Poly Bags

Material and Construction

Standard poly bags are manufactured from 100% virgin polyethylene resin in either low-density (LDPE) or high-density (HDPE) formulations. LDPE bags are flexible, conformable, and offer high clarity for product visibility. HDPE bags are thinner at equivalent strength, with a crinkly texture and higher temperature tolerance. Both materials are chemically inert, moisture-resistant, and recyclable.

Printing Options

Both digital and flexographic (plate) printing are available.

Mil Thickness Selection

Bag thickness is measured in mils (thousandths of an inch) and determines puncture resistance, tear strength, and load-bearing capacity.

• 1 mil is a lightweight film suited for temporary storage, dust covers, and light parts separation where minimal protection is needed.
• 2 mil is the most widely used thickness for general-purpose packaging, parts storage, clothing, and food protection during shipping and storage.
• 3 mil provides added protection for small hardware, fasteners, and parts with moderate edges or weight.
• 4 mil is a heavier gauge for industrial parts, tools, and items requiring greater puncture and tear resistance.
• 6 mil is a heavy-duty thickness for metal parts, sharp-edged components, and applications where tear and puncture failure is not acceptable.
• 8 mil is a super-heavyweight option for maximum strength in the most demanding industrial applications.

Closure Types

• Open-end (flat) bags are sealed on three sides with an open top for loading. They are closed with heat sealers, tape, staples, or twist ties depending on the application.
• Reclosable (zipper) bags feature a single-track or double-track zipper closure that allows repeated opening and closing. Heavier mil thicknesses use heavy-duty zipper tracks for secure closure under load.
• Lip-and-tape bags have a self-sealing adhesive strip on the flap for one-time permanent closure without heat sealing equipment.

FDA and Food Contact Compliance

Standard virgin polyethylene poly bags meet FDA and USDA specifications for direct food contact. This applies to both flat and reclosable configurations in all standard mil thicknesses. Bags intended for food packaging should be verified as manufactured from virgin (non-recycled) resin.

Gusseted Bags

Gusseted poly bags feature side or bottom folds that expand to accommodate bulky, irregularly shaped, or three-dimensional items. When the bag is filled, the gussets open to create a box-like interior. Gusseted bags are available in the same mil thickness range and closure options as flat bags.