A packaging spec is a short line of numbers and letters, for example "PA/PE 200 × 300 mm, 90 μm, 3SS". It holds almost everything a supplier needs to quote, and almost everything you need to compare quotes. Once you know how to read it, ordering gets faster and mistakes become rare.
Material
The first part names the structure, listed from outside to inside. PA/PE means nylon on the outside and polyethylene on the inside. PET/AL/PE is a laminate of polyester, aluminium foil and PE. HDPE or LDPE on its own is a single material. The inside layer is always the one that seals, so it matters most for your machine settings.
Width and length
Bag size is written width × length in millimetres. Width is the opening edge. Length runs from the opening to the bottom. So 200 × 300 mm is a bag with a 200 mm mouth and 300 mm depth. Mixing these up is the most common ordering error we see, and it leaves you with bags that do not fit your seal bar.
For pouches with a gusset, a third number is added, for example 160 × 230 + 90 mm, where 90 is the fully opened gusset.
Gauge
Gauge is film thickness. In Indonesia it is usually given in microns (μm), and sometimes in mic or micron. Check whether the number is per side or total. A "90 μm bag" normally means each wall is 90 μm, but some suppliers quote the total of both walls, which would make it half as thick. Always confirm.
Seal type and format
3SS means three side seal, a flat pouch open at the top. Side seal and bottom seal describe how a tubular bag is closed. Stand-up, flat bottom and gusseted describe pouch shapes. Rollstock means film on a roll rather than finished bags.
Extras
Zippers, tear notches, hang holes, valves, windows, embossing and print all change the price and sometimes the lead time. List them on the spec so every quote covers the same thing.
If your product is sold in more than one size, write a separate line for each bag. Do not rely on a phrase like same as last time.
Quantity and tolerance
Add the order quantity and how the bags are packed, for example 100 pieces per bundle, 2,000 per carton. Ask about tolerance too. Film thickness and bag size always vary slightly in production, and a good spec states how much variation is acceptable, such as plus or minus 2 mm on size and 10% on gauge.
For food packaging, also note whether you need a food contact certificate or test report, and which market the product is going to.
Putting it together
A complete spec might read: "PA/PE, 200 × 300 mm, 90 μm per side, 3SS, embossed one side, tear notch, 2 colour print front." With that line any supplier can quote the same bag. If you are not sure what to write, send us a photo of your current bag and your product, and PackEm will write the spec for you.
