Plastic bags

Buy from a massive range of best value plastic bags or poly bags at wholesale prices now.

Plastic bags are…

• Bags made from plastic for a variety of day-to-day functions
• Made from or polyethylene, usually referred to as polythene
• Also known as polythene bags, poly bags or polybags
• Available in a multitude of shapes and sizes to cover a range of uses
• Used for everyday tasks such as carrying shopping or disposing of waste
• Also used for more specialised uses such as wrapping furniture for storage or disposing of clinical waste
• Created using a process called 'blown film extrusion' or the 'tubular film process'
• Available in a range of coloured opaque polythene, or made from clear see-through polythene
• Available in a huge range of thicknesses - or gauge - to suit the job in hand, from delicate high-clarity display bags to ultra-heavy-duty rubble bags
• Often decorated with a printed design, to advertise a business or service
• Available in eco-friendly alternatives to polythene, such as biodegradable or polybio bags, that degrade when buried or they come into prolonged contact with compost

What would you say about mail bags?

Mailing sacks work optimal when the load requirements a tougher outer layer than a basic courier bag can give. For ecommerce products, that additional strength matters because corners, seams and fast-moving sortation equipment are where damage often beginnings. A well-manufactured sack gives better resistance to scuffing, splitting and accidental tearing, while still keeping the package light enough to handle fast. Size selection also affects packing speed, because a sack that is also tight can stress the seal and one that is also loose can waste space and shift in transit. The proper specification assists cleaner handling and less returns.

Mailing cartons do the job optimal when the board grade matches the weight and shape of the product. A light carton may save a small material, nevertheless if the contents transport around, the corners crush in transit and handling damage beginnings long before the package reaches the consignee. Corrugated boxes also need the proper amount of crush resistance for stacking in the warehouse and on the vehicle, particularly when secondary packing is added on top. Good spec selection reduces returns, retains pallet loads steadier, and gives a cleaner handover at dispatch.

Personalised mailers rely on proper data handling long before a sheet reaches the press. When a team retains its computer-to-plate systems, software and supporting hardware in step, the proper names, addresses and artwork stop up in the proper place without delays or costly remakes. That matters because even a small file errour can ruin a personalised dash, waste board and film, and create sorting headaches on the packing line. Clean data also assists with proofing, version control and repeat orders, which is where time is often lost. A smooth information flow normally shows up later as steadier production and less disputed consignments.

*HOT* FREE 200-Count 13″ x 9″ Compostable Mailers + Free Shipping (Regularly £40)

Compostable mailers can work well for lightweight products, nevertheless only when the specification matches the job and the all packing line is install properly. A mailer that sees tidy on a screen can still fail in the proper world if the gauge is also low, the seal quality is poor, or the contents have sharp edges that punch through amid sorting and transport. Good material selection matters also, because compostable films tend to behave differently from normal polythene suppliers and can be less forgiving in cool stores or busy dispatch areas. Used on the proper products, they save secondary packing and reduce plastic waste. Used badly, they lead to returns, complaints, and more handling damage.

Office Depot Metallic Padded Mailer Plain Peel and Seal 80gsm 100

A padded mailer offers a simple method to keep safe flat products without the bulk of a carton, and the board-free format retains mail room handling fast. The 80 gsm paper weight recommends a light outer face rather than a heavy-duty pack, so the proper value sits in how well the cushioning grasps shape through sorting and transit rather than in the shell itself. A peel-and-seal closure is useful because it speeds up packing and gives a cleaner stop than loose tape, which assists when a dash of consignment volumes has to transport fast. That kind of format suits normal dispatch work where tidy presentation and low waste matter as much as basic protection.

A mailing bag has to keep safe documents, cash or small items while still being fast to seal, transport and sort, so the building matters as much as the contents. In a warehouse or dispatch area, a bag that closes cleanly and grasps its shape reduces handling damage and retains the line moving, particularly when batches are assembled below time pressure. If the material is also light, it tears at the seam or scuffs in transit; if it is also stiff, filling and sealing become awkward. A well-chosen mailing bag gives better control at pack-off and less complaints when consignment reaches the next stage in superb order.

POLY MAILER

A poly mailer has to survive far above simple posting, and tensile strength is only part of the story. The film requirements enough gauge and stretch resistance to cope with corners, knocks, and the drag of sorting equipment without splitting at the seam or scuffing through on rough handling. Toughness also assists when packs are squeezed into sacks, cages, or mixed consignments, where softer wrappers often fail before they reach the delivery round. A mailer that grasps together through storage, loading, and transit cuts down on claims and repacks, which saves time in dispatch and retains products moving cleanly through the system.

Large mailers can see tidy on a spec sheet, nevertheless once the size climbs, their cost and production limits beginning to bite. A die-cut format requirements machining, and that becomes harder to justify when the pack is deep, fat, or needed in awkward dimensions that do not sit well on the machine. A normal slotted case often handles those jobs more sensibly because it is built from normal board conversion and can be cut, glued, stored, and dispatched without special machining. For heavier products, that normally means lower set-up risk and less fuss on the line.

Big mailers tend to resist any mailing change that turns a temporary surcharge into a permanent part of the base rate, because big-scale mailing budgets rely on tight postage control. Once an additional charge is folded into the normal tariff, all list of products drop, statement dash, and direct mail campaign carries a higher fixed cost, which can fast damage response economics. That matters even more when mailing houses are planning high-volume schedules and need stable postage to retain print, enclosing, and despatch work running smoothly. A rate structure that retains old emergency charges alive can leave the all mailing chain less flexible and harder to plan.

Sparco Size 6 Bubble Cushioned Mailers

Cushioned mailers reduce handling damage where flat products need a bit of protection without moving into a full box-and-occupy pack. The bubble layer takes the knocks that happen in sorting centres, on van runs, and amid rough stacking in a back room, while the kraft outer gives a cleaner surface and a firmer feel in the hand. A self-seal strip also speeds dispatch because there is no tape to cut and no risk of a weak flap seal. For light products, paperwork, books, or parts, this type of mailer often gives a better balance between protection, speed, and pack cost than a rigid carton.

The A-to-Z of plastic bags

Polythene bags are used for a multitude of functions, from storage to waste disposal, retail display to transportation and postage to recycling.

Here is a list of some popular types of plastic bags, from antistatic to zip-seal, with a brief description of what they are used for:

Anti-static bags - Pink bags designed to protect electrical and electronic components from electrostatic discharge.

Asbestos waste sacks - Thick red polythene bags clearly marked with a 'Asbestos Waste' warning signs, for the safe disposal of asbestos.

Bubble bags - Protective bags comprised of a series of air-cushioned 'bubbles' that keep delicate items safe during transport or storage.

Clinical waste sacks - Thick yellow polythene sacks with warning signs, used for the safe disposal or incineration of clinical waste.

Clip-close carriers - Premium carrier bags with a plastic clip-close handle attached to the top of the bag for secure fastening.

Compost bags - Green bags made from 100% biodegradable material that are perfect for disposing or kitchen or garden waste.

Display bags - Crystal-clear, glossy polypropylene bags used by retailers to give their products extra sparkle whilst on display.

Dry cleaner bags - Thin clear or coloured polythene bags used by dry cleaners and laundries to protect clothes in transit or storage.

Eco-friendly bags - A range of biodegradable bags, offering a green alternative to regular polythene bags.

Fashion carriers - Premium carrier bags made from thick polythene with a punched out handle, popular with high-end retail outlets and gift shops.

Featherpost padded mailers - 'Jiffy style' padded mailing bags made from paper and lined with bubble-wrap to protect items in the post.

Film-front bags - Display bags with a clear polypropylene front 'window' and a paper backing, popular with bakeries and cake shops.

Fish bags - Clear heavy duty polythene bags with watertight seal, ideal for use in pet shops, aquaria, garden centres or funfairs.

Grip-seal bags - Plastic bags with integral seal that is squeezed close between forefinger and thumb. Also known as minigrip bags or grippa bags.

Greeting card bags - High clarity display bag made from polypropylene film used to wrap any type of greeting card.

Hercules bags - Extra strong, tear-resistant clear polythene bags suitable for handling heavy duty contents.

High tensile strength bags - Extra strong polythene bags available in either clear or blue-tint polythene.

Jiffy mailers - Featherlight mailing bags made from paper and lined with bubble wrap to offer protection to bag contents during postage.

Jumbo carriers - The largest carrier bags on the market, these giant bags are big enough to hold anything from bedding to large cuddly toys.

Kraft carriers - Popular with retailers, these quality paper carrier bags in a range of colours offer a great alternative to polythene carrier bags.

Laundry bags - Garment covers popular with dry cleaners, designed to protect your clothes and keep them clean after collection and in storage.

Mailing bags - Handy polythene envelopes with a fold-over seal used for postage, popular with online retailers and eBay traders.

Netting bags - Bags woven from knitted plastic and closed with a drawstring. Popular use packing onions or wood kindling for fires.

Packing bags - Clear plastic bags in a huge range of sizes, used to protect items during transportation or storage.

Patch handle carrier bags - The classic carrier bag with a reinforced patch handle for a stylish look and excellent bag strength. Ideal for printing with your own design.

PolyMax bags - Extra strong heavy duty bags available in clear polythene (with good clarity) or black polythene for the very toughest of jobs.

Recycling bags - Coloured polythene bags used to separate recycling waste into different types - e.g. paper, tin, glass, plastic - and dispose of in correct bin.

Specialist bags - Lesser-known polythene bags used to serve a specific purpose, such as clinical or asbestos waste disposal, dog poo bags, flower sleeves or sweet bags.

Specimen bags - Specialist grip-seal bags with a self-seal strip and an attached pouch to keep record cards, ideal for taking samples.

Stand-up food pouches - A fantastic way to display products, these clear bags feature an integral self-seal strip and a bottom gusset so the bag can stand up on the shelf.

Starch-based bin liners - A range of eco-friendly starch-based Polybio refuse sacks, these compostable bags are ideal for disposing of food, garden or kitchen waste.

Take-away bags - These classic white rigid paper bags are popular with takeaway restaurants, although plain vest carriers are often employed as an alternative.

Top tac bags - A range of self-seal bags, including display bags and mailing bags, featuring an integral peel and seal strip for convenient use.

Ultra-strong Polymax bags - Probably the strongest polythene bags available, these 400 gauge sacks can handle the heaviest of heavy duty jobs.

Vacuum bags - Thick clear plastic bags sealed by vacuum sealers, used in the catering industry for storing or cooking food, including fish and meat.

Varigauge carriers - Carrier bags made of polythene that varies in thickness, with stronger, thicker polythene at the top so that a reinforced handle is not required.

Vest-style carriers - Strong, thin, crinkly carrier bags with two handles that looks like a vest when laid out flat. The most popular carrier bag in the UK.

Wallpaper carriers - Extra wide, thick patch handle carrier bag ideal for carrying wallpaper or other wide items.

Waste sacks - Range of sacks used to collect waste contents, either as a bin liner or freestanding bin bag.

Wicketed food bags - Counter bags that tear off from a wire bracket, known as a wicket, popular with food retailers including bakeries and delicatessens.

Wrapping paper carriers - Extra long, narrow carrier bags ideal for carrying wrapping paper or other long, thin items.

Zipper bags - Premium self-seal clear polythene bags great for displaying contents. Feature an integral metal zip fastener for a sturdy feel.

Where to buy plastic bags

Plastic bag manufacturers and suppliers include:

Polythene Bags
Polythene Bags is a fantastic website specialising in polythene bags. Design your own custom printed carrier bag or mailing bag, or choose from a massive range of stock polythene bags, from waste sacks to packing bags and mailing bags to carriers.
www.polythene-bags.co.uk

Polythene Bag
Whatever type of polythene bag you are looking for, you'll find them at Polythene Bags. Order online from a fantastic range of price-busting bags and get them delivered to any mainland UK address absolutely free.
www.polythenebags.co

Poly Bags UK
Polybags Bulk Sales provide low-cost bespoke polythene manufacturing for large-volume UK customers. As the sister website of leading manufacturer Polybags, you'll get the same first class levels of service and product quality that you get with with Polybags Ltd.
www.polybagsbulksales.co.uk

Clear Polythene Bags
Buy Polythene Bags provides customers with clear polythene bags, black polythene bags and a massive range of polythene bags and other polythene packaging, with loads of extra detail on polythene manufacturing and size guides to help you choose the right product for you.
www.buypolythenebags.co.uk

Polybags Ireland
Irish VAT-registered customers can get a huge 21% discount off all polythene packaging products at Polybags.ie as they get their VAT refunded. Shop online from a massive range of great value products or call the Polybags team to find out more.
www.polybags.ie

Poly Bags
Specialists in polythene bags and plastic carrier bags, this website offers every type of plain or printed polythene bags along with fantastic biodegradable alternatives - all at fantastic discount prices.
www.polythenebags.eu

Plastic Bags
Buy Plastic Bags provide customers with a one-stop-shop for a huge range of plain or bespoke printed plastic bags, including loads of helpful information to help you find the right plastic bag to meet your specific needs.
www.buyplasticbags.co.uk

Cheap Poly Bags
Discount Polybag offer a single source to meet all of your plastic packaging requirements at the right price for you. This tailor-made website from industry leader Polybags Ltd contains a wealth of information on the vast range of plastic packaging which they stock.
www.discountpolybag.co.uk

Clear Plastic Bags
If you're looking to buy clear plastic bags or coloured poly bags then this is the website for you. With loads of information on a huge variety of plastic bag types, you'll find all the answers to help you choose the right plastic bag for you.
www.buy-plastic-bags.co.uk

Plastic Bag Sales
A very handy resource on plastic carriers and shopping bags, Bargain Plastic Bags is the only website you'll need to find the best plastic bags at bargain prices.
www.bargainplasticbags.co.uk

Plastic Bags Suppliers
Providing customers with a definitive list of discount suppliers of plastic bags and a range of other polythene packaging - from plastic sheeting to resealable bags - this website is a fantastic resource to anyone looking to buy polythene products.
www.discountplasticbags.co.uk

Heavy Duty Plastic Bags
Find out more about a wide range of polythene bags, from shopping bags to heavy duty bags, at this excellent website that specialises in plastic bags.
www.plasticbags2u.com

Cheap Plastic Bags
Cheap Plastic Bags is an excellent website for anyone looking to buy polythene bags at cheap prices. With detailed information on huge variety of plastic bags and details of where to buy them at the best price for you.
www.cheapplasticbags.co.uk

Plastic Bag
Whatever type of plastic bag you are looking for, from clear plastic bags to resealable plastic bags, you'll find out more about it at this helpful website guaranteed to help you choose the right type of bag for your needs.
www.plasticbags2u.co.uk

Plastic Shopping Bags
Looking for shopping bags or any type of plastic bag? Need to find out more information on where to buy them on what types of bags are available? Plastic Bags Supplies is the website for you!
www.plasticbagsupplies.co.uk

Ten reasons why mail bags is in the news

polythene suppliers Mailing Bag 335 x 430mm Pk 100 Review

A polythene suppliers mailing bag works optimal when the gauge, seal and size suit the item being sent. A bag that is also light can split at the corners or scuff in transit, while one that is oversise leaves wasted space and makes the package awkward to handle. Good film quality also matters because it affects how neatly the flap closes and how well the load stays together amid sorting and delivery. For shops and despatch teams, the proper test is whether the bag protects the contents without adding unnecessary material, and that normally comes down to selecting the proper spec first time.

Paper mailing sacks make sense when packing materials need replacing, because they shift the job away from plastic without changing the basics of dispatch. A paper sack is not as glossy as a polythene suppliers one, yet it often gives a more upright, cleaner see on the packing bench and can suit products that do not need moisture protection. The higher unit cost matters, nevertheless so does the feel of the finished pack and the method it fits into recycling routes. If the sack grade is chosen well, sealing stays tidy and handling damage is less likely amid sorting and van loading.

Mailing Cartons

Mailing cartons work optimal when the board grade and size match the product weight instead of relying on a one-size-fits-all mailing box. A carton that is also light can crush in transit, while one that is also big wastes space, pushes up carton rates, and gives the contents room to transport. Good sizing also makes packing faster on the line because less filler materials are needed and the seal grasps more evenly across the flaps. In dispatch, a tidy fit improves pallet stability and reduces handling damage when cartons are stacked with mixed consignments. A sensible carton specification saves work at packing, transport, and delivery.

Personalised mailers work optimal when they are treated as a controlled part of the sales pack, not as an afterthought. A mailer that carries the proper name, image set and message gives a showroom or trade counter something that feels prepared and credible, which matters when the rest of the material on display is highly finished. The converting side has to enable for clean print, proper trimming and a format that fits secondary packing without scuffing or bending in transit. If the strip seal, insert size and board selection are poorly matched, the item sees cost-effective before it is even opened. Getting the shell and contents proper makes the pack easier to receive, store and hand out.

Compostable mailers only pay off when the material matches the proper disposal route, not a hopeful label on the pack. A film that smashs down in the proper backyard conditions still requirements sensible gauge, superb seal quality and enough puncture resistance to survive picking, bagging and courier handling without splitting early. Weak mailers create leaks, rework and complaints, while overthick ones waste material and push up transport weight. The sensible selection sits where protection, compostability claims and warehouse handling all line up, because a mailer that fails in transit assists none.

Paper padded mailers can be a sound selection when the product suits a low-bulk mailing pack, nevertheless the recycling claim requirements a careful see at the building. A mailer manufactured mainly from paper board or kraft paper is easier to route into paper recycling than a plastic-based bag, yet the padding, glue layers and any film windows can change the picture. If the item inside requirements a bit of crush protection without the weight of a box, the format can reduce packing time and secondary materials. The weak point is pollution, because tapes, labels and wet product residues often determine whether the pack stays in the paper stream or ends up rejected. A sensible spec should match protection requirements to local recycling routes, not only a claim on the outer face.

Postal Bag For Sale

A mailing bag works optimal when the gauge, size and seal suit the load rather than only the list of products description. A thin poly mailer may save material, nevertheless it can split on a sharp corner, and an oversised bag can leave the contents sliding about in transit. That movement puts strain on seams, weakens the closure and raises the chance of handling damage at sorting, stacking and delivery. Good packing practice beginnings with matching the bag to the item, then checking the seal quality and the finished shape on the pack line. A well-chosen bag reduces returns and retains dispatch tidy.

A poly mailer gives light protection very efficiently when the product requirements to stay dry and the outer pack must stay slim. Its strength lies in handling normal knocks, scuffing and brief damp exposure without adding much weight or taking up much shelf space. That makes it a practical selection for despatch lines, particularly where speed matters and cartons would be wasteful. The material has to be chosen with care, though, because a thin gauge can split below rough loading or sharp edges. When matched to the products and sealed properly, it retains the package tidy and reduces avoidable damage in transit.

Large mailers can only justify discounted consignment handling when their work in reality takes cost out of the mailing system. If a sender prepares bags, bundles, labels, or other secondary packing in a method that speeds processing and reduces manual intervention, a discount may match the saving created. When the mail is merely concentrated through scale, rather than manufactured easier to handle, the numbers fast stop adding up. That matters to packaging and dispatch teams because tidy presentation, proper seal quality, and clean pallet build can influence how much labour sits in the chain. A sensible discount should follow proper operational saving, not only volume.

Large mailers can do above transport samples; they also keep safe a presentation part when the contents need to arrive looking sharp. A box or envelope that is also small will crush corners, while one that is also loose lets items shuffle and scuff in transit. That is why board grade, insert selection, and snug pack-out matter so much on promotional despatches. The outer requirements enough stiffness to survive warehouse stacking, yet not so much bulk that it wastes space or raises postage. A well-manufactured mailer reaches the destination with the contents still tidy, which saves time at receiving and avoids the awkward job of replacing damaged samples.

Research & Resources

To find out more about plastic bags, how they are manufactured, the huge breadth of polythene bags available and their many and varied uses, please visit:

PlasticBags.uk.com: Directory specialising in plastic bags and other polythene packaging. Browse through a huge selection of plastic bags websites or, if you are a manufacturer, list your products for free.

Goldstork: A free online directory featuring the best hand-picked information on polythene bags, specially selected to cover the full range of plastic bags on the market.

PackagingKnowledge: An online polythene packaging encyclopedia containing a wealth of information on plastic bags and in-depth articles for the packaging industry.

Eco-friendly alternatives to plastic bags

If you're in need of bags to get your job done, but you want to reduce the impact on the environment while doing so, there are plenty of eco-friendly alternatives to regular polythene bags:

Biodegradable carrier bags - Made out of 100% biodegradable or renewable materials such as potato starch, these bags provide all of the strength and convenience you need and expect from a regular carrier bag but, when disposed of in composting conditions, they completely break down, making them more environmentally-friendly.

Biodegradable mailing bags - Send those all-important business mails in an eco-friendly way whilst still looking professional. This range of strong mailing bags all feature a biodegradable leaf logo to show your customers that you care about the environment. They can then dispose of the bag in compost, where it will biodegrade.

Biodegradable clear bags - A range of clear bags that are perfect for displaying products before disposing in compost or landfill, where it will completely biodegrade. Ideal for disposing of organic waste, which can be thrown away with the bag in an eco-friendly manner. Available in a range of sizes, from 4” x 6” to 36” x 48”.

Eco-friendly bin liners - Dispose of your refuse with these environmentally friendly bin liners, waste sacks and compost bags. Ideal for kitchen waste, including food peelings, other compostable food and garden, these bags are completely biodegradable. Put them in your compost heap or bury them in soil and simply wait.

Dog poo bags - For the conscientious dog owner, these eco-friendly bags show that you mean business when clearing up after your dog has done their business. Place your hand inside the bag, pick up the dog poo, turn the bag inside out and tie the bag's two handles together before disposing of in a dog poo bin or compost heap. Made from 100% biodegradable material.

Compost bags - These bags are ideal for the food waste bins or kitchen caddies for collecting and disposing of biodegradable kitchen waste. Place your vegetable and fruit peelings, cores and other similar waste into your kitchen caddy, lined with these bags. Once full, remove, tie at the top and throw in your compost bin where both bag and contents will fully degrade.