Formats

Roll-stock film or premade pouches: which to choose

Matrix Pack11 September 20266 min read

Packaging can be ordered in two ways: as premade pouches, or as printed film on rolls that you fill yourself. We make both, so the question is not which is better in general, but which is better value for you. Let us go through the difference in plain words.

In short

Roll-stock film is cheaper per unit, often by about a third or a half, but it needs your own filling line, so it wins at high volumes and simple products. Premade pouches cost more per piece, but they need no equipment, allow complex shapes with a zip-lock or spout, and suit smaller volumes and a quick start. The choice depends on volume, whether you have a line and the pouch shape.

What roll-stock film is

This is printed and laminated film wound onto a roll. It is loaded into a form-fill-seal machine which, on one line, shapes a pouch from the film, fills it with product and seals it. This is how snacks, grains, coffee, powders, frozen goods and much more are packed. So you do not receive a finished pouch, you receive the material from which the pouch is born during filling.

What premade pouches are

A premade pouch is an already-formed doypack, flat-bottom pouch or other shape, sealed on three sides. All you do is fill it and seal the top. The equipment for this is simpler, and filling can often be done even by hand at the start. That is why premade pouches are convenient when you have no filling line.

The economics of the difference

The main money difference looks like this. Roll-stock film is cheaper per unit, often by about a third or a half compared with a premade pouch. But to take advantage of that you need a form-fill-seal line, and that is an investment.

So the logic is simple: the higher the volume, the sooner the saving on film outweighs the cost of the equipment. On large runs roll stock is almost always more economical. On smaller and medium ones premade pouches often work out smarter, because you do not have to invest in a machine and its upkeep.

When to choose which

Roll-stock film	High volumes, a simple pouch shape, an existing or planned filling line, high-speed packing of snacks, grains, powders
Premade pouches	No line of your own, smaller or medium volumes, a complex shape with a zip-lock, spout or window, a quick start without investment

One more point: roll-stock film produces a bit more waste during setup and splicing, while premade pouches are used more sparingly. On large volumes this is not critical, but on small ones it sometimes tips the scales toward premade pouches.

We make both options

Matrix Pack prints and laminates roll-stock film and makes premade pouches, so we have no interest in talking you into just one. Tell us your product, your rough volume per month or year, and whether you have a filling line. We will cost out both options and show you where your economics work out better.

Not sure, film or pouches?

We will cost out both options for your volume and product. Artwork design is free.

Call us Printed film

Frequently asked questions

Which is cheaper - roll-stock film or premade pouches?

Per unit, roll-stock film is usually cheaper than a premade pouch, often by about a third or a half. But it needs your own form-fill-seal line, so it wins at high volumes where that saving outweighs the cost of the equipment.

Do you need equipment for roll-stock film?

Yes. Roll-stock film is loaded into a form-fill-seal machine that shapes the pouch, fills it and seals it in one pass. Without such a line it is more convenient to buy premade pouches.

When is it better to buy premade pouches?

When you have no filling line, need small or medium volumes, want a complex shape with a zip-lock, spout or window, or need to launch quickly without investing in equipment.

Can roll-stock film be printed?

Yes, the print is applied to the film on the roll before filling. We print and laminate roll-stock film for your product, and you fill it on your own line.