Packing has become equally important as compared to the product. One of the main things in the food and beverage industry is the right packaging. Quality packaging affects your sales, operational costs, and also determines the freshness of the food. There is always a debate between the stand-up pouches and the rigid packaging in the food and beverage industry. Custom stand up pouches and rigid packaging are mainly preferred in the food and beverage industry.
Both types of packaging are effective depending on the needs of the client. In this blog, we will talk about stand-up pouches and rigid packaging, and discuss which is better for the food and beverage industry.
Key facts
- stand-up pouches) captured ~ 46.74 % of global flexible packaging market revenue — underlining how widely pouches are adopted worldwide. Mordor intelligence.
- Stand-up pouches are “4-5 times lighter than metal cans,” and help reduce transportation costs compared to rigid containers. Research and market.
- Using pouch-based flexible packaging (like stand-up pouches) can allow up to 10 times more units per shipment compared to rigid containers. Packaging world insights.
- The global stand-up pouches market size was valued at USD 34.38 billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow from USD 36.77 billion in 2025 to USD 64.17 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.28% during the forecast period. Fortune Business Insights.
Understanding Stand-up Pouches
These are flexible packaging bags that are very effective and can stand straight on the shopping shelves for days and months. They are strong and made of the right material that can withstand long days or even months. They are very lightweight and are flexible as well. Some other advantages include the less stronge cost, easy to ship, and more. You can customize them into any shape that fits the product perfectly.
Understanding Rigid Packaging
When we use the term “rigid packaging”, we are referring to the kinds of containers used to store products that maintain their form and rigidity – typically glass jars, metal cans, and hard plastic containers/tubs. Rigid packaging has traditionally been the main choice of food manufacturers because of its durability and premium appearance, but also represents many of the challenges associated with this form of packaging, including significantly higher production costs and less adaptability with design possibilities.
Stand-Up Pouches vs Rigid Packaging: A Comparison
Let us look at the comparison between stand-up pouches and rigid packaging
| Feature | Stand-Up Pouches | Rigid Packaging |
| Material | Flexible laminates like plastic films, aluminum foil, and paper | Hard materials like plastic, metal, glass, or cardboard |
| Durability | Good, but less compared to rigid packaging | Very high durability and protection |
| Weight | Extremely lightweight | Much heavier |
| Shipping & Storage Cost | low | high |
| Shelf look | Modern, customizable, 360-degree branding | Premium, sturdy, trustworthy look |
| Environmental Impact | Lower carbon footprint; recyclable options available | Higher footprint; glass is recyclable, but heavier |
| Product Protection | Moderate-high, depending on the laminate | Excellent for fragile and pressure-sensitive items |
| Common Uses | Snacks, dry foods, sauces, pet food, beverages (spouted) | Dairy, beverages, oils, pickles, jams, frozen, and fragile products |
| Production cost | less | high |
| Consumer Convenience | Easy to carry | User-friendly, but heavy and less portable |
| Printing Flexibility | Very high | moderate |
| Shelf Life | Excellent | Excellent, especially for vacuum-sealed products |
What are the main benefits of stand-up pouches?
Less packaging Cost
The cost of manufacturing is low as it needs less raw material for its production. The storage cost, transportation, and manufacturing costs are reduced by larger margins.
Sustainable
Today’s consumers are interested in sustainable packaging solutions. They want their packaged products to be environmentally friendly. Flexible pouches offer the following benefits:
- Reduced levels of carbon emissions produced during shipping.
- Reduction of the amount of waste created.
- Reduction in the amount of energy consumed when producing them.
More space for Advertising
On stand-up pouches, there is a lot of space where you can do branding. You can make the packaging look more aesthetic by using vibrant colors, highlighting the title at the top, and the brand name in attractive designs.
More convenience
It is highly convenient. You can use the zip locks for it and also have handles attached. Can open or close them cleanly without tearing them apart.
What are the main benefits of rigid packaging for food and beverages?
The main benefits are as follows
Full protection
It offers full protection to the food inside and keeps it safe from any type of damage. It is strong enough to withstand the force and does not let food crush. Also, it does not allow any pressure.
Premium
Packaging in jars or bottles looks premium and enhances the quality of the product. Customers will surely buy if your products are good and also have the best-suited packaging. Good packaging builds trust and also keeps the food fresh and protected from the outside air.
Reusable
The best thing about the rigid containers is that they can be used again and again. Glass jars, bottles can be used for different purposes in the house. It enhances the brand reach and value and also makes loyal customers.
More time on the shelf
These boxes can stay for a long time on the shelf. These types are famous for the beverages, pickles, foods, oil, and more.
Which packaging should food and beverage brands choose?
The right choice depends on product type, brand positioning and budget.
Choose a standing pouch if you prefer:
- cost-effective packaging
- Light and compact transport
- High brand flexibility
- environmentally friendly alternative
- Modern and stylish shelf appearance
Best for snacks, powders, spices, tea/coffee, baby food, nuts, frozen goods and pet food.
Choose rigid packaging if you need:
- powerful product protection
- a premium brand image
- Suitable container for liquids and carbonated drinks
- reusable packaging
- better product stability
- Best for beverages, dairy products, pickles, oils, sauces, jams and high-value foods.
Quote
Choosing between stand-up pouches and rigid packaging isn’t about picking the most popular option—it’s about selecting the packaging that protects your product, supports your brand identity, and aligns with modern consumer expectations.
Conclusion
Stand-up pouches and rigid packaging are used easily throughout, depending on the nature of the business. Both are favorable for foods and beverages. If you want to have a full understanding of the packaging, Yiruixing Packaging is among the top rigid boxes manufacturers around the world and provides the highest quality services at the most reasonable prices.
At Yiruixing Packaging, experts can understand the nature of the business and the type of food you serve. We then suggest the right packaging type according to the product. To know more, you can visit the details mentioned below.
Contact details
Company Name – Yiruixing Packaging
Address – No.1218 B Block, Yin Ye Hui Zhong Building, No. 3 Nan Guo East Road, Da Liang Street, Shunde District, Foshan, Guangdong, China, 528399
Contact (WhatsApp) – +86- 18824821039
E-mail – info@yiruixingpackaging.com
Website – https://yiruixingpackaging.com/
Frequently asked questions
Which company provides the stand-up pouches and rigid packaging services?
Yiruixing Packaging provides the packaging manufacturing services for rigid packages and stand-up pouches.
What is the cost of hiring the stand-up pouch and rigid pouch manufacturing services?
At Yiruixing Packaging, we have more than a decade of expertise in providing packaging solutions to different industries. Our prices are very reasonable, and the price varies by the order size, what type of packaging you need, and many other factors. Our professionals can understand your business needs and then suggest the highest quality option that is budget-friendly as well.
Which is the best type of food packaging?
Stand-up pouches or rigid packaging are best for food packaging.
Where can we use the stand-up pouches?
We can use stand-up pouches for food packaging, supplements, and more.
Which is cheaper, stand-up pouches or rigid packaging?
Stand-up pouches are cheaper compared to rigid packaging services. At Yiruixing Packaging, you will get the most reasonable prices for both the packaging.
