Packaging

Buy from the UK's best range of polythene packaging, including poly bags, printed carriers and mailers, polythene rolls and eco packaging.

Polythene packaging is...

• Something we use regularly in our day-to-day lives
• Employed for a huge variety of purposes
• Used for everything from keeping our food fresh to helping us dispose of our rubbish and carrying our shopping home to posting something to a friend
• Available in a multitude of forms, including plastic bags, plastic sheeting, plastic film, bubble packaging, anti-static packaging, each of which come with a huge range of products from which to choose
• Available in a range of sizes, from the smallest grip seal bags, used for storing tiny items, to the largest rolls of polythene film, used for wrapping large or awkwardly-shaped items
• Available in a range of thicknesses, from the finest crystal clear polypropylene film used to display products for retail, to the thickest heavy duty polythene used as a damp proof membrane to underlay floors, as used in the construction industry
• Available in a range of colours or in clear polythene to suit the job in hand
• Available in bespoke shapes and sizes, or printed to match your business needs
• Also available in biodegradable polythene, which does the same job as regular polythene but with less of an impact on the environment

Top tips from the internet on buying mail bags

Save on Plastic Mailing Bags Today!

Plastic mailing bags suit products that need light weight, low handling cost and a fast pack-out at the stop of a line. They are normal for soft products, printed material and other items that do not need the crush protection of a carton, because the film wraps tightly and wastes small space in storage or dispatch. Gauge and seal quality matter above plenty people first think, since a thin bag can split at the corner or open in transit if the closure is weak. For bulk despatch, the bags are efficient and easy to stack, which assists select-face efficiency and reduces secondary packing. The proper grade retains packing simple without creating avoidable claims.

Mail bags need to be built and handled for exposure, not only for loading and sorting. Once a consignment leaves a covered depot, damp air, mud splash and cool can fast reach the outer material or liner, so the bag has to retain shape and keep safe the contents without becoming also stiff to handle. A bag that sags when wet is awkward on a cart or in a van, while a well-chosen material retains its opening usable and its closure proper. Good building makes the contrast between a tidy round and a load that beginnings to suffer handling damage as soon as weather turns.

Plastic Postal Bags, Postal Approved Bags in Stock – ULINE

Plastic mailing bags work optimal when the film grade matches the products rather than simply being as light as potential. A thin bag may save weight, nevertheless it can split at the seal, tear around the closure, or scuff through in transit if the contents have sharp corners or a bit of movement inside. Thicker film gives more confidence, yet it can be wasteful if the pack is only soft, flat and low risk. Good specification means balancing gauge, puncture resistance and postage weight so the bag does its job without adding needless cost or bulk. That balance makes dispatch more proper and cuts the chance of returns caused by damaged contents.

Padded mail bags earn their place when a package requirements light protection without the weight and waste of a box. The outer foil face gives a tidy stop, nevertheless the proper work comes from the layered building inside, where the cushioning absorbs scuffing and soft knocks that would label cleaner products in transit. That matters at packing benches, where staff need a mailer that opens predictably, seals firmly and retains pace with the line. A bag that behaves well on the shop floor saves time, while one with weak seams or awkward tear behaviour fast leads to rejects and rework.

Recycling plastic mail bags only works properly when the material stays close to a clean polythene suppliers stream. Adhesive strips, paper labels and stray mixed film can all interfere with reprocessing, so recovery relies on sensible selections long before the bag leaves the packing bench. On the shop floor, the gauge has to be matched to the job: also heavy and it wastes material and pallet space, also light and it risks splits amid sorting, cage transports and secondary packing. Mono-material mailers with controlled recycled content normally give the optimal balance of strength and recyclability, which is why dull specification discipline often beats clever-looking extras.

Large mail bags need to be chosen for handling abuse as much as for volume, because the trouble normally beginnings when they are dragged across floors, stacked in bulk, and shifted from one sortation point to another. A woven polythene suppliers build gives better resistance to repeated loading, nevertheless only when the seam building and gauge match the weight inside. If the material is also light, the bag can stretch, split, or twist below awkward contents. If it is also heavy, unnecessary tare weight steals carrying capacity and makes moving the consignment harder than it should be. Good specification retains failure controlled, so a weak point shows itself gradually instead of turning into a sudden spill.

White mail bags are valued on the despatch floor because they give proper protection without making all consignment heavier than necessary. A well-manufactured high-density polythene suppliers sack stands up to scuffs, forks, rough stacking and the strange snag on a conveyour edge, yet it still retains tare weight low, which matters when hundreds are counted, lifted and moved through a busy warehouse. The pale outer surface also assists address labels stay legible and makes contents easier to identify at a glance. That cuts down on rewrapping and retains parcels moving instead of waiting at the packing bench.

Postal bags have a bigger part to play than plenty people realise because they keep safe products while also showing how seriously a business treats waste. Recycled bags make sense when orders are light enough for a flexible pack that still resists splitting in transit, and they can cut the amount of virgin plastic going into the chain. The trade-off is that film quality and seal strength still have to stand up to sorting, stacking, and rough handling in dispatch. A weak bag creates returns, damaged products, and additional labour, which is waste of a alternative kind. A well-chosen recycled mailing bag retains the order secure and the packing line moving cleanly.

A mailing bag can solve a proper dispatch problem when price and protection both matter. A robust bag gives a cleaner method to send higher-value products than loose wrapping or weak outer packaging, particularly where parcels transport through several hands before delivery. The proper material and seal assist curb tampering, scuffing, and split seams, while the insurance cover gives added confidence if a consignment goes missing or is damaged in transit. Even a simple send-out bag requirements to suit the weight, shape, and handling route of the products inside. Choosing one properly reduces claims and retains despatch moving without unnecessary rework.

Printed mailing bags have to be chosen to suit both the product and the journey, because the gross gauge can create handling damage long before the package reaches the stop user. A light bag may see tidy on the packing bench, yet it can split on a sharp corner, open at the seal, or rub through when cages and mixed consignments press together in transit. That risk rises when items are packed snugly and there is small give in the film. A well-matched bag gives proper tear resistance and a proper seal without adding unnecessary material, so the dispatch line stays efficient and the shipment arrives intact.

Common forms of packaging

Polythene packaging comes in many shapes and forms to cover a multitude of tasks. Here are a few of the most commonly-used forms of packaging:

Packing bags - clear polythene bags used for a range of tasks, from packing and displaying retail products to covering items for storage or transportation.

Display bags - popular with retailers, these crystal clear polypropylene glossy display bags will make your products sparkle!

Carrier bags - plain or printed polythene bags designed to help retail customers carry their purchases home. Available with a variety of handle styles.

Mailing bags - polythene envelopes with an integral fold-down seal that provide a lightweight and waterproof alternative to regular envelopes for sending your mail.

Garment covers - polythene covers used to protect dry cleaning or laundry during transportation or storage. Available in plain or printed polythene.

Bubble packaging - polythene sheets comprised of small air-cushioned ‘bubbles’ that protect delicate or fragile items during transport or storage. Also available in bubble bag form, complete with sealing strip.

Vacuum packaging - used in the catering industry for sealing food before cooking in a water bath (sous-vide - see below), or storing food to keep it fresh. Requires a vacuum sealer to seal the bags.

Polythene rolls - Polythene film available on the roll used for a variety of packaging purposes, including layflat tubing, shrink pallet covers and glossy display film.

Plastic sheeting - Thicker rolls of polythene, also known as builders rolls, used to cover wide areas in the building trade and by painters and decorators.

Specialist packaging

Away from the everyday carrier bag and Here are some of the more specialist types of polythene packaging. But whilst they might be less frequently used, they are no less important.

Anti-static bags - a range of bags that protect electrical equipment and small electronic components from the potential damage caused by electrostatic discharge.

Box liners - a range of large polythene liners featuring a wide gusset, used for lining boxes or drawers, or as a packing cover for large or bulky items.

Fish bags - strong clear polythene bags that come with watertight seals, used to transport goldfish and other types of fish. Popular with pet shops, aquaria and funfair stall holders.

Furniture bags - Extra large polythene bags used for covering large items of furniture, including sofas, chairs, chests of drawers and wardrobes during house removals or for storage.

Mattress covers - High strength gusseted polythene film covers used to protect mattresses. Available for single, double or king size mattresses and come complete with safety warning.

Vacuum packaging and sous-vide cooking

Every gourmet restaurant kitchen worth its salt these days will contain a vacuum sealer and a collection of vacuum bags. Not only does a vacuum sealer allow chefs to store food in an airtight environment, thus keeping it fresh for longer, but it can also be used in the cooking process.

Chefs use vacuum packaging for sous-vide cooking - a method of cooking in which food is sealed in an airtight polythene vacuum bag before being cooked in water at a specific temperature to ensure it is cooked evenly throughout, without losing any of its moisture.

The technique is similar to poaching but, by sealing the food inside a vacuum pack, it has the advantage of retaining the juices and aroma of that would be lost during poaching.

Sous vide is a technique used in many high end gourmet restaurants and is popular with well known chefs including Heston Blumenthal, Michael Carlson and Joël Robuchon.

On a roll - plastic or polythene?

Polythene packaging dispensed from a roll can be referred to by a large number of terms, covering a range of products that serve very different purposes. However, often the terms used to describe these rolls are mixed up and people can refer to plastic or polythene film when meaning the same thing, or they might use the same term - e.g. polythene rolls - when referring to two completely different products.

In the trade, for the most part, ‘plastic rolls’ is a term used to describe rolls of thicker plastic sheeting - often referred to as builders rolls - that protect large surface areas or objects from the dust, debris and generally mess caused by building, painting and decorating. Damp proof membrane, used in the early stages of the building process, is classified as a heavy duty plastic roll.

The term ‘polythene rolls’, on the other hand, would most likely be used to describe rolls of thinner polythene film used to wrap or cover items, such as shrink wrap, pallet covers, glossy polypropylene display film or - when dispensed in tube form rather than a single layer - layflat tubing.

If you’re working with someone who refers to a plastic roll or polythene roll, ask them to be a bit more specific so that you know you’ll get exactly what you need for the job in hand.

Where to buy polythene packaging

Polythene packaging manufacturers and suppliers include:

Polythene
Polythene.co.uk is a fantastic online shop from these specialist polythene manufacturers. They produce and sell a massive range of polythene packaging, bags, film, covers and accessories at unbeatable prices.
www.polythene.co.uk

Poly Bags
Discount Polybag provides a perfect one-stop shop for all your polythene packaging needs. UK-leading manufacturers and stockists of a massive range of poly bags and other plastic packaging, all at wholesale prices.
www.discountpolybag.co.uk

UK Packaging
Buy Packaging is the number one place to go to buy packaging in the UK. Whatever type of polythene packaging you need, from mailing bags to bubble wrap and crystal clear display film to heavy duty plastic sheeting, this is the place to find it.
www.buypackaging.co.uk

Polythene Packaging
Euro Polythene is a pan-European polythene packaging website. Whether you are based in the UK or mainland Europe, this website will cater for any polythene packaging needs, from stock products to bespoke goods, all at discount prices.
www.europolythene.co.uk

Polythene Bags
A website dedicated to helping you buy polythene bags at discount prices. Features a list of major suppliers and a buying guide so that you get the very best bargain prices on quality polythene bags.
www.discountpolythenebags.co.uk

Grip Seal Bags
A website to cater for all your packaging needs, e-Polybags contains tonnes of useful information on a range of polythene packaging from grip seal bags to eco-friendly bags, with a list of suppliers for you to get the best deal.
www.e-polybags.co.uk

Plastic Bag Suppliers
This specialist plastic bag website is a useful tool for anyone looking to buy a range of polythene bags or their biodegradable equivalent.
www.bagsuppliers.co.uk

Plastic Bags
Bags specialises in plastic bags. A fantastic resource for anyone looking to buy or find out more about a range of plastic bags. Contains a very useful glossary of plastic bag terms and details on bespoke plastic bag manufacturing.
www.bags.uk.com

Printed Carrier Bags
If you're looking for plastic bags personalised with your very own design, then head over to Printed Bags, which provides a wealth of useful information on printed carrier bags and how to make your business stand out from the crowd.
www.printedbags.org.uk

Plastic Bag
Plastic Bags Direct is a website dedicated to plastic packaging and plastic bags. Featuring lots of information on how plastic bags are made, what packaging is used for and where to buy it.
www.plasticbagsdirect.co.uk

Cheap Poly Bags
This website describes itself as the "ultimate guide" to sourcing cheap polybags and it's hard to argue. A veritable treasure trove of information on plastic bags and where to buy them at discount prices.
www.discountpolybags.co.uk

Ten things heard in conversations about mail bags

polythene suppliers mailers have to be chosen as working pack components, not treated as a decorative outer layer. On the packing line, the film must slide above carton edges, folded clothing and uneven contents without splitting, yet still stay light enough to retain parcels slim and dispatch volumes high. Gauge control and the method the polymer is oriented make that balance potential, because they shape stretch, memory and puncture resistance. If the material is also light, failures tend to appear at seals or stressed folds; if it is also heavy, handling slows and pallet space is wasted. The proper spec retains packs tidy and efficient to transport.

Details about   Wholesale 1-100x Poly Mailers Shipping Envelopes Plastic Mailing Bags Package

Plastic mailing bags are often chosen because they retain dispatch moving without adding much weight or bulk to the consignment. A superb bag in the proper gauge protects garments, soft products, and other low-risk items from scuffs, dust, and short-term moisture while taking up far less storage space than cartons. That makes select-face efficiency better and cuts the pressure on warehousing and transport, particularly where orders vary in size. The trouble beginnings when the film is also thin or the seal quality is poor, because split seams and crushed corners fast turn into handling damage and client complaints. A sensible specification balances material use, pack speed, and enough strength for the route the package will in reality travel.

New Canvas Mail Bags &RD85

Canvas mail bags are a practical selection when the brief calls for tough handling and repeated use, because the woven cloth stands up better than thin paper sacks and retains its shape through sorting and transit. The material takes decoration well, nevertheless any print or trim still has to match the normal wear of mailroom life, where bags acquire dragged, stacked, and squeezed into cages. A poor stop can scuff fast, while a sensible one retains the bag useful as well as presentable. A superb spec balances appearance with hard-wearing building, and that saves trouble once the bags transport into daily service.

Plastic mailing bags are a sensible fit for light, small-format products because they retain the pack flat, easy to stack and fast to transport through despatch. A bag uses far less material than a carton, so more orders can be loaded onto a trolley or into a sack truck without wasting space on empty air. That assists at the picking face as well, where simple secondary packing can retain lines moving when batch sizes are high and items are uniform. The plain outer also gives a discreet stop, which often matters for mixed shopping orders. When the film gauge is chosen properly, the result is a tidy pack that assists fast handling without adding unnecessary bulk.

Padded mail bags suit small consignments where the main threat is not a heavy blow nevertheless rough handling through sorting, stacking and compression. For bare-root plants, the secondary wrap inside the mail bag has to keep safe the root material without adding bulk that pushes the pack beyond big-letter limits or creates awkward shapes for mailing machinery. A bag with the proper gauge and enough cushioning assists reduce scuffing and corner crush while keeping tare weight down, which makes despatch easier and the package less likely to snag in transit. That balance is what turns a simple mailer into a practical shipping format.

Plastic mail bags suit lightweight consignments because they keep safe the contents without adding much dead weight or taking up much room in the van or sack. A well-manufactured polymailer retains garments, documents and other soft products together through picking, sorting and last delivery, which cuts down on bits escaping or getting tangled with other parcels. The film requirements enough gauge to resist splits, nevertheless not so much that plastic is wasted on all order. When the bag grasps its shape properly and seals cleanly, dispatch runs faster and handling damage drops.

Large mail bags should be specified for the load and the handling route, not chosen simply because the finished size sees proper. A sack that carries mixed stock requirements enough film gauge to shrug off abrasion from corners, labels and rough sorting, yet it still has to remain flexible enough for fast filling and safe lifting. If the film is overbuilt, the bag becomes stiff and awkward in dispatch; if it is also light, punctures and splits beginning to appear at the worst point in the flow. The optimal result comes from balanced material selection and even extrusion, because a weak strip close the seam can fail even when the body sees sound. That balance retains sacks moving through the warehouse with less damage and less rework.

White mail bags suit mixed flat products because they contain several items neatly without forcing a heavier outer carton into the pack. Their lighter build assists retain consignment weight down, yet the bag still requirements enough film strength to survive sorting belts, van loading and repeated handling at the dock. That means gauge, seam quality and closure method all matter above the clean appearance alone, because a decent-looking sack still fails if the load works against the seal. For CDs, DVDs and folded print, the proper bag retains the contents together and reduces secondary packing, which makes dispatch easier and tidier.

Postal bags and packages

Postal bags need to be chosen for the journey they will in reality face, not only for the item going inside. A light paper bag may suit a clean, flat consignment, nevertheless it can struggle with sharp corners, damp sorting rooms, or heavy handling on busy rounds. polythene suppliers versions cope better with scuffing and brief wet exposure, while a stronger gauge assists prevent splits when bags are overfilled or squeezed in transit. If the bag is also loose, contents transport about and handling damage rises. The proper building retains the package intact through sorting, loading, and delivery without adding unnecessary waste.

The bubble lined mailing bag gives lighter products a much better chance of reaching the client without scuffs, dents, or corner crush. A size K/7 bag at 350 x 470mm suits flat, fat, or mixed consignments that need more protection than a plain paper envelope can offer, nevertheless less weight than a box. The outer bag retains handling tidy on the sorting line, while the bubble layer cushions against knocks and rubbing in transit. That makes it a sensible selection for dispatch teams that want a tidy pack with less null occupy and less returns caused by transit damage.

Research & Resources

To find out more about polythene packaging, including details of how it is manufactured, the various purposes it serves and how to recycle it, please visit:

PackagingKnowledge: The undisputed polythene packaging encyclopedia, containing vast amounts of information and detailed articles on every type of polythene packaging.

Goldstork: Read hand-picked information and specially selected features on a huge range of polythene packaging products on this free 'best-of-the-web' directory.

PlasticBags.uk.com: The number one polythene packaging directory in the UK allows manufacturers to list products for free, whilst shoppers can browse through a broad range of websites specialising in all types of polythene packaging.

Eco-friendly packaging

Packaging is such an integral part of everyday life in the 21st century that it’s hard to imagine a world without it. But with global warming and other environmental concerns becoming more and more important, many people look to replace their regular packaging with eco-friendly alternative.

What is eco-packaging?

Eco-packaging is a form of packaging that, rather than using traditional polythene, uses alternative materials that are biodegradable, thereby having less of an impact on the environment.

A wide range of eco-friendly packaging is manufactured today from polybio and biodegradable material, that will completely biodegrade when placed in regular composting conditions, landfill or into prolonged contact with soil.

Types of eco-packaging

You can have one eye on the environment while doing a wide range of household tasks these days and there’s eco-packaging to help you along the way.

Popular types of eco-packaging include biodegradable bin bags, refuse sacks and wheelie bin liners, kitchen waste bags and compost bags, biodegradable mailing bags, biodegradable clear bags, biodegradable carrier bags and even dog poo bags.