Side Gusset Bag

Accordion structure × expandable capacity × classic choice for coffee and dry goods

Side gusset bag product image (illustrative)

A side gusset bag has folded inserts on both sides that expand to increase capacity. When filled, it forms a brick-like block and is commonly used for coffee, tea, feed, and other products needing larger packages. Depending on sealing, it comes in back-seal and four-side-seal structures.

Main Structure and Sealing Method
  • Traditional side gusset bags are formed from a single sheet wrapped into a tube, sealed along the back and at the top and bottom, with the sides folded inward to create gussets. This back-seal type has vertical seams on the front and back and horizontal seals at top and bottom. Another style is the four-side-seal (Quad Seal or Stabilo Bag), where front, back, and side panels are sealed separately, eliminating the long back seam and creating four vertical corner seams for a symmetrical look. Bottoms are typically square or rectangular with folded or K-sealed corners. The top is left open for filling and sealed afterward.
Features and Advantages
  • The gusseted sides provide excellent expandable capacity, offering much more internal space than flat bags. The blocky shape stands stably and saves shelf space. Back-seal versions are simpler and cheaper to produce but may have a less attractive back seam; four-side-seal bags remove that seam for full-surface printing and more even stress distribution. Accessories like one-way valves or bendable tin ties can be added to enhance value.
Common Applications
  • Coffee beans are the classic use, especially with degassing valves. Tea, rice, grains, pet food, and powdered chemicals also adopt side gusset bags for their large capacity and support. Some mid-sized snacks or candies use them to convey a sense of abundance.
Thomson Value-Added Services
  • We can optimize the back-seal position, placing it on the side to reduce interference with graphics. High-barrier multilayer materials keep large-volume contents fresh and safe. For coffee and tea bags, we install aroma valves and offer oxygen absorbers or nitrogen flushing. Tear strips or foldable ties can be added for resealing. Our panoramic printing covers the sides for 360° branding.
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