Packaging Guides
Custom Stand-Up Pouch Pricing: Cost Per Unit Breakdown (2026)
Cubit Packaging Team
May 11, 2026
3 min read
How Much Do Custom Stand-Up Pouches Cost in 2026?
Custom stand-up pouches range from $0.08 to $1.50 per unit depending on pouch size, barrier film structure, closure type, and printing method. Basic pouches for dry snacks start as low as $0.08/unit at volume, while premium spouted or child-resistant pouches run $0.60–$1.50/unit.
Quick answer: A standard 6×9+3" stand-up pouch (8 oz capacity) on PET/AL/PE barrier film with full-color rotogravure printing and ziplock closure costs approximately $0.22–$0.35/unit at 5,000 units.
Price Per Unit by Size
Standard PET/AL/PE barrier pouch with full-color printing and ziplock:
| Pouch Size | Capacity | Price at 1,000 | Price at 5,000 | Price at 10,000+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5×5.5+2" | 1-2 oz | $0.18–$0.30 | $0.10–$0.18 | $0.08–$0.14 |
| 5×8+2.5" | 4 oz | $0.25–$0.40 | $0.15–$0.25 | $0.12–$0.20 |
| 6×9+3" | 8 oz | $0.30–$0.50 | $0.22–$0.35 | $0.18–$0.28 |
| 7×11+3.5" | 16 oz | $0.40–$0.65 | $0.28–$0.45 | $0.22–$0.38 |
| 9×13+4" | 32 oz | $0.55–$0.85 | $0.35–$0.55 | $0.28–$0.45 |
| 10×15+4.5" | 2 lb | $0.65–$1.00 | $0.42–$0.65 | $0.35–$0.55 |
Price by Barrier Film
Using a 6×9+3" (8 oz) pouch at 5,000 units as baseline:
| Film Structure | Barrier Level | Shelf Life | Cost/Unit | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PET/PE | Basic | 6-12 months | $0.15–$0.22 | Dry snacks, candy |
| PET/MPET/PE | Medium | 12-18 months | $0.20–$0.30 | Granola, dried fruit |
| PET/AL/PE | High (foil) | 18-24 months | $0.22–$0.35 | Coffee, supplements |
| Nylon/PE | Puncture-resistant | 12 months | $0.25–$0.38 | Frozen, sharp items |
| Kraft/PE | Basic | 6-12 months | $0.18–$0.28 | Artisan, eco brands |
Cost by Closure Type
| Closure | Add-On Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Heat seal only | Baseline | Single-use packets |
| Press-to-close ziplock | +$0.02–$0.05 | Most food (default choice) |
| Slider zipper | +$0.05–$0.10 | Pet food, large pouches |
| Tear notch | +$0.01–$0.02 | Easy-open snacks |
| Spout and cap | +$0.15–$0.35 | Liquids, sauces, baby food |
| Child-resistant zipper | +$0.10–$0.25 | Cannabis, pharmaceuticals |
| Degassing valve | +$0.08–$0.15 | Fresh-roasted coffee |
Printing Method Cost Comparison
| Method | Setup Cost | Cost/Unit at 5K | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital | $0 | $0.08–$0.15 add | 500–3,000 units, multiple SKUs |
| Rotogravure | $500–$2,000/color | $0.04–$0.08 add | 5,000+ units, consistent long runs |
| Flexographic | $200–$800/color | $0.05–$0.10 add | 3,000+ units, cost-effective |
How to Reduce Stand-Up Pouch Costs
- Use PET/PE instead of foil — saves 25–35% when maximum barrier isn't needed
- Choose rotogravure for 5,000+ units — 40% cheaper per unit than digital
- Standard sizes — avoid custom tooling by using stock die dimensions
- Skip the zipper for single-serve packets — saves $0.02–$0.05/unit
- Order quarterly — consolidating runs from monthly to quarterly saves 15–20%
- Kraft front — often $0.03–$0.05 cheaper than all-metalized films
Ready to price your custom stand-up pouches? Get a free quote or browse our pouch collection. Need guidance? Ask our AI packaging consultant.