Key Takeaways
The pillow bag is the most common VFFS bag and suits nearly all powders from the cheapest film format.
A side-gusset bag expands to hold more powder and gives better shelf appeal.
Each bag style needs its own forming set and sealing configuration, so choose before you order.
For most powders, start with a pillow bag. It is the most common bag a vertical form-fill-seal (VFFS) machine makes, every VFFS machine can form it, and it runs from plain roll film at high speed. Choose a side-gusset bag when the fill is larger or the pack needs shelf appeal, because its sides expand and the bag sits squarer. Three-side and four-side seal flat sachets suit single-serve and sample portions on smaller machine models. If the powder has to stand up or reseal in a pouch, that is a horizontal form-fill-seal (HFFS) job instead. The VFFS machine page lists the bag types it forms, and the powder packaging machines page covers every machine that packs powder.
Filling, forming, wrapping, labelling and end-of-line machines we supply, side by side.
A pillow bag, also called a spine-seal bag, is the default for powder because it is the simplest bag a vertical form-fill-seal (VFFS) machine makes: one long back seal and a seal across each end. It is available on every VFFS machine in our range, runs at high speed and suits food and industrial powders alike, from flour and spice blends to detergent and chemical powders. Because it is formed from plain roll film rather than bought as a premade pouch, it also uses the cheapest film format. Its limit is presentation: a pillow bag lies flat rather than standing, so it suits powders sold in simple retail or refill packs and bags that are packed into an outer carton.
A side-gusset bag is the better choice for powder when the fill is larger or the pack needs more presence on the shelf. Its sides fold in and expand as the powder fills the bag, so it holds a high volume for its width and settles into a squarer shape, with better product protection and shelf appeal than a pillow bag. The trade-off is on the vertical form-fill-seal (VFFS) machine itself: a side-gusset bag needs its own forming set and sealing configuration, so decide on it before the machine is specified rather than after it is installed.
Two machines in our range form powder bags from roll film. Choose by the pack you want to sell.
A VFFS machine forms pillow, side-gusset and flat seal bags from roll film, doses the powder from an auger filler above the forming tube and seals the bag in one cycle. It is the standard choice for flour, milk powder, spices, detergent and chemical powders.
Machine page: VFFS machine
An HFFS machine forms stand-up doypacks, zipper pouches, quad-seal and flat-bottom bags and flat sachets from roll film, then fills and seals them. Choose it when the powder is sold in a premium retail pouch that stands up or reseals.
Machine page: HFFS machine
Every machine that packs powder, including cup fill and seal and capsule filling, is on the powder packaging machines page. For milk powder and whey, see what a VFFS machine needs to pack dairy powders.
The four bag styles a vertical form-fill-seal (VFFS) machine makes differ in shape, in the powder packs they suit and in the machine size that runs them. Stand-up doypacks, quad-seal and flat-bottom bags are formed on our horizontal form-fill-seal (HFFS) machines instead.
| Bag style | What it is | Suits powder that is | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Pillow (spine-seal) bag |
The most common flexible bag, sealed along the back and at both ends |
Sold in simple retail or refill packs, or packed into cartons |
All VFFS machines |
|
Side-gusset bag |
A high-volume bag with sides that expand |
A larger fill, or a retail pack that needs shelf appeal |
VFFS with a gusset forming set |
|
3-side seal bag |
A compact flat sachet sealed on three sides |
Single-use or sample portions |
Smaller VFFS models |
|
4-side seal bag |
A premium flat sachet sealed on all four sides |
Single-serve packs that need a professional look |
Smaller VFFS models |
Changing bag size and changing bag style are different jobs on a vertical form-fill-seal (VFFS) machine. A new bag size is handled by swapping the forming tube, and the auger screw is changed to suit the new fill, so one machine can run several powder pack sizes. A new bag style is a bigger change: each style needs its own dedicated forming set and sealing configuration, and the styles are not interchangeable on the same set-up. List every bag size and style you plan to run before you order, so the machine is specified with the right change parts from the start.
The film for a powder bag should match how sensitive the powder is to moisture and air. A vertical form-fill-seal (VFFS) machine runs PET, PE and laminated films. Powders that absorb moisture, such as milk powder, protein powders and instant beverage powders, need a barrier laminate (foil or metallised film) with strong seals and, where shelf life matters, gas flushing. Date coding, tear notches, hole punches and resealable zippers can be added to the VFFS machine as the pack needs them. Send us the film you intend to use and we run it with your powder on trial before quoting.
Start with a pillow bag, move to a side-gusset bag when the fill is larger or shelf appeal matters, and choose a horizontal form-fill-seal (HFFS) pouch only when the powder must stand up or reseal. See the VFFS machine page for the bag types it makes, compare every machine on the powder packaging machines page, or request a quote with your powder, bag style and target output.
Send us a sample of your powder, the film you want to use and the bag style and sizes you need. We run it on the machine and recommend the configuration that fits your output.
