Learn all the important things about stick pack packaging, like how to design it and what materials to use.
Stick pack packaging is fast becoming one of the most popular packaging methods across many industries. From food and beverages to medicines and cosmetics, companies are using stick packs to pack their products in small, easy-to-use portions. It is that slim, long, narrow sachet you often tear open to pour sugar, coffee, or powdered medicine. Many people like it because it is neat, easy to carry, and reduces waste.
Let us now look at everything that makes stick pack packaging a smart option in today’s world.
What Is Stick Pack Packaging?
Stick pack packaging is a way of packing products in small, slim pouches. These packs are usually made with foil or plastic material and sealed on three sides. Most times, the content inside is either powder, liquid, or small granules. For example, sachet salt, instant coffee, vitamin C powder, and oral rehydration salts.
These packs are mostly meant for single use and are very common in hotels, airlines, clinics, supermarkets, and offices.
History and Growth of Stick Pack Packaging
Stick pack packaging didn’t just start today. It has been around since the early 2000s but started gaining attention as more people wanted products they could use on the go. Before now, big bottles or jars were common. But people now want something they can easily carry in their pockets or bags. So, industries saw the need for small portion packs, and stick packs became the answer.
Now, with technology improving every year, stick packs are used all over the world for many kinds of products. To stay updated with trends in the packaging industry, visit Packaging World.
Why Many Companies Prefer Stick Pack Packaging
There are many reasons why companies now prefer to use stick packs. One reason is that they are cheaper to produce compared to other types of packaging. They use less material, and that saves money.
Also, customers love the convenience. You don’t need a spoon or cup to measure the content. Everything is already measured inside.
Stick packs are also easy to print on. Companies use them to display their logos, product names, and other information. That way, it helps in marketing.
Who Uses Stick Pack Packaging?
Stick pack packaging is used in many industries:
Pharmaceuticals: Medicines like oral rehydration salts, paracetamol powder, and antibiotics.
Food: Products like salt, sugar, coffee, protein powders, and spices.
Drinks: Juice powders, chocolate drinks, tea, energy supplements.
Cosmetics: Face powders, lotion samples, creams.
Household Products: Detergents, air fresheners, cleaning powders.
Stick Packs in the Pharmaceutical Industry
In hospitals and pharmacies, stick packs are very useful. Most times, medicines come in powder form, and the quantity needs to be measured. But with stick packs, the correct dose is already packed. This helps to avoid overdose or underdose.
It also keeps the medicine clean and safe from air, moisture, or dirt.
Doctors, nurses, and even patients find it easier to use because they don’t need any special equipment. Just tear, pour, and use.
Stick Packs for Food Products
Stick packs are everywhere in the food industry. They are used to pack things like:
Sugar
Salt
Coffee
Creamer
Spices
Sauces
Restaurants and hotels use them a lot. They are neat, save space, and are easy to serve. For example, instead of a big salt container on each table, a restaurant can offer small stick packs. This improves hygiene and saves cost.
Beverage Products in Stick Packs
Drink powders and liquid concentrates are often packed in stick packs. Many people buy their tea, coffee, or vitamin drinks in these packs.
The pack keeps the flavor fresh and gives the correct portion. So you don’t need to guess the amount to use.
Also, you can put it in your pocket or bag and go anywhere.
Cosmetics and Personal Care in Stick Packs
The beauty industry also uses stick packs. Samples of creams, face powders, perfumes, and other personal care products are given in stick packs. This helps customers try a product before buying a full bottle.
It also makes travelling easy since you can carry only the amount you need.
Materials Used in Making Stick Packs
Most stick packs are made from a mix of plastic and foil. These materials help to keep the product safe from water, air, and light. Common materials used include:
PET (Polyester)
PE (Polyethylene)
Foil Laminates
Paper Combinations
The choice of material depends on the type of product being packed. For example, oily products need a material that does not leak.
Eco-Friendly Stick Pack Packaging
Now, many companies are looking for ways to reduce plastic waste. They are switching to materials that can break down easily or can be recycled.
Paper-based stick packs and compostable films are now available. Even though they cost more, they help reduce pollution and protect the environment. Learn more about sustainable materials and flexible packaging from the Flexible Packaging Association.
How to Design Stick Packs That Catch Attention
When designing stick pack packaging, keep these things in mind:
Keep it simple: Use clear and readable text.
Add your logo: It helps with branding.
Use nice colors: Bright and bold colors attract people.
Include instructions: Make sure users know how to use the product.
Use icons: They help people understand quickly.
Even though the pack is small, it can still carry strong messages.
Latest Design Trends in Stick Packaging
In 2025, some design styles are becoming popular:
Plain backgrounds with bold fonts
Clear see-through areas
QR codes for more product details
Eco-labels that show the pack is recyclable
Customers now look beyond beauty. They also want useful and eco-friendly designs.
What People Like About Stick Packs
Here are some of the reasons why stick packs are loved by many:
Easy to use
Small and light
Safe and hygienic
Helps prevent waste
Cheaper to transport
Good for samples
They are great for people who are always on the move or who want exact portions.
Problems You Might Face with Stick Packs
As nice as they are, stick packs also have some downsides:
Some may leak if not sealed properly
Can be hard to open for elderly people
Limited space for writing information
Machines used to produce them can be expensive
But with good planning, most of these problems can be managed.
Difference Between Stick Pack and Sachet
Many people mix up stick packs and sachets. But they are not the same.
| Feature | Difference Between Stick Pack and Sachet |
|---|---|
| Shape | Stick packs are long and narrow, while sachets are flat and wide. |
| Use | Stick packs are made for single use, but sachets can hold more content. |
| Seal | Stick packs are usually sealed on three sides, while sachets are often sealed on all four sides. |
| Look | Stick packs are slim and easy to hold, while sachets are wider and more flexible. |
Machines Used for Stick Pack Filling
Companies use machines to fill and seal stick packs. The most common is the VFFS (Vertical Form Fill Seal) machine. This machine forms the pouch, fills it, and seals it — all at once.
Other machines include:
Manual Sealers
Semi-Automatic Fillers
Multi-lane Filling Systems
Choosing the right one depends on your budget and how many packs you want to make daily.
Stick Pack Packaging and Rules
Like every other packaging method, stick pack packaging must follow some rules. These rules are put in place to make sure the product is safe and customers are not misled.
Some important things to include:
Expiry date
Batch number
Ingredients
Contact information
Clear instructions
If you are selling to other countries, make sure to follow their packaging laws too. You can find official food packaging guidelines from the FDA’s Food Labeling & Nutrition page.
Branding and Labeling on Stick Packs
The space on stick packs is small, so your branding message must be clear and short. Use catchy names, short taglines, and your brand colors.
Also, always place your logo at the top or middle where it is easy to see.
Storage and Delivery Tips
To avoid damage, keep your stick packs in dry and cool places. Use cartons or shrink wrap for bulk storage.
When delivering, make sure the packs are not exposed to sharp objects or heat.
Is Stick Pack Packaging Worth the Cost?
Even though you might spend more money to start, stick pack packaging saves money in the long run. Less material, smaller storage space, lower transport costs, and happy customers all mean more profit over time.
Brands Doing Well with Stick Packs
Many brands are now switching to stick packs and seeing good results. Some success stories include:
A Nigerian beverage brand increased sales by 40% after switching from bottles to stick packs.
A pharmaceutical company reduced packaging cost by 30% using stick packs.
A food seasoning brand used stick packs to launch trial sizes, which increased product awareness.
Where to Find Stick Pack Suppliers
You can find suppliers online or through trade fairs. When choosing one, ask about:
Minimum order
Material types
Printing options
Lead time
Past clients
Also, request samples before placing large orders.
Working With Co-Packers
If you are just starting, you can work with co-packers (contract packaging companies). They already have machines and can help you test the market before you invest in your own equipment.
Stick Packs and Online Sales
In e-commerce, weight and size matter a lot. Stick packs are light and easy to ship, which helps reduce delivery cost. You can also fit more into one parcel.
Adding Smart Tech to Stick Packs
Some stick packs now come with QR codes, barcodes, or RFID chips. Customers can scan them to:
Check product info
See expiry dates
Verify authenticity
Join promos
This builds trust and increases customer interest.
What Is Coming Next for Stick Pack Packaging?
In future, we will likely see:
Smart stick packs with sensors
Refillable stick packs
Better sealing machines
Stick packs will keep growing because they offer real value to businesses and customers alike.
FAQs About Stick Pack Packaging
What is stick pack packaging used for?
It is used for packing single portions of powder, liquid, or granules like sugar, coffee, medicine, etc.
Is stick pack packaging safe for food and medicine?
Yes, when made with food-grade or medical-grade materials.
How much does it cost to start stick pack packaging?
It depends on the machine, quantity, and design. But co-packing is cheaper for small businesses.
Can stick packs be recycled?
Some can. It depends on the material used. Many new options are now eco-friendly.
Can I print on stick packs?
Yes. You can print logos, text, and images.
Are stick packs better than sachets?
They are better for small, portable, and exact portions. But sachets are better for larger content.
Keep This in Mind…
Stick pack packaging is changing the way people pack and use products. From saving costs to improving customer experience, it offers many benefits. Even small businesses can take advantage of it, especially with co-packing options.
As more people look for products that are easy to use and carry, stick packs will only become more popular. So, if you have not considered it before, now is a good time to try it.