How Much Do Stand-Up Pouches Cost? Complete Pricing Breakdown

Stand-up pouch pricing depends on materials, size, printing, features, order volume, and shipping—plus hidden fees. This guide breaks it all down so you can estimate real landed cost.

ESTIMATE MY PROJECT COST

Introduction: Don’t Let “Price Per Pouch” Fool You

If you’ve searched “how much do stand-up pouches cost,” you’ve seen vague ranges. The truth: the number shifts with film structure, printing, features, volume, and freight—plus fees that don’t show up in the per-unit headline. Use this guide to map the levers and prevent surprises.

The Big Picture: What Affects Stand-Up Pouch Pricing?

Factor	Description
Material Type	Film structure, barrier protection, recyclability
Size & Shape	Larger or custom die-cuts cost more
Print Type	Digital, flexographic, rotogravure
Design Complexity	Color count, gradients, photo-quality images
Special Features	Zippers, spouts, hang holes, valves, finishes
Order Volume	Scale reduces unit cost significantly
Shipping Method	Air vs. ocean, FOB vs. delivered pricing

1. Material Type Matters More Than You Think

PET/LLDPE — standard for snacks/powders
PET/ALU/PE — high barrier for coffee/sauces
Kraft Laminates — natural look, moderate barrier
Compostable/Recyclable Films — eco options, often 15–30% higher

Rule: more protection or sustainability usually means more cost. Choose based on shelf life and brand story.

2. Pouch Size & Fill Volume

Larger pouches use more film and can change setup, plates, and freight. Right-size to your net contents to avoid paying for air.

3. Printing Type & Design Complexity

Print Type	Best For	Setup	Unit Cost (Low Vol.)
Digital	<5K units, many SKUs	Low	Higher per unit
Flexo	10K–50K	Moderate (plates)	Mid-range
Gravure	50K+ volume	High (cylinders)	Lowest per unit

More colors and photo-quality gradients add cost, especially outside digital.

4. Features Add Function… and Cost | 5. Minimum Order Quantities

Feature	Estimated Add-On (Per Unit)
Zipper	$0.02–$0.05
Spout	$0.07–$0.20
Hang Hole	$0.01–$0.02
Valve	$0.05–$0.10

Digital MOQ: 500–1,000
Flexo/Gravure MOQ: 5,000–10,000+

6. Shipping & Delivery Method

Domestic production: faster turnaround, lower freight, higher unit price
Asia (China/Vietnam/India): lower unit price, longer lead time—freight risk if unmanaged

Air is faster but expensive; ocean is cheaper but slower. Work with partners who manage QC and logistics end-to-end.