If you’re a drink brand looking for a more sustainable, cost-effective, and standout packaging option, spouted drink pouches might just be your next big move. Whether you’re bottling small-batch spirits, launching a refillable wine line, or selling ready-to-drink cocktails, flexible pouches are no longer a niche solution – they’re quickly becoming the format of choice across the industry.

So, what should you consider when switching to spouted pouches? And how can you be sure they’ll work for your product, especially if you’re dealing with high-ABV spirits or premium wine? This guide walks you through everything from pouch types and alcohol safety testing to branding and sustainability.

Why Drinks Brands Are Making the Switch

The global spout pouch market is growing fast, with projections reaching $35.5 billion by 2031 (Astute Analytica). A large part of that growth is being driven by the drinks industry – and it’s easy to see why. Spouted pouches are lightweight, resealable, and far more compact than traditional glass or plastic bottles. That means lower transport costs, less packaging waste, and a much smaller carbon footprint.

Even though not all alcohol pouches can be made from mono materials due to barrier requirements, there are still huge sustainability wins. As Singhal Global notes, these pouches combine convenience, practicality, and environmental benefits in one adaptable format.

What Type of Pouch Do I Need?

Choosing the right pouch depends on what you’re filling.

If you’re selling pre-mixed cocktails, slushies, or one-time drinks with an ABV under 40%, our mono material pouches are the perfect fit. These go up to 500ml and are ideal for festivals, events, or small-batch launches focused on low-waste and lightweight packaging.

For high-ABV spirits, wine, or anything needing a longer shelf life, we recommend our standard pouches with aluminium lining. These provide the barrier protection needed for alcohol content over 40% and ensure strength and shelf stability.

We’ll also carry out barrier testing for any product above 25% ABV on our mono materials – something we manage in-house, so you don’t have to navigate it alone.

According to Law Print & Packaging, alcohol pouches are gaining traction not just for practicality, but because they offer producers a smart way to extend shelf life and reduce packaging waste without compromising quality.

What About Food Safety and Alcohol Regulations?

All our pouches are produced to BRCGS-certified food safety standards and are compliant with UK and EU packaging regulations. They’re BPA-free and safe for direct food contact. For alcohol packaging we take extra steps to ensure performance through in-house testing and alcohol barrier assessments.

We’ll guide you through every part of this, from test samples to approvals, so you can move forward with confidence.

Spouts, Sizes and SKU Flexibility

Spouted pouches are incredibly versatile. We offer:

• Corner spouts, ideal for easy pouring and direct drinking – popular for cocktails and mixers
• Top spouts, better suited for spirit refills and upright storage

Combined with our digital print capabilities, you can produce multiple SKUs in a single run -perfect for brands with a range of flavours, alcohol strengths, or seasonal variants. Whether you’re testing a concept or launching a new product line, we keep the process simple and scalable.

Stand-Out Shaped Pouches

Want to make your drinks even more eye-catching? We also offer shaped pouches – ideal for single-serve cocktails, shots, or fun limited-edition formats. These are especially popular for on-the-go drinks and festival offerings. Shaped pouches give your product added shelf presence and are a brilliant way to create brand recognition while keeping the packaging practical and portable.

How Does the Process Work?

Getting started is easy. Once you know what product you want to pouch, we’ll ask for a few key details: the alcohol content, volume, and how you plan to sell or distribute the pouch. From there, we’ll recommend the most suitable pouch type and spout location.

Next, you’ll send over your artwork. Because we use digital printing, you can go full colour with no added costs for plates or setup. We offer spot varnish for premium finishes, and even mosaic printing (where every pouch has a unique design) if you want to push creative boundaries. We’ll guide you through the best layout options to match your brand.

From approval to delivery, our standard lead time for pouches is 7-10 working days from approval of artwork. For printed film it’s just 5-7 working days after approval. However, higher volume orders and some spouted processes made need a slightly extended lead time. Minimum order quantities start from just 500 units, making it ideal for startups, test runs, or limited promotions. Everything is manufactured in the UK, so you won’t face the long lead times or delays that often come with overseas production.

Pour Us Your Details – We’ll Be in Touch!

Leave your details below and our team will be in touch to talk all things spouted pouches

Let’s Talk Sustainability

Even our multi-layer alcohol-compatible pouches still offer major sustainability advantages over bottles and rigid formats.

Here’s what you gain when you switch to flexible pouches:

• Up to 80% less plastic used compared to traditional bottles
• Reduced carbon emissions across production, storage and transport
• Fewer breakages and less need for protective secondary packaging
• Flat-packed format, lowering space requirements for warehousing and logistics
• Easier implementation of refill and reuse schemes, especially for spirits and wine

Let’s Talk Sustainability

Even our multi-layer alcohol-compatible pouches still offer major sustainability advantages over bottles and rigid formats.

Here’s what you gain when you switch to flexible pouches:

• Up to 80% less plastic used compared to traditional bottles
• Reduced carbon emissions across production, storage and transport
• Fewer breakages and less need for protective secondary packaging
• Flat-packed format, lowering space requirements for warehousing and logistics
• Easier implementation of refill and reuse schemes, especially for spirits and wine

Law Print & Packaging reports that switching from glass to pouches can cut logistics-related CO₂ emissions by more than 60%. That’s a huge win – both for your brand image and your bottom line.

For brands running a refill scheme, flexible pouches support a circular model and give customers a convenient, lower-waste option. They look modern, perform well, and deliver tangible environmental benefits throughout your supply chain.

Ready to Make the Switch?

Spouted alcohol pouches aren’t a short-term trend – they’re becoming the new standard for forward-thinking drinks brands. As noted by The Drinks Business, drink pouches are gaining traction because they’re lightweight, low-carbon, and appeal to modern consumer habits. For many producers, they may well become the new normal.

At BakPac, we make it easy to get started. Whether you’re launching a new line, trialling pouches for your refill spirits, or looking to cut down on packaging weight and waste, we’ve got the tools and experience to help.