What Is a Quad Seal Pouch? Uses, Sizes and How It Compares
If you pack larger quantities of coffee, pet food or snacks, you may have come across quad seal pouches. They look a bit like a box made of film: square, strong and neat on the shelf. But how are they different from flat bottom or side gusset pouches, and when are they the right choice?
This guide explains what a quad seal pouch is, where it works best, which features you can add and how it compares to other pouch types.
What is a quad seal pouch?
A quad seal pouch is a pouch with four vertical seals, one on each corner. That is where the name comes from: quad means four. It also has two side gussets that fold in when the pouch is empty and open up when it is filled.
The four corner seals give the pouch a firm, square shape. When filled, it keeps its shape and looks like a neat block on the shelf. You may also see it called a quad seal bag or a four corner seal bag.
In shape, a quad seal pouch is almost the same as a side gusset pouch. The difference is the four sealed corners, and a quad seal pouch can also have a zipper for extra freshness.
Why choose a quad seal pouch?
Square shape.
The four sealed corners keep the pouch neat and square when it is filled.
Holds a lot.
Thanks to the side gussets, quad seal pouches are a good choice for larger packs.
Large printing surface.
The front, back and side panels all carry your design, so your brand is visible from every angle.
Takes weight well.
This makes it a popular choice for heavy packs and bulk products.
Stacks neatly.
The square shape makes packs easy to stack on shelves and pallets.
What are quad seal pouches used for?
Quad seal pouches are used for many products, but they are most common for:
- Pet food. Dry food and larger packs, where the pouch must be strong. See our pet food packaging.
- Coffee beans. Especially larger retail and wholesale packs, often with a degassing valve and zipper. See our custom coffee pouches.
- Snacks, sweets and confectionery.
- Powders and granules.
- Dried fruit and vegetables.
Quad seal vs flat bottom vs side gusset
These three pouch types are often confused, because they all have side gussets and all work well for larger packs. Here is a simple comparison:
| Quad seal pouch | Flat bottom pouch | Side gusset pouch | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shape | Tall, square bag with side gussets and four sealed corners | Box shape with a flat, square base | Tall, square bag with side gussets |
| Printable panels | Front, back and sides | Front, back, sides and bottom (5 panels) | Front and back, plus sides |
| Zipper | Possible | Possible | No |
| Best for | Large and heavy packs, pet food, coffee | Premium coffee and supplement packs | Coffee, tea, large pet food bags |
| Price level | Medium | Higher | Lower, simple to produce |
In short
Quad seal pouch
Choose a quad seal pouch when you need a strong, square bag with a zipper that handles weight well.
Features you can add
- Zipper. For easy reclosing and longer freshness.
- One-way degassing valve. For freshly roasted coffee.
- Carry handle. For large and heavy packs.
- Tear notch. For easy opening.
- Clear window. So customers can see the product.
You can also choose the finish: matte, glossy, metallic or a sandpaper touch. For materials, there are high-barrier laminates for long shelf life, and mono-material PE options where improved recyclability is important and the barrier still suits the product. See our materials and printing guide.
Typical quad seal pouch sizes
Sizes are usually given as front width x height x side gusset, in millimetres. As with every pouch, the right size depends on the volume of your product.
| Product and weight | Typical size (W x H x G) |
|---|---|
| Coffee beans, 250 g | 97 x 255 x 60 mm |
| Coffee beans, 500 g | 120 x 320 x 80 mm |
| Coffee beans, 1 kg | 140 x 385 x 90 mm |
We can also make custom dimensions. Tell us what you are packing and how much, and we will help you find the right size.
Ordering custom printed quad seal pouches
We produce custom printed quad seal pouches in the material, size and features you need. With digital printing you can start from around 500 pieces, depending on the specification, and print several designs in one order. For larger runs we also offer flexographic and rotogravure printing.
Tell us what you are packing, the size and the approximate quantity, and we will come back with pricing, a material recommendation and free samples. See our custom quad seal pouches.
Frequently asked questions
What is a quad seal pouch?
A quad seal pouch is a flexible pouch with four sealed corners and two side gussets. It has a square shape and is often used for larger packs.
What is the difference between a quad seal pouch and a flat bottom pouch?
Both work well for larger packs. A flat bottom pouch has a flat, printable base and is often chosen for a premium shelf look. A quad seal pouch has four sealed corners and is a strong choice for large and heavy packs.
Can a quad seal pouch have a zipper?
Yes. Quad seal pouches can have a zipper, and coffee packs often also have a degassing valve.
Is a quad seal pouch good for pet food?
Yes. It is strong and takes weight well, so it is one of the most common formats for larger pet food packs.
