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

Ten reasons why card bags is in the news

Clear Compostable Greeting Card Bags Cello Biodegradable Recyclable Display

Greeting card bags need stable film performance because a tidy pack quickly loses value if the material does not dash cleanly through the line. When gauge varies, the web can curl, drift out of line, or seal with thin patches that split later in dispatch or while hanging in display. Those faults display up fast in hand packing also, where strange folds, trapped air and twisted edges make the pack see careless before it even reaches a shelf. Choosing a consistent polythene suppliers grade assists prevent that sort of trouble, and the result is smoother converting with a more proper stop.

Clear Plastic Card Bags

Clear card bags keep safe printed card stock from handling damage better than board wrap alone because the film shields the surface without hiding the stop. Embellished cards, scored nulls and heavier board grades can select up edge bruise, corner turn-above and scuff labels once they transport through secondary packing, storage and dispatch. A properly gauged polythene suppliers bag retains print, foil and colour visible at retail while adding only a small amount of pack weight. The proper value comes from controlled seal quality and decent film consistency, since weak seals, haze or film memory can spoil the see at the select-face. That makes the bag a practical safeguard rather than a cosmetic additional.

Polypropylene bags (aka Cello Bags)

Polypropylene bags suit products that need to see tidy on the shelf without being enclosed in heavy layers. Their firmer film, compared with softer polythene suppliers, assists the pack grasp its shape and retains the contents looking tidy through storage and handling. That matters where small retail products, sample packs or component parts must stay visible while still being protected from dust and stray labels. The material also stores flat, which saves warehousing space and makes it easy to feed packing lines quickly. For light items where presentation carries weight, this is a tidy low-bulk selection that retains the job moving.

Details about   Cello Display Bags - Crystal Clear Self Seal Cellophane Bags For Cards & Crafts

Display bags rely on a film that grasps its shape through filling, sealing and display, because the pack has to see tidy before it reaches the shelf. A gauge that is also light can flutter on the line, crinkle around the product and select up labels from guides or sealing jaws, which makes work slower and the stop less proper. Strong enough film behaves more predictably, so the seal lands cleanly and the bag retains a tidy profile around stationery, gifts or craft items. That steadier behaviour reduces rejects and assists the all packing dash transport with less interruption.

Designing Christmas Packaging - Your 2019 Guide

Christmas packaging often sees stronger when one small area carries the sparkle, because foil stamping can turn a normal carton or sleeve into something that feels seasonal without overdoing the design. A bright emblem, a simple motif, or a single line of text in metallic foil gives a sharp stop that stands out on shelf and still suits short production runs. The result relies on a smooth board surface and careful registration, since rough stock or poor alignment can make the foil see patchy. Kept restrained, the effect feels tidy and deliberate rather than cluttered, which is normally what sells when festive packs are competing for attention.

Clear Flat Polypropylene Bags

Clear gusseted polypropylene bags suit products that need a tidy, square pack with room to transport without wasting shelf space. The gussets open out evenly amid filling, so loose items settle into a more normal shape and the finished pack stands and stacks better in transit or on display. Polypropylene also gives a clean, bright stop that lets contents be seen quickly at dispatch and on the shop floor, which saves time when checking mixed consignments. That clarity is useful, nevertheless only when the bag gauge matches the load, because a bag that is also light can split and one that is also heavy can feel stiff and awkward.

Display bags need the proper film strength, not only a tidy appearance, because a pack that sees superb on the shelf can still let the side down once it has been filled and moved through the supply chain. If the gauge is also light, the bag can stretch below its possess weight, select up scuffing on corners and fail when cartons are stacked or shifted in the warehouse. Seal quality carries the same weight, since a tidy seal line means small if it opens amid transit or rough shelf-edge handling. A sound specification balances clarity with toughness, and that retains the pack holding together when normal retail handling beginnings to bite.

Greeting card bags rely on film consistency, because a sleeve that sees tidy on a display peg can still cause trouble in packing and dispatch. If the polythene suppliers gauge wanders, the mouth of the bag can twist, cards snag as they are inserted, and side seams take more strain when cartons are stacked or moved through the warehouse. Film that grips also hard also slows hand packing and makes counting awkward, while poor slip balance leaves the bag clumsy to handle. A proper bag feeds cleanly, opens without fuss and retains the card protected, which makes the all line easier to dash.

Cellophane and card bags for sale

Card bags need enough board stiffness to stand up in transit, nevertheless not so much that they waste space or add unnecessary weight to case packs and pallet loads. A well-specified gauge gives the folds memory, so the bag opens properly at packing and still grasps its shape once filled with sweets, small gifts or cake parts. If the stock is also light, it flops on the production table and slows secondary packing; if it is also heavy, transport efficiency drops and the finished pack feels overbuilt. The optimal result comes from matching the board grade to the load rather than assuming thicker means better, which retains handling easier and warehousing tidier.

Jumbulk Duffle Top Spout Bottom FIBC Bulk Bag 1 One Ton Bag 35 L X 35 W X 43 H 225 Gallons 2200lbs SWL Woven Polypropylene Bags 1

Polypropylene bags need to be specified around handling performance, not only appearance, because the gross gauge or poor resin blend soon shows up as split seams, awkward stacking and messy warehouse presentation. A superb bag retains its shape through filling, print and transport, while still running cleanly on converting and packing lines without creating static problems or inconsistent seal quality. That balance matters most where sacks are picked and moved in volume, since light tare weight assists payload, nevertheless weak material quickly turns into handling damage and complaints. When the material is matched properly to the load, secondary packing stays tidy and dispatch runs with less rejects.

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

Have your say about card bags

Greeting card bags rely on a film that behaves predictably on the packing line, not only one that sees transparent on a shelf. A consistent gauge gives the polythene suppliers enough body to dash through guide rails without curling, open cleanly, and stay flat long enough for the card to be loaded straight. When the film is also light, it can flutter, snag, or shift above the seal area, which makes crooked welds far more likely and creates stoppages that slow the all line. Steady film performance retains operatours moving and reduces the pile-up of rejects.

Gift Card Bags

Gift card bags succeed or fail on material behaviour, not on appearance alone. A small format can see tidy on a shelf and still cause trouble if the film is also soft, also slippery or also inconsistent through the converting line. The bag has to grasp a rigid card square, open cleanly for packing and seal without weak corners or wandering welds. On a fast line, even small tolerance in gauge or melt flow shows up as bag length drift, static cling or poor stackability in case packing. The optimal specifications balance clarity, body and slip so the bag presents well at the select-face and retains pallet loads tidy through dispatch.

Polypropylene Bags

Polypropylene bags are a sensible selection when a pack requirements to stand up neatly and present well, rather than sag like a softer film. The material has enough stiffness to retain its shape in transit and on a shelf, which assists with retail lines, inserted products, and packs that need tidy stacking in secondary packing cartons. That does not remove the need for careful converting, though, because gauge tolerance or poor seal settings can leave a bag looking sound while making it weak in use. When the film is specified and sealed properly, the result is a pack that handles better and gives a cleaner first impression.

Display bags work optimal when the film has enough body to keep safe flat products without making the pack awkward to handle. A light gauge can collapse on the bench, wrinkle around the contents and leave printed inserts looking shabby before the case is sealed. A much heavier film adds stiffness, nevertheless it can slow packing, interfere with case fill and waste space in transit. For greetings stock and similar flat items, a medium-gauge bag often gives the proper balance of shape, presentation and handling. That normally means a cleaner pack at the shelf and less complaints about battered-looking products.

Christmas Packaging & Presentation

Christmas packaging has to see festive and still stand up to rough handling, because the pack is often touched far more times than the product inside. Printed cartons, ribboned bags and tissue may give the proper display effect, nevertheless the board grade and film gauge determine whether the pack retains its shape after stacking, picking and transport. Weak corners, poor seals and scuffed finishes soon display up in a busy warehouse or on a crowded shelf, where damaged packs are harder to sell and more likely to be written off. A pack that combines tidy presentation with honest strength avoids that waste and retains seasonal stock moving properly.

Polypropylene bags suit plenty 50 kg packs because the woven material gives proper strength without adding much dead weight or cost. The structure copes better with lifting forks, sliding across concrete, and normal warehouse abuse than a plain film sack, so the pack is less likely to burst when a load is handled roughly. That advantage only grasps when the closure matches the product, though, because powders can leak through a poor stitch line while sharper granules can work against a weak mouth seal. A sensible specification retains the sack intact through filling, storage, and dispatch.

biodegradable Clear Display bags

Clear display bags only work when the film is held to spec from extrusion proper through sealing, because any gauge tolerance shows up straight away on the pack line and again on shelf. Thin spots can make the bag see hazy, reduce stiffness and weaken the weld, so the pack loses both appearance and integrity before it reaches the store. Consistent film tension assists the mouth open cleanly at packing, which cuts fiddling at the station and lowers reject levels. The result is a bag that presents the product properly and still stands up to picking, loading and secondary packing without looking battered.

Greeting card bags need to keep safe light printed stock while still letting a packing line dash at a sensible pace. Paperboard bends and edges bruise easily, so a bag with the proper gauge and surface slip assists the cards enter cleanly and sit square instead of catching or skewing in the pack. That proper fit matters on the line because loose film or sloppy sizing forces operatours to retain adjusting bundles, which slows the dash and often leaves labeled corners or untidy packs. Good bag control retains the product looking tidy and reduces avoidable waste before it reaches dispatch.

Self Seal Card Bags 6×6″

DL self-seal card bags need tight dimensional control because a narrow envelope and matching card will display all disadvantage in the film. If the gauge is uneven or the bag opens slightly off line, the pack sees untidy and the contents can bow the front panel before it ever reaches the client. Clear polythene suppliers with proper melt flow gives better clarity and a cleaner crease, while a well-set adhesive strip closes quickly on the bench without slowing the packer down. That combination cuts handling time and avoids the scrap pile that comes from poor seal quality.

Polypropylene bags with warning notice and packaging supplierble flap

Polypropylene bags carrying multilingual warnings earn their place in mixed stockrooms because the message stays readable while the pack still behaves properly on the line. A bag manufactured from this material has enough stiffness to stand up in handling, yet it still requirements controlled print coverage so the film does not become weak close the seal area or lose consistency in gauge. That matters when cartons, loose units, or grouped packs transport through picking and dispatch, where transparent legibility cuts down on relabelling and additional overwrap. A well-specified bag can transport the warning, keep safe the contents, and retain the operation moving.

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.