The Three Most Common Retail BOPP Bag Styles
Retail BOPP bags are available in several constructions, each designed to meet specific merchandising, filling, and consumer requirements. The three most common styles are Pinch Bottom Open Mouth (PBOM), Pasted Open Mouth (POM) Block bottom, and Sewn Open Mouth (SOM) bags.
Pinch Bottom Open Mouth (PBOM) BOPP Bags
PBOM BOPP bags combine premium graphics with a folded pinch-bottom construction, creating a clean, square package that performs exceptionally well on automated filling lines.
Best Applications
- Premium pet food
- Specialty rice
- Premium animal feed
- High-value consumer packaged goods
Key Advantages
- Premium shelf appearance
- Excellent package squareness
- Uniform pallet stacking
- High-speed automated filling
- Excellent print registration
PBOM bags are often selected by brands looking to differentiate themselves with premium packaging while maintaining efficient production.
Pasted Open Mouth (POM) – Block Bottom – BOPP Bags
POM – block bottom – BOPP bags feature a block-bottom construction with a hot-melt adhesive top closure or a straight cut that allows for the standard sewing closure. They provide an excellent balance between performance, manufacturing efficiency, and visual appeal.
Best Applications
- Rice
- Flour
- Sugar
- Pool salt
- Wild bird seed
- Lawn and garden products
- Consumer food ingredients
Key Advantages
- Cost-effective production
- Outstanding print quality
- Excellent moisture resistance
- Broad equipment compatibility
- Strong pallet performance
- Flexible package sizing
POM – Block Bottom – bags remain one of the most versatile retail packaging options available and are widely used across food and agricultural markets.
Sewn Open Mouth (SOM) BOPP Bags
Sewn Open Mouth bags use a stitched top closure rather than a hot-melt adhesive seal. While the sewn closure creates a different package appearance, it offers excellent durability and allows for additional consumer-friendly features such as easy-open pull tapes.
Best Applications
- Pet food
- Animal feed
- Bird seed
- Grass seed
- Fertilizer
- Charcoal
- Wood pellets
- Livestock feed
Key Advantages
- Extremely durable construction
- Ideal for heavier package weights
- Easy-open sewn pull tape options
- Excellent handling throughout distribution
- Proven performance for demanding retail environments
Sewn Open Mouth BOPP bags are especially popular in markets where durability and consumer convenience outweigh the need for a completely sealed package appearance.
Which Retail BOPP Bag Is Right for Your Product?
Each bag style offers distinct advantages depending on your product, production equipment, and branding objectives.
Packaging Style | Best For | Primary Strength |
PBOM BOPP | Premium foods, specialty products, high-end pet food | Premium appearance and package stability |
POM – Block Bottom – BOPP | Rice, flour, sugar, lawn & garden products | Cost-effective performance with excellent graphics |
SOM BOPP | Pet food, bird seed, animal feed, charcoal | Durability, consumer convenience, and heavy-duty performance |
The best packaging solution is one that balances product protection, production efficiency, shelf appeal, and consumer expectations. By understanding the strengths of each bag style, manufacturers can select packaging that enhances both operational performance and brand value.