Packaging reference
Stand Up Pouch & Flexible Packaging Glossary
Use these concise definitions to read pouch specifications, artwork notes and supplier documents. A term identifies a component or process; it does not confirm a complete structure, performance result or project requirement.
A
AL
Aluminum foil is an opaque barrier layer used in selected flexible packaging laminates.
Why it matters: Foil thickness, flex-crack risk, converting and the full laminate must be considered before specifying it.
B
Bottom Gusset
The folded material at the base of a stand-up pouch that expands as product enters the pack.
Why it matters: Gusset depth affects filled shape and usable volume, so it must be reviewed with the real product and fill method.
Bleed
Artwork that extends beyond the trim boundary so small converting variation does not leave an unintended unprinted edge.
Why it matters: The required bleed belongs to the approved dieline and print workflow.
BOPP
Biaxially oriented polypropylene is used in flexible packaging for print, appearance or functional film roles.
Why it matters: Its suitability depends on the exact grade and full construction, including the sealant layer.
C
CPP
Cast polypropylene is a flexible film that can serve as a sealant or inner-web direction in selected structures.
Why it matters: Seal range, product contact scope and compatibility must be confirmed for the specified grade and use.
D
Doypack
A common name for a stand-up pouch construction with a shaped bottom-gusset seal.
Why it matters: The term describes a format family, not a guaranteed material, barrier level or feature set.
Dieline
A controlled two-dimensional drawing that defines pouch panels, seals, folds, trim and feature positions for artwork.
Why it matters: Artwork should be built on the converter-approved dieline revision, not a generic planning sketch.
Digital Printing
A print route that transfers artwork without traditional gravure cylinders and can suit selected lower-volume or multi-design projects.
Why it matters: Eligibility, color control, materials and minimum quantity remain project-specific.
E
EVOH
Ethylene vinyl alcohol is a resin used as an oxygen-barrier component in some multi-layer structures.
Why it matters: Its performance depends on composition, protection from moisture and the complete material construction.
F
Foil Stamping
A decorative process that transfers a metallic or colored foil effect to selected artwork areas.
Why it matters: Feature size, registration, substrate and rub resistance require project-specific approval.
G
Gloss Finish
A reflective surface direction produced through the selected film, coating or print construction.
Why it matters: Gloss level, scuff behavior and color appearance should be approved on a representative sample.
H
Hang Hole
A converted hole used to display a pouch on a retail peg.
Why it matters: The hole style and location depend on pack weight, top-seal geometry and the intended display hardware.
L
LDPE
Low-density polyethylene is a polyethylene grade family used where flexibility and heat-seal behavior are relevant.
Why it matters: The abbreviation does not identify a complete pouch structure or a universal sealing window.
LLDPE
Linear low-density polyethylene is a polyethylene grade family used in sealant blends and flexible inner webs.
Why it matters: Puncture, seal and compatibility performance must be reviewed for the actual formulation and pouch.
Lamination
The process of bonding two or more flexible webs into one material structure.
Why it matters: Adhesive, curing, web treatment and downstream conversion are controlled parts of the approved specification.
M
MOPP
Matte-oriented polypropylene is an oriented film direction used for a matte surface and print presentation in some laminates.
Why it matters: The exact grade, scuff behavior, sealing construction and barrier direction still require confirmation.
Matte Finish
A low-gloss surface direction produced through the selected film, coating or print construction.
Why it matters: Matte appearance does not identify the barrier structure or prove environmental performance.
O
OTR
Oxygen transmission rate describes measured oxygen passage through a material under stated test conditions.
Why it matters: A value is meaningful only with the method, temperature, humidity, specimen and units; it does not prove product shelf life alone.
P
PET
Polyethylene terephthalate is used in some flexible laminates as a printable or structural outer web.
Why it matters: Its role depends on grade, thickness, treatment and the complete laminate rather than the polymer name alone.
PE
Polyethylene is a polymer family used in flexible packaging, often in sealant and product-contact layers.
Why it matters: Performance and disposal claims depend on the exact resin blend, thickness, additives and total construction.
R
Rotogravure
A printing process that uses engraved cylinders to transfer ink to a flexible web.
Why it matters: Cylinder setup can suit stable larger-volume work, but the route should be compared using total project scope.
S
Stand Up Pouch
A flexible pouch with a bottom gusset that opens into a base so the filled pack can stand on shelf.
Why it matters: Use it when shelf presentation, a broad printable face and optional reclosure need to work in one format.
Safe Area
The area kept clear of trim, seals, folds and other zones where important text or graphics could become difficult to read.
Why it matters: Barcodes, legal copy and key brand elements should be checked against the approved safe area.
Sealant
The inside layer or blend designed to form the pouch seals under a controlled combination of temperature, pressure and dwell time.
Why it matters: Selection must consider product contact, contamination, filling conditions and the converter or packing process.
Spot UV
A localized gloss or tactile coating effect applied to selected artwork areas.
Why it matters: Registration, scuffing, laminate compatibility and the approved visual standard should be reviewed.
Soft Touch
A surface-finish direction intended to create a softer tactile feel.
Why it matters: The exact film or coating system, handling behavior and compatibility must be confirmed on the chosen laminate.
T
Tear Notch
A small cut or shaped feature that helps a buyer start tearing the pouch above its opening system.
Why it matters: Its position must preserve the final seal and work with the zipper, top margin and artwork.
V
VMPET
Vacuum-metalized PET is PET film with a thin metalized layer used as an opaque barrier direction in some laminates.
Why it matters: Metalization level, flexing, pinholes, seals and the complete structure affect converted-pack behavior.
W
WVTR
Water-vapor transmission rate describes measured water-vapor passage through a material under stated test conditions.
Why it matters: Compare values only when methods, conditions, specimens and units are compatible, then validate the converted filled pack.
Z
Zipper
A press-to-close profile converted near the top of a pouch to support repeated opening and closing.
Why it matters: Zipper position, product contamination and the final heat-seal area must be reviewed together.
Turn terms into a controlled pouch brief.
Start with the product, fill weight, quantity, destination, artwork status and the failure mode you need the package to control.