All About Poly Bags

Poly bags are typically made from polypropylene and polyethylene thermoplastics to

create a packaging option that is more flexible and durable than paper. They can be

used to package everything from food items to storing industrial items. These bags

come in many shapes and sizes for a variety of uses and can be purchased in clear or

with a white write-on block. They are also available in a variety of thicknesses to

accommodate different weights of items.

Clear bags offer several advantages, depending on the items that will be enclosed. In

some instances, the contents may be visually appealing and add to the customer’s

desire to make a purchase. For others, it makes it easier to store items that are similar

and distinguish them from one another.

Reclosable White Block Gusseted

Reclosable poly bags are used in many industries to keep contents clean and moisture-

free. Unlike other types of bags, they can be reused. Bags that are used for food

applications as well as in chemical, and pharmaceutical industries must meet FDA

requirements for use. White block bags offer better organization for multiple sizes of

products by giving an area where the specifics can be quickly and easily noted. For

larger items, gusseted poly bags have expandable sides and fitted bottoms to open

wider so that there is more room while still providing a seal that can be used repeatedly.

Additional features found in recloasable industrial poly bags are hang holes, double

track closures and slide seals. Most styles are available in an assortment of thicknesses

as well as a variety of sizes.

Flat Anti-Static

Flat poly bags are a good choice for short-term storage for food and other applications.

Unlike the reclosable poly bags, these may be permanently sealed so that they are only

used once. Sealing options include using heat sealers to melt the plastic together or bag

tape or twist ties to fasten.

Poly Bags on a roll offer a convenient resource for quick and easy filling. They can be used in combination with dispensers so that they are readily accessible. These bags are sealed using the same methods as individual bags.

Bags on a Roll

How to Measure for the Right Size and Thickness of Poly Bag

Once the right style of poly bag has been chosen for the application, it will be necessary

to determine the appropriate thickness. Poly bags are measured in mils, with each mil

being equivalent to 1/1,000 of an inch. For lightweight contents, 1 or 2 mils is usually

adequate while those at 3 or 4 mils are used for medium weight while heavy-duty

contents require those around 8 mils. Even the lightest poly bag has a thicker wall than

the typical grocery store bag while those used in many retail stores are often 2 mils.

Obviously, bags with a greater thickness will be needed when they are used for heavier

contents that might break through due to their excessive weight. Those items that have

sharp points or corners should also be placed in heavier bags to prevent their poking

through. When food items are going to be placed in the bag, it is important to choose

only the wall thickness that is needed. As bags increase in thickness, they also lose

clarity. That means that the contents of a heavier bag will be more difficult to see than

those in a lighter bag.

Once the wall thickness has been chosen, the bag size needs to be determined. If the

bag will be used as a box liner, the width, depth, and height of the box should be

measured. One inch is added to the width and depth while the height should have six

inches added to allow room for coverage of the box’s contents. Even if a box will not be

used to contain the bags, using one that is the right size for the contents will help

determine the right size.

When determining the right poly bags for the job, consider both the size and the weight

of the contents that they will hold. Also, some items need more protection from their

packaging than others. Another important consideration is how long the bags will be

used. Reusable poly bags are usually a minimum of 2 mils thick or thicker. The thicker

the bag, the longer it will typically last.

About: US Packaging Supplies is the e-commerce division of Alternative Packaging

Solutions Inc. and is located in Downingtown, PA. They offer an assortment of more

than 10,000 products in well-known brands. US Packaging Solutions is a complete

source for all types of packaging needs including all types of poly bags for a wide range

of applications. They also offer corrugated boxes and mailers, mailing bags and

envelopes, stretch film and labels and custom printed boxes to aid in your branding

efforts.