Esselte A4 Coloured Plastic Pockets, Blue, Pack of 10

If you're someone who loves to keep their documents tidy and organised, then punched pockets are your new best friend. These nifty little helpers are like magic shields for your papers, protecting them from spills, tears, and all sorts of pesky mishaps.

But with so many options out there, it can be a bit overwhelming to choose the perfect one for your needs. Don't worry, though – we've got your back!

In this buying guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about punched pockets, so you can make an informed decision and keep your paperwork game strong.

Here are the factors to consider when buying punched pockets:

Punched pockets come in various sizes, such as A3, A4, A5 – portrait or landscape. Choose the one that perfectly fits your papers to avoid any awkward overhangs or struggles to get your documents inside. The right size can make a world of difference!

The thickness of punched pockets is measured in microns, so the higher the micron, the thicker the pocket.

We highlight 3 thicknesses onsite:

• Light-weight - up to 40 microns, these are suitable for everyday use.
• Medium-weight - 41 to 55 microns, these are stronger and likely to protect your documents for longer.
• Heavy-weight - 56 to 200 microns +, these are top dog when it comes to protecting your documents and helpful for documents that are regularly thumbed through.

We stock top, slide and flap opening punch pockets.

Top opening punched pockets are the most common type, as they allow for easy insertion and removal of documents.

Some people feel side opening pockets offer a bit more protection once the documents are in the binder, as the documents can’t be removed as easily.

Flap opening pockets have a flap over the top to offer documents even more protection.

As a general rule 1-2 sheets per pocket is best. It's tempting to shove as many papers as possible into one pocket, but don't do it! Each pocket has a limit to the number of pages it can hold comfortably. Overstuffing will not only make it harder to access your papers but can also damage the pocket's holes, making it less secure in your binder. Not to mention you might damage your sheets.

We supply a range of expanding pockets, which hold a much larger number of documents, or for things such as brochures or booklets. 

Some punched pockets feature reinforced edges or binding strips for extra durability. These are especially useful for frequently accessed or handled documents.

The clarity and transparency of the punched pockets can affect the readability and appearance of your documents. Look for pockets that offer high transparency and minimal glare to make sure your documents remain easily readable.

Yes,  you can opt for eco-friendly punched pockets that are either fully recyclable, or biodegradable. By choosing sustainable options, you're not only reducing your environmental footprint but also encouraging manufacturers to produce more eco-conscious products.

If you know you'll be using punched pockets regularly, consider buying bigger pack sizes. We offer pack sizes of up to 1000 pockets. You can often save money buying in bulk.

Happy organising!