Flexible packaging
Pillow Pouches and Flow Wrap
A pillow pouch is a flat bag with a long seal down the back and a seal across each end, so it puffs into a pillow shape when filled. It is the format of most chip bags, candy bags and wrapped bars. Cubit makes pillow pouches pre-made, or as printed rollstock for flow-wrap and VFFS machines.
Also called: back seal bags, center seal pouches, fin seal bags, lap seal bags, flow wrap packaging, flow pack, pillow bags.
- Back (center) seal with two end seals
- Pre-made bags or printed rollstock
- Gusseted versions for more volume
- Barrier, metallized and clear films
Illustration of the format
Pillow pouch or flow wrap?
They are the same shape made two ways. A pillow pouch is made ahead of time and filled through the open end. Flow wrap is made on the packing line: a horizontal machine wraps film around a bar, cookie or candy, seals it underneath and crimps both ends. Vertical form-fill-seal machines make pillow bags of loose product such as chips and candy the same way.
Seal types and options
The back seal can be a fin seal, where the inner faces seal to each other, or a lap seal that overlaps and uses less film. Options include:
- Side gussets for a squarer, higher-volume bag
- Tear notches for easy opening
- Hang holes for peg display
- Clear windows or fully clear film
- Nitrogen-flush-ready barrier films for snacks
Who uses pillow pouches
Snack and chip brands, candy and confectionery makers, nutrition and granola bar companies, bakeries, frozen food brands and hardware or accessory brands that need a low-cost single pack. It is one of the most economical flexible formats because it uses little film and runs fast on machines.
Wholesale and bulk pillow pouches
Pillow pouches and flow wrap are high-volume formats. Brands buy them by the tens of thousands per SKU, and the more you order, the less each pack costs. Wholesale buyers often pair one bag size with several flavor designs.
Ask for both pre-made pillow pouches and rollstock in the same request if you are deciding between hand filling and machine packing.
Questions about pillow pouches
What is a pillow pouch?
A flat bag sealed down the back and across both ends, which puffs into a pillow shape when filled. Chip bags and candy bags are pillow pouches.
What is the difference between a back seal and a 3-side seal bag?
A back seal bag has one seal down the center of the back plus two end seals, so the front is seamless. A 3-side seal bag is sealed on both sides and the bottom and is filled from the top.
Is flow wrap the same as a pillow pouch?
It is the same shape, made on the packing line from rollstock instead of as a pre-made bag. Flow wrap suits bars, cookies and single items.
Can pillow pouches have a gusset?
Yes. Side gussets give a squarer bag that holds more and stands better, common for coffee and larger snack bags.
Do you supply flow wrap film?
Yes. We print rollstock for horizontal flow-wrap machines, matched to your web width, repeat length and core size.
What do you need for a quote?
Product and fill weight or bag size, pre-made bags or rollstock, quantity per design, film or finish, and your artwork.