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June 19, 2025
Choosing the Right Packaging: Which Product is Right for You?
We’re breaking down the features, best uses, and sustainability perks of our most popular formats.
Finding Your Perfect Packaging Fit
With all the custom packaging options out there, sometimes choosing the right format feels daunting, to say the least. Before you spiral into analysis paralysis, let us help.
In this two-part series, we’re breaking down all of our products—what makes them unique and what they’re best used for (and as a bonus, how they can support your sustainability goals). We promise—whether you’re packaging coffee, popcorn, or pet treats, there’s a perfect fit for you.
We’ll start with eight packaging styles (like bags, pouches, and cans) before we cover add-ons next. Your future shelf appeal is looking good already!
Gusset Bag: The Old-School Classic
You know it, you love it. The gusset bag is a packaging legend, and for good reason. It has a large capacity, a small shelf footprint, and a classic silhouette that’s instantly recognizable in the coffee world. Shape your bags perfectly every time with our food-safe, stainless-steel forming shoe.
Best for: Whole bean or ground coffee, bulk tea, powdered mixes, or anything that needs room to breathe (without actually breathing). For extra freshness, add a degassing valve to release CO₂ while keeping pesky oxygen out. If sustainability is a priority, opt for our store drop-off recyclable or industrially compostable materials.
How can I order it? The gusset bag is available blank, fully custom-printed, or in Roastar Design LabTM. Choose from four sizes, three materials, and a matte or gloss finish. Features include a degassing valve and tin tie.
Flat Bottom Bag: The Retail Showoff
Let’s start strong with the flat bottom bag. It stands tall, shows off every angle, and stands sturdy on retail shelves. With five printable panels, it’s a dream for brands that want to maximize storytelling space without overloading the front of the bag.
Best for: Freshness-critical, premium products that live in retail—think whole bean coffee, high-end snacks, or even protein powders. Its sturdy structure makes it ideal for heavier fill weights, while the tight seal and barrier properties provide the longest shelf life of all our products.
How can I order it? The flat bottom bag is available blank, fully custom-printed, or in Roastar Design LabTM. Choose from three sizes, five materials (including store drop-off recyclable and industrial compostable), and a matte or gloss finish. Features include a degassing valve, tin tie, and zipper.
Stand Up Pouch: The All-Around MVP
Lightweight, versatile, with a built-in bottom gusset that lets it stand upright and three printable sides, the stand up pouch can go from farmer’s market to subscription box without breaking a sweat. Show off what’s inside with a clear window!
Best for: Just about anything wet, dry, or frozen—think nuts, snacks, granola, superfoods, pet treats, supplements, and yes, coffee too. It’s space-efficient, resealable, and easy to ship, which makes it great for brands focused on low-waste operations and e-commerce compatibility in a multitude of industries.
How can I order it? The stand up pouch is available blank, fully custom-printed, or in Roastar Design LabTM. Choose from a wide range of sizes, seven materials, and a matte or gloss finish. Features include a degassing valve, tear notch, three hang hole styles, and two resealable zipper options.
Tin Can: The Classic Crowd-Pleaser
Timeless, reusable, and built to last, our tin cans offer both function and shelf appeal. Their sturdy structure and premium feel make them a favorite for brands looking to elevate the customer experience. As great collector items, your custom tin cans could end up on proud display for years to come.
Best for: Limited edition coffee releases, gift sets, or any product that deserves to feel like a keepsake. We’ve even seen them used for bath salts, matcha, and dog treats. If you’re selling a delicate product (think crackers, cookies, or other crumbly goodies), you may opt for the structure of a tin can over a bag or pouch.
The best part? With solutions like our Peel & Stick closure, you don’t have to sacrifice freshness. Being fully recyclable (or even upcyclable) and reusable, they’re also an excellent option for sustainable brands, especially those that want to offer a refill program.
How can I order them? Tin cans can be ordered blank, fully custom-printed, or in Roastar Design LabTM. In some cases, you’ll also be able to decide between direct-printed or labeled, and your label material. They’re available in two styles—beaded or straight—and in three sizes—4", 5.5", and 7" tall. Each tin comes with your choice of a can seamer or hand-applied peelable valved end, and a metal or plastic lid to match your brand’s vibe and functionality needs.
Flat Pouch: The Low-Key Lightweight
For all our minimalists out there, this one’s for you. Our flat pouch is slim, efficient, and easy to toss into a subscription box, a shelf display, or a sample pack. After all, great things come in small packages.
Best for: Smaller offerings such as single-serve coffee, sample-size portions, wellness powders, tea sachets, or travel-friendly anything. Their smaller profile means they’re material-efficient, perfect for brands with low-waste or cost-conscious goals.
How can I order it? The flat pouch is available blank or fully custom-printed. Choose from a multitude of sizes, seven materials, and a matte or gloss finish.
Paper Tube: The Cylindrical Standout
Want to stand out on the shelf? Say hello to the paper tube. This sturdy, fully recyclable format has a premium, boutique feel and works beautifully for products that benefit from vertical packaging or giftable vibes.
Best for: Wellness products, skincare, candles, bath goods, and high-end food items. In other words, any product that could use a little elevating. Sustainable brands love it for its reusability—a quiet sustainability win that builds brand loyalty.
How can I order it? The paper tube is available blank or fully custom-printed. Choose from white or brown kraft paper and four label materials. Pair it with our biodegradable zipper bags for an airtight seal.
Coming Soon: Part 2
In the next post, we’ll shift gears from core packaging formats to the extras that tie it all together.
From custom labels and seal stickers to rollstock and resealable tape, we’ll break down the add-ons that elevate your packaging, boost functionality, and keep your brand looking sharp from shelf to doorstep.
Until then, go forth and pick your pouch (or can, or tube) with confidence!