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

polythene suppliers mailers speed up dispatch because they reduce the number of steps between picking an item and getting it out of the door. A flat mailer is easy to grab, fill and seal, so the packer spends less time building boxes, folding flaps and finding the proper length of tape. That matters on busy benches where labour is short and orders come through in mixed sizes. The lighter format also suits products that do not need rigid carton protection, since the packer can work faster without handling additional board. When throughput matters above heavy-duty presentation, mailers retain the line moving.

Plastic mailing bags suit light, non-fragile products because they retain the packaging simple without adding much bulk. A superb bag cuts postage weight, stores flat in a small space, and speeds up select-and-pack work when orders are moving quickly. Self-seal strips also reduce fuss at the packing bench, so there is less chance of a weak closure or a bag being left open by mistake. For small parcels coming from home setups or busy warehouses, that kind of handling efficiency matters. For items that do not need a box, a properly chosen mailer retains the job tidy and efficient.

Keyword Research: People who searched courier mail bags also searched

Mail bags need to be specified for the job in hand, because a lightweight bag that sees fine on paper can fail once it is filled, sealed and handled through a busy despatch line. The proper material selection affects puncture resistance, tear strength and how well the closure stays shut after repeated lifting, sorting and travelling through sorting equipment. A superb mail bag also requirements enough tolerance in the gauge to cope with mixed contents without splitting at the seams or thinning out at the corners. When the construction matches the load, handling damage drops and the package reaches the next stage in better condition.

Plastic mailing bags should be specified for the conditions on the dispatch bench rather than chosen simply because they see cost-effective on paper. A bag with the proper gauge will stand up to corners, tape points and rough handling without bursting at the seal, while still feeding smoothly as staff work through a pile of orders. Film slip matters because bags that cling together waste time, and size tolerance matters because a tight fit can distort the package or make labelling awkward. When the bag behaves properly, packing stays fast and the finished mailer sees tidy enough to proceed straight into the mail.

Padded mail bags keep safe small products where plain paper or thin film would often fail, particularly when parcels are being tipped, stacked and shifted through a busy despatch system. The lining takes the edge off knocks and light crushing, which assists retain scuffing down on items that would otherwise display handling labels before they reach the client. That built-in cushioning also gives a bit of shape to the pack, so the contents are less likely to rub around inside. Used sensibly, this kind of mailer gives better presentation and less damaged returns without making the package oversised.

Plastic mail bags work well for light, flat prints because they retain dispatch simple without adding unnecessary cost or bulk. The bag itself is only part of the reply, though, since thin prints still need board inside to stop corner knocks, surface scuffing and the sort of bending that happens once parcels enter a rough mail stream. Gauge matters here: also flimsy and the bag splits; also heavy and it takes up space in secondary packing and slows the despatch bench. Used on the proper product, the format assists retain postage down and the item moving cleanly through the mailing chain.

Large mail bags have to be chosen for punishment, not only capacity. A bag can see sound on the converting line yet still split when it is pulled across dock plates, squeezed into trolley cages or stacked inside a mixed consignment where pressure lands unevenly. Film structure makes the contrast here. High-density polythene suppliers gives more stiffness and better tear resistance, while a co-extruded build can improve puncture protection without adding unnecessary weight. If the gauging is also light, the bag sags at the fill point and slows the packing line; if it is also rigid, trapped air and awkward loading can make the load sit badly. The proper construction retains handling damage down and assists the warehouse transport mail more cleanly.

White mail bags of this size give a superb balance between easy handling and proper protection in fast-moving despatch. The outer polythene suppliers skin resists snags on benches, conveyor rails and pallet edges, while the bubble lining softens sharp corners and reduces scuffing through the bag itself. That combination matters when boxed products are pushed through sortation at speed, because a thin mailer can split, burst at the seal or arrive labeled enough to cause claims. The white face also gives a clean surface for labels and barcodes, so scanning is clearer and visual checks are quicker in a busy dispatch area. This makes the pack a practical selection where presentation and damage control both need to grasp up.

Postal bags work optimal when the film gauge is matched to the job rather than chosen on cost alone. A light bag retains shipping weight down and lets small parts, accessories and other awkward items sit in a compact pack format, nevertheless the material still has to stand up to puncture and rubbing in transit. If the film is also thin, sharp edges and corner strike soon turn into leaks or claims; if it is above-specified, outbound cubes fill up faster and transport space is wasted. A well-manufactured bag with proper seal quality also handles automatic or manual packing more reliably, so the bench line does not retain stopping to proper weak closures.

A mailing bag requirements to be matched to the job in hand, because the gross material or gauge soon causes trouble in handling and transit. Lightweight mail may seem forgiving, nevertheless a thin bag can split at the seam, stretch at the tie point, or scuff through when dragged across sorting cages and depot floors. A stronger bag gives more consistent protection through dispatch, particularly where sacks are reused through several legs of a route. Clear specification matters also, since a bag that is also stiff or also small slows loading and makes stacking awkward. The practical reply is to select a construction that suits the weight, route length, and roughness of handling.

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

What are paper mailing bags?

Mailing bags work well for light consignments because they add protection without turning a straightforward despatch job into a heavier, slower one. A superb polythene suppliers bag folds flat in storage, opens quickly at the packing bench, and retains moisture away from garments, brochures, and other soft products that do not need a box. Gauge matters here: also thin and the film can split when corners or seams grasp, also heavy and unnecessary material acquires used on all order. A sensible specification retains packing simple and transport weight down, which is the sort of selection that makes daily dispatch dash without fuss.

polythene suppliers mailers need above a tidy appearance on paper, because the proper test comes when parcels are squeezed, stacked and shifted through a busy warehouse. A film that sees fine at first glance can still fail if it contains thin spots, particularly where pressure builds at corners or along the fold. Consistent gauge assists the mailer behave the same method from bag to bag, which matters when handling is rough and loads are pressed into totes or cages. A sound spec reduces split packs and retains sealed products moving through dispatch with less interruption.

Plastic mailing bags in a blue specification can work well for stores that want a simple, low-volume dispatch pack with a transparent visual identity. A 432x559 millimetre bag gives enough room for folded garments, soft products, or mixed e-commerce orders, while the plastic film retains weight down and assists keep safe contents from dirt and light rain amid handling. At pack size 250, the selection also suits normal packing lines where stock requirements to be easy to lift, count, and restock without cluttering the dispatch bench. The proper test is whether the gauge is proper for the product mix, because a bag that is also light will split more easily at the seams and one that is also heavy adds cost and waste. The optimal result is a mailing bag that balances protection, speed, and tidy packing.

Bestselling Mail Bags on packaging suppliers

Mail bags work optimal when the product inside is light, clean and not likely to be crushed, which is why they have become a normal selection for clothing and similar flat products. A plain polythene suppliers mailer retains weight down, takes up small space in storage, and speeds up packing at the dispatch bench because there is no folding box to build. That makes them useful for fast-moving orders where select-face efficiency matters and all second at the sealing station counts. The trade-off is protection, so gauge, seal quality and sizing have to be chosen properly. A mail bag that is also thin or also loose soon causes split seams or shifting contents, and that means handling damage before the package even leaves the warehouse.

Plastic mailing bags perform optimal when the film gauge, bag size and seal strength are chosen for the package rather than for the lowest unit cost. Thin film may see efficient on paper, nevertheless it can split at the corners when items are picked, shifted on a conveyor or squeezed by courier sorting. Oversised bags create the opposite problem, leaving also much slack so the contents transport about and the pack sees untidy. A transparent bag can assist despatch staff check contents quickly, while an opaque or printed version suits products that need privacy. A sensible specification cuts damage and makes packing steadier.

Padded mail bags reduce handling damage on small consignments that need more protection than a bare outer can give. The built-in cushioning softens knocks in sorting hubs, on conveyours, and in van loads where lighter parcels are often squeezed between heavier ones. That additional layer assists prevent scuffed corners, split seams, and pierced surfaces on items like printed matter, spare parts, or fragile retail products. Because the bag adds protection without much additional bulk, it also retains despatch lines moving quickly and avoids the need for a second box or larger carton. That makes the format a practical reply where speed, low weight, and efficient protection all have to work together.

Plastic Mail Bags Available Now and Ready To Ship

Plastic mail bags retain despatch work lean when the products do not justify a carton, because the material gives a light outer wrap without wasting board, filler or shelf space. polythene suppliers stores flat, feeds quickly at the packing bench and seals fast, so the job transports on with less handling and less clutter in the pack area. That also assists stock rotation, since a small footprint makes it easier to grasp the proper gauges close to the line. The saving is only proper if the bag suits the load and closes properly, because a weak seal or a flimsy gauge soon turns a cost-effective item into a complaint.

Large mail bags need a film specification that survives rough treatment, not only a generous capacity on the label. High-density polythene suppliers with the proper gauge and balanced stiffness is less likely to split when it is dragged across rollers, tied off hard, or stacked into awkward loads amid peak sorting. If the film is also thin, corners, tie points and seal lines will fail far also easily; if it is also heavy, the additional tare reduces loading efficiency and leaves less room for the proper consignment. A bag that retains its shape and empties cleanly saves handling time and cuts the risk of damage on a busy floor.

White mail bags work well because they make packing and handling faster, not because they offer heavy protection. A plain white polythene suppliers bag retains flat products clean, tidy and discreet while remaining light enough for efficient dispatch through a busy pack bench. The proper value lies in the film gauge and the quality of the seal, since a weak closure or thin stock can split in sorting and lead to complaints. Their clean shape also stacks neatly on pallets, which assists with space use and reduces awkward bulking in secondary packing. That makes them a practical selection where speed, low weight and a tidy appearance matter above cushioning.

100 Metallic Silver 9"x12" Foil Mailing Postage Postal Bags

Metallic silver mailing bags in the 230mm by 310mm size are useful because they transport folded paperwork, light garments and slim parts without wasting space on the packing bench or in transit. That smaller footprint assists line-up loads stay tight, which matters when cartons are stacked on a pallet and any empty gap can let the stack shift. The proper value comes from how the bag behaves below handling: the seal area requirements to stay robust, the film gauge has to be even, and the surface should resist scuffing while still feeding properly through bagging equipment or hand-packing stations. The stop may see clever, nevertheless superb handling performance is what retains dispatch moving and prevents awkward damage later.

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.