Gusseted bags and pouches are the best choices if you want to enhance your product-to-package ratio.

As opposed to lay-flat bags, gusset bags enhance filling capacity and are ideal for holding more weight.

If you’re finalizing your packaging decisions, read our quick guide below so you can learn more about these types of bags.

Gusset bags are a favored stand-up packaging solution for companies looking for additional space to promote important product information such as its distinctive characteristics and nutritional information.

What are Gusset Bags?

Some of the benefits of gusset bags have been highlighted above, but what precisely are they?

A gusset is simply material that is added to a flexible pouch to provide additional room and enhance its structure. They are usually applied to the sides or the bottom of a bag. “Gusset bags” and “gusseted bags” are the same thing.

Both gusseted bag designs offer brands and consumers a diverse range of features and benefits.

Bottom Gusset Bags

Bottom gusset bags are more attractive and adaptable in shape and size than side gusset bags. They stand tall on retail shelves, presenting a beautiful display that draws consumers’ attention.

When the same quantity of products is filled in both, the bottom gusset bags are more significant in overall size and capacity than the side gusset bags. If you’re going to choose bottom gusset bags for your product, you’ll be able to advertise and brand on both sides of the bag.

This type of bag is common in coffee, pet food, and confectionary packaging.

Side Gusset Bags

With side gusset bags, extra material is added to the sides, making them less box-shaped. Because of their less-box-shaped structure, side gusset bags take up less shelf space.

However, some people believe that side gusseted bags are less appealing as a shelf display. Nonetheless, these bags still give plenty of canvas space for advertising and branding your business — the choice is mostly personal.

They are popularly used for packaging dry ingredients, snack foods, and frozen foods.

What is the Difference between a Side Gusset and Bottom Gusset Bag?

There are no hard and fast laws prohibiting the use of both gussets on the same bag. When bag makers try to accomplish this, though, they run into technical difficulties.

The design of the two gussets makes them incompatible for application at the same time. And as such, the existence of one gusset prevents the presence of the other. Both styles of gussets have their individual purposes and features. They also have their differences.

The following are the main differences between the two gussets:

1. Location

The most notable difference between the two styles of gusset bags is the location of the gussets.

In a bottom gusset bag, the gusset is located at the base. It’s been designed to be able to stand on its own. For maximum stability, the edge of the gusset is fused to the side of the wall. While most gusset bottom bags are boxed shaped, side gusset bags are less likely to be.

2. Aesthetics

According to observational data, most people favor bottom gusset bags for their better appearance. The bottom gusset bags may be customized in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Gussets on the bottom are considered to be bigger than gussets on the sides. It provides you additional options for personalizing your packaging. Although side gusset bags are smaller, they provide more shelf space. You can, however, make adjustments to your chosen design.

3. Storage efficiency

The bottom gusset bag takes up more room than the side gusset bag and has more branding space. Even so, the side gusset bag offers plenty of canvas for displaying and marketing your brand.

Work with your design team to finalize the hierarchy of your packaging info and layout so you know where to put which copy, graphics, or other structured information media such as tables or charts.

4. Volume

The bottom gusset bag is larger than the side gusset bag. Even when the same quantity of products is placed inside, bottom gusset bags can accommodate more room.

Conclusion

Whether side gusset bags or bottom gusset, these packaging bags can be custom-made to match your industry’s and business’ requirements. Side gusset bags are ideal for dried foods or snacks, whereas bottom gusset bags are excellent for coffee or pet food.