What is the difference between a stick pack and a sachet?

When it comes to packaging single-serve products, two popular options are stick packs and sachets. While both types of packaging offer convenience and ease of use, there are differences between the two. In this article, we will explore the differences between stick packs and sachets, including their form, capacity, and industries they are commonly used.

Form

The main difference between a stick pack and a sachet is the form. Sachets are flat pouches that are commonly made of a single layer of material, such as plastic, foil, or paper. They typically have a sealed top and bottom and are opened by tearing along the top neck.

Stick packs, on the other hand, are long and narrow, similar in shape to a slim, rectangular tube. They are made of a single or multi-layered material, typically plastic, and have a sealed bottom and top, with a notch or tear-off tab for easy opening.

Capacity

Another important difference between stick packs and sachets is the amount of product they can contain. Sachets tend to hold a small volume, usually between 1–10 milliliters of liquid or up to several grams of powder, depending on the product. This capacity is ideal for single servings of sugar or creamer for coffee, condiments, or single-use toiletries, such as shampoo or lotion.

In contrast, stick packs are designed to hold slightly larger volumes, ranging from 1–60 milliliters of liquid or up to several grams of powder, making them ideal for products such as energy drinks, dietary supplements, and instant coffee.

Industries

Sachets and stick packs are commonly used in various industries, such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, personal care, and household chemicals. Sachets tend to be more prevalent in the food and chemical industries, where they are used for single-use condiments and to package shampoo, soap, and detergents.

Stick packs are more commonly used in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries, where they are used for single-serve doses of pills, tablets, energy drinks, and other powdered supplements. They are also used in the coffee industry to package ground coffee, instant coffee, and coffee creamer.