Buy side gusset bags – expandable volume for coffee, tea & food

Side gusset bags have two side folds that open out as they are filled. This gives more volume than a flat bag while using less material than a stand-up pouch – the economical middle-ground solution.

Available as a variant for coffee with an aroma valve, food-grade to EU 10/2011, with aroma protection valve and transparent for visible contents.

Classic for coffee roasters, tea blenders, muesli manufacturers and pet food producers. Material: laminate film with an aluminum inner layer for aroma protection.

Printable as custom production with a logo and variety label. Shipped from our German warehouse – with samples before you order.

Packaging bags overview & related types

Popular side gusset bag variants

Popular individual products from this range:

Shipping & delivery

We ship quickly from our German warehouse. For printed special sizes, the delivery time is agreed individually. Free shipping from €200 net within Germany.

What are side gusset bags?

Side gusset bags have an inward fold on the left and right that expands as they are filled. As a result they offer considerably more volume than flat bags for the same material area – ideal for voluminous contents such as coffee beans, tea or granulates.

For premium applications there are variants with an aroma protection valve (for freshly roasted coffee), an aluminum inner layer or a kraft paper variant for sustainable brands.

What are side gusset bags suitable for?

  • Coffee roasters: with an aroma valve for freshly roasted beans
  • Tea manufacturers: for loose tea varieties
  • Spices: for voluminous blends
  • Bakery: for baked goods with a larger volume
  • Organic & natural food: high-quality artisan look
  • Industry: granulates, powders, pellets

Which side gusset bag variants are there?

Advantages of side gusset bags

  • Expandable volume: the side gussets adapt to the fill quantity.
  • Aroma protection valve option for coffee and sensitive contents.
  • Food-grade certified to EU 10/2011.
  • High-quality look: appears like a small box at the point of sale.
  • Printable with a logo, branding or variety description.
  • Private & trade customers – standard quantities and bulk orders.
  • Fast shipping from our German warehouse.

Material properties of side gusset bags in detail

Side gusset bags are made of kraft paper or film laminates with two incorporated side gussets. The gusset construction expands the bag volume when filled and produces a box-shaped footprint when full.

Kraft paper 60–80 g/m² with PE inner side

Kraft paper outer side in natural or white quality, with 25 microns LDPE inside for grease and moisture protection. Standard for coffee, tea and food with a medium aroma requirement. Artisan in appearance, technically sound.

PET/AL/LDPE — aluminum laminate

A three-layer laminate with an aluminum barrier layer. OTR < 0.1 cm³/m²·24h, complete aroma and light barrier. For premium coffee, specialty tea and oxidation-sensitive artisan products.

Kraft paper / AL7 / LDPE — paper-aluminum hybrid

Looks like kraft paper, performs like the aluminum laminate. The best combination of artisan aesthetics and a high barrier.

PE / EVOH / PE — mono-PE recyclable

A mono-material laminate with a thin EVOH barrier layer (< 5 %). NIR-detectable in the PE stream, PPWR-compliant from 2030. OTR approx. 1–3 cm³/m²·24h.

Transparent OPP/PE variant

Clear film with full product visibility for confectionery, pralines and short shelf-life foods. Limited barrier.

All materials are certified to EU 10/2011 for food contact. Declaration of conformity on request.

Individual customisation — printing and special sizes

Side gusset bags are produced in individual special sizes with brand printing — one of the most common custom productions in the food sector.

Printing process

Printing in gravure printing with up to 10 colours, including Pantone special colours, metallic effects and spot varnish. Full-surface printing across all four sides is possible. Digital proofs for approval before production.

Special sizes and additional features

Format adjustments in width (60–250 mm), height (150–500 mm) and gusset depth (30–100 mm). Optionally we integrate an aroma protection valve, zipper, tin-tie closure, bottom flap or tear notch.

We agree the minimum quantity and delivery time individually after your enquiry. Request a quote.

Sustainability and the EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR)

The EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR) changes the requirements for plastic packaging from 2030. Aluminum multi-layer laminates fall out of material recycling. Our side gusset bag range is prepared for these requirements.

Mono-PE and mono-PP for single-material recycling

Our PE/EVOH/PE side gusset bags are recyclable in the PE stream. The thin EVOH barrier layer (< 5 %) is uncritical in the recycling process and complies with the RecyClass design guidelines.

Kraft paper variants in paper recycling

Kraft paper side gusset bags with a thin PE inner coating can be recovered in the paper stream, provided the PE share remains below 5 % of the total mass. FSC-certified paper on request.

PPWR migration path for aluminum laminates

Aluminum high-barrier laminates can only be used under technical exemptions from 2030. We advise on the step-by-step switch to mono-material with a hybrid range: premium still in aluminum, mass market in mono-PE.

Frequently asked questions about side gusset bags

What is a side gusset bag?

A bag with two side folds that open out when filled and create volume. Synonyms: bag with side gussets, gusseted bag, block side gusset bag.

What is the difference from stand-up pouches?

Side gusset bags: folds at the sides, box-shaped when filled. Stand-up pouches: a bottom gusset bellows, standing with a flat base.

With or without an aroma valve?

For freshly roasted coffee, with an aroma protection valve. For tea, muesli and dried fruit, without a valve is sufficient.

Which variant for coffee?

Side gusset bags for coffee with an aluminum inner layer and an aroma valve. More economical than a stand-up pouch with a valve at comparable aroma protection.

Suitable for tea?

Yes – side gusset bags are a classic for tea blender packaging. High-volume and aroma-protecting.

Which sizes are common?

For 250 g of coffee/tea: 110×240 mm with a 70 mm gusset. For 500 g: 140×290 mm. For 1 kg: 160×370 mm.

Food-grade certified?

Yes – to EU 10/2011 → Food-grade side gusset bags. Declaration of conformity on request.

Possible with a window?

Yes – with a transparent window for presenting the contents. Popular for premium tea manufacturers.

Suitable for pet food?

Yes – a classic design for dry food, smaller pet food ranges and treat packaging.

How do I seal side gusset bags?

With a film sealing machine – typically a heat seal at the top after filling. For machine filling there are special systems.

Printable with a logo?

Yes – flexo printing or gravure printing. For premium brands, all 4 sides + the base can be printed. → Custom production.

More economical than a stand-up pouch?

Yes – more economical per unit than doypacks at comparable volume, but less “elegantly standing” on the shelf.

Suitable for organic brands?

Yes – with a kraft paper outer layer and an internal aroma barrier, it combines an organic look with functional protection.