Quick Answer
A flat bottom bag (also called box bottom bag, block bottom bag, or quad seal bag) is a five-sided flexible pouch with a flat rectangular base that allows it to stand upright independently on retail shelves.
Key advantages:
• ✅ Superior shelf stability (stands even when partially filled)
• ✅ 5 printable surfaces for maximum branding impact
• ✅ 15-25% higher capacity than stand-up pouches
• ✅ Premium, box-like appearance
Best for: Coffee, pet food, nuts, tea, and premium food products.
Table of Contents
1. What Is A Flat Bottom Bag?
2. Different Names for the Same Bag
3. How Flat Bottom Bags Are Constructed
4. Key Features and Benefits
5. Material Options
6. Common Features and Add-ons
7. Size Guide
8. Applications and Industries
9. Flat Bottom Bag vs Stand Up Pouch
10. How to Order Custom Flat Bottom Bags
11. FAQ
1. What Is A Flat Bottom Bag?
A flat bottom bag is a type of flexible packaging that combines the best features of stand-up pouches and traditional boxes. The defining characteristic is its completely flat, rectangular base that provides exceptional stability.
![Box Bottom Pouch Packaging]( "Box Bottom Pouch Packaging")
Figure 1: Flat Bottom Bag 5-Panel Structure
Flat bottom bags create a true box-like shape when filled, offering:
• Structural integrity – maintains shape even when partially empty
• Five distinct surfaces – for branding and product information
• Efficient filling – through a wide-open top
Flat bottom bags dominate 70-80% of specialty coffee packaging due to their superior functionality.
2. Different Names for the Same Bag
The flat bottom bag goes by many names depending on region and industry:
Name | Common Usage | Region/Industry |
Flat Bottom Bag | Most common term | Global |
Box Bottom Bag | Emphasizes box shape | North America |
Block Bottom Bag | European preference | Europe, UK |
Quad Seal Bag | Technical term | Industry |
Eight Side Seal | Counts all seals | Asia |
Pro Tip: "Flat bottom bag" and "box bottom pouch" are the most universally understood terms. |
3. How Flat Bottom Bags Are Constructed
3.1 Multi-Panel Structure
Unlike stand-up pouches made from two panels, flat bottom bags are constructed from three separate webs of film:
![Box Bottom Pouch Packaging]( "Box Bottom Pouch Packaging")
Figure 2: 3-Web Construction Creates 5 Surfaces
1. Front/Bottom/Back Panel – Continuous sheet forming the bottom base
2. Left Side Gusset – Sealed to the main panel on the left
3. Right Side Gusset – Sealed to the main panel on the right
3.2 Quad Seal Structure
![Box Bottom Pouch Packaging]( "Box Bottom Pouch Packaging")
Figure 3: Quad Seal Corner Construction Detail
The "quad seal" name comes from the four vertical seals at each corner where the side gussets meet the front and back panels.
4. Key Features and Benefits
![Box Bottom Pouch Packaging]( "Box Bottom Pouch Packaging")
Figure 4: 5 Key Benefits of Flat Bottom Bags
4.1 Superior Shelf Stability
• Stands firmly even when only 30-50% filled
• Won't tip over like round-bottom pouches
• Creates organized, uniform shelf displays
"The flat bottom bag is the Cadillac of pouches—solid, reliable, and capable of holding a lot more without toppling over." |
4.2 Maximum Filling Capacity
For the same dimensions, flat bottom bags offer 15-25% more capacity than stand-up pouches.
4.3 Premium Shelf Presence
Five printable surfaces provide exceptional branding opportunities:
Surface | Best Used For |
Front Panel | Primary branding, logo, product imagery |
Back Panel | Nutritional info, story, detailed description |
Side Gussets | Certifications, usage instructions, QR codes |
Bottom Panel | Barcodes, batch codes, manufacturing info |
5. Material Options
![Box Bottom Pouch Packaging]( "Box Bottom Pouch Packaging")
Material Type | Barrier | Best For | Sustainability |
Kraft + AL + PE | High | Coffee, tea, organic | Partial ♻️ |
PET + AL + PE | Excellent | Long shelf life | Limited |
PET + VMPET + PE | Very Good | Snacks, nuts | Limited |
Mono PE + EVOH | Good-High | Eco brands | Recyclable ♻️ |
PLA / Compostable | Moderate | Short shelf life | Compostable �� |
6. Common Features and Add-ons
![Box Bottom Pouch Packaging]( "Box Bottom Pouch Packaging")
6.1 Resealable Zipper Types
Zipper Type | Description | Best For |
Pocket Zipper | Below heat seal, creates pocket | Coffee, premium |
Press-to-Close | Simple pinch-to-seal | Snacks, everyday |
Slider Zipper | Easy one-hand operation | Pet food, children's |
6.2 Degassing Valve (One-Way Valve)
ESSENTIAL for freshly roasted coffee! Coffee releases CO₂ after roasting. Without a valve, bags will inflate and may burst. |
7. Size Guide
Dimensions: Width × Height × Depth (bottom gusset)
Size (W×H×D) | Metric | Capacity | Common Use |
4" × 8" × 2.5" | 100×200×65mm | 4oz / 100g | Samples |
5" × 9" × 3" | 130×230×75mm | 8-12oz | Standard coffee |
6" × 10" × 3.5" | 150×255×90mm | 1lb / 454g | Retail coffee |
8" × 14" × 5" | 200×360×130mm | 5lb / 2.5kg | Pet food |
12" × 20" × 6" | 300×500×150mm | 15-25lb | Large pet food |
8. Applications and Industries
![Box Bottom Pouch Packaging]( "Box Bottom Pouch Packaging")
Figure 7: Applications by Industry - Coffee, Pet Food, Nuts, Tea, Supplements
Industry | Why Flat Bottom? | Key Features |
Coffee | 70-80% market share, valve support | Degassing valve, kraft |
Pet Food | Heavy-duty, 2-30lb capacity | Slider zipper, handle |
Nuts | Oxygen barrier, resealability | Clear window, high barrier |
Tea | Premium look, aroma protection | Kraft paper, foil lining |
Supplements | Professional appearance | Child-resistant closure |
9. Flat Bottom Bag vs Stand Up Pouch
![Box Bottom Pouch Packaging]( "Box Bottom Pouch Packaging")
Figure 8: Flat Bottom Bag vs Stand Up Pouch Comparison
Feature | Flat Bottom Bag | Stand Up Pouch |
Bottom Structure | Flat, rectangular | Rounded gusset |
Stability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent | ⭐⭐⭐ Good |
Printable Surfaces | 5 surfaces | 2-3 surfaces |
Capacity (same size) | +15-25% higher | Baseline |
Unit Cost | Higher | Lower |
MOQ | 5,000-10,000 | 1,000-5,000 |
Best Range | 4oz - 30lb | 1oz - 5lb |
10. How to Order Custom Flat Bottom Bags
![Box Bottom Pouch Packaging]( "Box Bottom Pouch Packaging")
Figure 9: 7-Step Ordering Process
10.1 Information to Prepare
Target bag size (W × H × D)
Material preference
Features needed (zipper, valve, window)
Artwork files (AI, PDF)
Estimated quantity
10.2 MOQ and Lead Times
Order Type | MOQ | Lead Time |
Stock plain bags | 500-1,000 pcs | 3-7 days |
Digital print | 1,000-3,000 pcs | 10-15 days |
Rotogravure print | 10,000+ pcs | 20-30 days |
11. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the difference between a flat bottom bag and a stand up pouch?
A: The main difference is the bottom structure. Flat bottom bags have a completely flat, rectangular base with 5 printable surfaces. Stand-up pouches have a rounded gusseted bottom with 2-3 surfaces.
Q2: Do I need a degassing valve for coffee bags?
A: Yes, for freshly roasted coffee. Coffee releases CO₂ after roasting. Without a valve, bags will inflate and may burst.
Q3: What size for 1lb of coffee?
A: 5.5" × 10" × 3.5" or 6" × 10" × 3.5" are most common. Fill to 70-80% capacity.
Q4: What is the MOQ for custom flat bottom bags?
A: Stock plain bags: 500-1,000 pcs. Digital print: 1,000-3,000 pcs. Rotogravure: 10,000+ pcs.
Q5: Can flat bottom bags be recycled?
A: Traditional multi-layer bags have limited recyclability. We offer recyclable mono-PE and compostable options.
Q6: How long do flat bottom bags keep products fresh?
A: Aluminum foil laminate: 12-18+ months. Metalized: 9-12 months. Kraft with barrier: 6-9 months.
Q7: Can flat bottom bags be used for liquids?
A: Not ideal. Use stand-up pouches with spouts for liquids.
Q8: What printing options are available?
A: Digital (low MOQ), rotogravure (high volume), flexographic (mid-volume). Finishes: matte, gloss, soft-touch.
Ready to Elevate Your Packaging? �� Request Free Samples | �� Get Custom Quote �� bml@sunkeycn.com | �� +86-138-1251-1247 |
Related Articles
• Flat Bottom Bags for Coffee Packaging
• 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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