Artwork - Positioning

Tear notch – If you require a tear notch or laser scoring for easy opening, take into consideration any print or critical text on and above the tear notch line that would be discarded.

Resealable zip lock – It’s not recommended that any text is printed on the raised area of the resealable zip lock as it could look slightly distorted.

Seals – It’s not advised to have text on the sealed areas of the pouch as this would result in slightly distorted text due to the textured surface caused by sealing.

Bottom gusset – When the pouch is formed, the whole bottom gusset is no longer visible, so ensure any critical text or artwork is visible centrally.

Movement tolerance – Allow for machine movement of +/- 2mm up/down and left/right so consider this in your design with artwork or a frame close to the edges.

Artwork - Features that include areas of transparency

Windows or areas of transparency can offer a vital importance in promoting your product, therefore it’s important to consider the design/shape and positioning of this area.

It’s wise to keep the window/area away from the bottom of the bag as depending on your content, this area at the bottom of the bag could contain loose broken content, small fine grains, crumbs or a sediment. Or if the content is of larger volume, this may not sit on the bottom gusset, and the product may not be visible at all.

Positioning the window too high is likely to not show any of the contents.

A window that is positioned to the edge of the pouch will result in showing the seal against the material behind it.

Artwork - Additional features

Spout – Avoid any critical design/wording too close to the spout as a movement tolerance of +/- 2mm is required.

Shape – Pouches can be made in bespoke shapes however these will incur additional costs due to material wastage.

Handle – If you require a handle to be cut into the top header, don’t include any text or a design that would interfere with the overall appearance. Handles are only appropriate in packaging ≥ 380x550+180mm. For spout pouches 2ltr, 3ltr and 5ltr, a rigid handle should be considered for strength.

Euro Slot or hole – Positioned in the top header an extra 10mm above the usual position of the zip lock. We recommend 30mm above the centre of the zipper to allow for optimal positioning taking into consideration heat sealing and tear notch line.

Degassing Valve – Consider that any text that may interfere with the valve should be avoided.

Rounded corners – After the pouch forming process, if rounded corners are required a slight step can occur due to the +/- 2mm machine tolerance.

Please note: For handles, Euro slots or holes, positioning should be considered on a case by case basis according to the overall bag size and the potential weight of contents. The zip lock may need to be lowered, which encroaches into the fillable area. The bag may need to be increased in size/height to compensate.

Artwork - Checklist

• The size of your packaging in relation to your product? Will it fit? Have you carried out fill tests?
• If you will be heat sealing the packaging to create a tamper evident seal?
• The position of the tear notch or whether you need one at all (depending on if you heat seal)?
• The position of the handle or hole if you require one.
• The position of the resealable zip lock with your design?
• The design along seals and/or over features areas such as resealable zip lock and valve (if required) that may appear distorted?
• If the design needs simplifying to account for machine tolerances of +/- 2mm.
• The design on the bottom gusset (if there is one) avoiding designs and/or text in hidden areas?
• Any areas of transparency and the position of them?
• The finish of the packaging? Will it be shiny, matt or a combination of them both?
• The corner finishes; square or rounded?
• The material and the barrier required: Standard, Recyclable or Compostable.
• If the pouch requires a lamination? Can be chosen to protect outer layer if paper is chosen.
• The spout size and position if a spout is required along with any handles soft or rigid for larger spout pouches?

Supplying Artwork

For artwork specifications, please click here to view our guide. Once you’re ready to submit your artwork to us, please email your artwork or send it to us via Google Drive, Dropbox or WeTransfer.

Need our help?

Should you wish to discuss any aspect of your project with us or have any queries regarding this guide, please don’t hesitate to contact our dedicated customer service team on 01923 330 452 who will be more than willing to help you.