60 × 150 | 4 × 2.4 × 6 | ~400 | Premium single origin | Samples, gifts, trial |
100g | 120 × 70 × 200 | 4.7 × 2.8 × 8 | ~700 | Specialty loose leaf | Retail standard |
150g | 130 × 75 × 220 | 5.1 × 3 × 8.7 | ~950 | Popular blends | Best seller size |
250g | 140 × 80 × 250 | 5.5 × 3.1 × 10 | ~1400 | Daily drinking tea | Family/value size |
500g | 160 × 90 × 300 | 6.3 × 3.5 × 12 | ~2200 | Bulk tea | Heavy users, cafes |
1kg | 180 × 100 × 350 | 7.1 × 4 × 13.8 | ~3500 | Wholesale/HoReCa | Foodservice, B2B |
![Flat Bottom Bags for Tea Packaging]( "Flat Bottom Bags for Tea Packaging")
Figure 3: Tea Flat Bottom Bag Size Guide - Visual Comparison
Pro Tip: The 100g size is the sweet spot for premium tea retail. It offers enough product for customers to enjoy multiple cups while keeping the price point accessible. Our data shows 100g bags have 35% higher sell-through rate than 250g bags in specialty retail. |
5. Premium Design Features & Options
Premium tea packaging requires careful attention to design details that communicate quality and enhance user experience. Here are the key features available:
5.1 Functional Features
Feature | Function | Recommendation for Tea |
Clear Window | Shows product quality, builds trust | Oval or rectangle, 30-40% of front panel |
Resealable Zipper | Maintains freshness after opening | Press-to-close standard; slider for premium |
Tear Notch | Easy opening without scissors | Laser-scored, positioned above zipper |
Degassing Valve | Releases CO2 for fermented tea | One-way valve for Pu-erh tea only |
Hang Hole | Retail display on hooks | Euro-slot or round hole at top |
5.2 Premium Finishing Options
Finish | Effect | Best For | Added Cost |
Matte Lamination | Soft touch, no fingerprints, elegant | Luxury tea, wellness brands | +5-8% |
Gloss Lamination | Vibrant colors, eye-catching shine | Fruit teas, gift packaging | +3-5% |
Spot UV Varnish | Highlight specific design elements | Logo, product name accent | +10-15% |
Hot Stamp Foil | Gold/silver metallic luxury look | Premium, limited editions | +15-25% |
Embossing/Debossing | 3D tactile texture effect | Ultra-premium brands | +20-30% |
![Flat Bottom Bags for Tea Packaging]( "Flat Bottom Bags for Tea Packaging")
Figure 4: Tea Packaging Features & Options Overview
Pro Tip: Combine matte lamination + clear window + spot UV on your logo for the ultimate premium tea presentation. This combination creates a luxury tactile experience while showcasing product quality—perfect for teas retailing above $30/100g. |
6. Herbal & Specialty Tea Considerations
Different tea categories have unique packaging requirements. Here's a comprehensive guide:
Tea Category | Examples | Key Requirements | Recommended Setup |
Herbal Tea (Tisanes) | Chamomile, peppermint, rooibos | Excellent moisture barrier, aroma seal | Kraft + foil, large window |
Floral Tea | Jasmine, rose, chrysanthemum | Shape protection, visual appeal | Large size, gentle handling |
Wellness Tea | Detox, sleep, energy blends | Health claim space, premium look | Matte finish, detailed labeling |
Fruit Tea | Berry, citrus, tropical blends | Vibrant printing, moisture control | Gloss finish, colorful design |
![Flat Bottom Bags for Tea Packaging]( "Flat Bottom Bags for Tea Packaging")
Figure 5: Herbal & Specialty Tea Packaging Guide
Important: Herbal teas are more hygroscopic than traditional Camellia sinensis tea. Always use aluminum foil laminate for herbal blends to prevent moisture absorption, which can cause clumping and reduce shelf life by up to 50%. |
7. How to Order Custom Tea Packaging
Ready to elevate your tea brand with premium flat bottom bags? Follow this simple process:
7.1 Information Checklist
1. Tea type and fill weight (e.g., 100g loose leaf green tea)
2. Desired bag dimensions (or let us recommend based on your product)
3. Material preference (kraft, aluminum foil, metalized, clear)
4. Required features (zipper type, window shape/size, tear notch)
5. Finishing options (matte, gloss, spot UV, foil stamping)
6. Estimated annual quantity (affects pricing tier)
7. Artwork files (AI, PDF, PSD) or request design support
8. Certification requirements (FDA, EU, organic, etc.)
7.2 MOQ & Lead Time
Order Type | MOQ | Lead Time | Best For |
Stock bags (plain) | 500 pcs | 3-5 business days | Testing, small batches |
Custom printed | 5,000 pcs | 15-20 business days | Established brands |
Full custom (size + print) | 10,000 pcs | 20-25 business days | Large scale production |
7.3 Why Choose Sunkey Packaging?
• 20+ years of flexible packaging expertise
• Fortune 500 clients including major tea brands worldwide
• Full in-house capabilities: design, printing, laminating, bag-making
• ISO 9001, ISO 22000, BRC certified facility
• Competitive MOQs—we support growing brands
• Free samples and design consultation
• Fast response: quotes within 24 hours
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What's the best material for premium tea packaging?
A: For maximum freshness preservation, we recommend aluminum foil laminate (PET/AL/PE) structure. This provides complete barrier against oxygen (OTR < 0.5 cc/m²/day), moisture (WVTR < 0.5 g/m²/day), light, and odors. For organic or eco-focused brands, kraft paper with inner foil lining offers both protection and natural aesthetics.
Q2: Can I get flat bottom bags with clear windows for tea?
A: Absolutely! Clear windows are highly popular for tea packaging as they allow customers to see the tea leaf quality, color, and size. We offer oval, rectangular, and custom-shaped windows. The window material (clear PET) maintains overall barrier performance while providing excellent product visibility.
Q3: What's the minimum order quantity for custom printed tea bags?
A: Our MOQ for custom printed flat bottom bags starts at 5,000 pieces per design. For smaller brands or new product testing, we offer stock bags in various sizes with MOQ as low as 500 pieces. Contact us for special arrangements on smaller custom orders.
Q4: How long do flat bottom bags keep tea fresh?
A: With proper aluminum foil laminate and sealed zipper, tea can maintain optimal freshness for 12-24 months from packaging date. Actual shelf life depends on tea type (green tea is more sensitive than black tea), fill weight, and storage conditions. We recommend printing a 'best by' date based on your specific product testing.
Q5: Do you offer eco-friendly options for tea packaging?
A: Yes! We offer several sustainable options: (1) Recyclable mono-PE structures with EVOH barrier, (2) FSC-certified kraft paper with compostable lining, (3) PCR (post-consumer recycled) content materials, and (4) Home compostable options (OK Compost certified). Note that eco-friendly options may have slightly lower barrier properties.
Q6: Can flat bottom bags be used for pyramid tea bags?
A: Flat bottom bags work excellently for pre-packaged pyramid or sachet tea bags. The flat bottom provides a stable base while the bag height accommodates the pyramids without crushing. We recommend 100g-150g size bags for 15-20 pyramid sachets, with optional window to display the pyramids inside.
Q7: What printing options are available?
A: We offer up to 10-color rotogravure printing for photographic quality, or 6-color flexographic printing for cost-effective runs. Additional options include matte/gloss lamination, spot UV varnish, hot foil stamping (gold, silver, holographic), embossing, and soft-touch coating.
Q8: How do I get started with a custom order?
A: Simply contact us at bml@sunkeycn.com or call +86-138-1251-1247 with your requirements. We'll provide a detailed quote within 24 hours, including free design mockups. We also offer free samples of similar products so you can evaluate quality before ordering.
Related Articles
• What Is A Flat Bottom Bag?
• Flat Bottom Bag vs Stand Up Pouch
• Flat Bottom Bag Materials Guide
• Flat Bottom Bag Size Guide
• Flat Bottom Bag Features & Add-ons
• How to Order Custom Flat Bottom Bags
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© 2026 Sunkey Packaging Co., Ltd. All rights reserved.
This guide is for informational purposes. Product specifications may vary based on specific requirements. Contact us for detailed technical specifications and customized solutions.
