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 some people say about carrier bags

500 Large Biodegradable Carrier Bags |11 x 17 x 21'' | Eco Friendly Shopping Bag

A biodegradable carrier bag only works well when the material is matched to the job, because a bag that sees green on paper can still fail in proper handling if the gauge is also light or the seal area is weak. Larger shopping bags need enough film strength to cope with mixed groceries, awkward pack shapes, and the twist and tug of loading at the till, otherwise split seams and handle tears fast become handling damage on the shop floor. Stock buyers also need to think about storage and rotation, since biodegradable grades can behave differently in heat and humidity. Choosing the proper specification retains waste down and prevents a cost-effective-looking bag from creating complaints at the checkout.

Large carrier bags can be turned into a surprisingly compact raw material once they are cut and worked into strip form. A bundle that sees fat on the warehouse floor collapses fast because the film has memory and small structure once it is slit into narrow lengths, so the finished supply takes far less space than the loose bags recommend. That matters when sorting reclaim, storing offcuts, or moving plastic waste between stages of a craft or reprocessing line. The trade-off is time and consistency, since strip width and bag thickness affect how even the last material feels. Good control at the cutting stage saves trouble later.

Cheap carrier bags only see simple when the buying decision is manufactured on unit cost alone. The proper test is whether the film runs cleanly on the converting line, stacks neatly in cartons and opens properly at the select face without slowing dispatch. Thin gauge can save material, nevertheless only if the blend still gives enough strength at the handle and along the seals, because split seams and clingy bags soon create handling damage and wasted labour. A bag that behaves consistently also assists pallet stability and reduces wasted cube in storage. The better selection is the one that retains fulfilment moving rather than the one that merely sees cheapest on paper.

Promotional carrier bags often stop up being judged as much by print quality as by the bag itself, because a bag that sees clever on the till can retain working as a mobile advert long after the sale. The material selection matters here: lighter gauge film or paper may suit short-term handouts, while a better-manufactured bag with sound handles and a decent seal gives a more proper feel in use. Poor print registration, weak ink coverage or smudging makes the all item see cost-effective, even if the product inside is fine. A clean, robust bag normally does more for emblem memory than a flashy design printed on flimsy stock.

Coloured carrier bags are only as superb as the film specification behind the shade, because pigment can change how the polythene suppliers behaves on the machine and in later handling. A robust colour load may make the web stiffer, upset gauge control and create weak seals where the bag is cut and stressed around the handle area. That soon shows up in packhouses and despatch areas, where bags need to open cleanly, dash at speed and retain their shape in a secondary pack. A well-manufactured coloured carrier bag balances appearance with practical film performance, so the stock transports, occupies and carries without nasty surprises on the line.

Big carrier bags need to be built for weight and shape, not only for appearance, because trade-display loads often include catalogues, samples and awkwardly packed handouts. If the handle fixing is poor or the base is also light, the bag beginnings to fail as soon as it is filled, and the result is torn gussets, dropped leaflets and bent corners. A tougher board or heavier gauge film gives better assist, while a wider base assists the contents sit properly instead of sagging to one side. That makes assortment faster and retains printed material in a usable condition for the rest of the event.

Quality carrier bags rely on far above a tidy print or a tidy stop, because the proper test comes in handling, loading, and transport. A superb bag requirements enough film strength or board stiffness to survive being filled, lifted, stacked, and carried without splitting at the seam or tearing at the handle. Gauge control, seal quality, and consistent converting all matter, particularly when bags are used in busy shopping settings where rough handling is normal. If the material is also thin or the seals are weak, failures display up fast at the till or on the street. Reliable performance retains complaints down and reduces wasted product.

Plastic carrier bags have moved from throwaway convenience to a packaging item that now has to justify its use in waste terms as well as in service terms. On the shop floor, that means checking whether a thin-film bag is certainly needed for the job, or whether a sturdier reusable sack, a paper substitute, or a alternative secondary pack would cut waste without causing more damage in handling. Bag gauge, seal strength and transport performance still matter, because a weak bag splits in transit and creates more litter than it saves in material. Cleaner specification and tighter issue control are the practical lessons.

A promotional carrier bag requirements to do above transport a few items; it has to survive handling, see tidy in use, and still feel like a decent part of packaging. When bags are manufactured from biodegradable plastics, the material selection changes how the film behaves on the line and in storage, so gauge, seal quality, and slip matter only as much as the printed message. A weak bag tears at the handles or splits along the side seam, which makes emblem promotion see careless rather than thoughtful. A well-manufactured bag gives a cleaner transport, better confidence at point of sale, and less waste when stock is handed out in volume.

Compostable carrier bags work optimal when the material matches the proper use, not only the label. A bag manufactured to EN13432 with corn starch or Mater Bi can suit light shopping transport-outs, nevertheless it still requirements enough gauge and seal strength to handle proper shop-floor loading, stacking and transport. Thin-looking films can tear early if the handle area is weak, while a better-manufactured bag grasps shape and protects contents without stretching into a loose, wasteful flap. Print, bag width and carrying weight all affect performance. A sensible specification avoids client complaints, rejected stock and avoidable handling damage.

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

Top ten common things said about carrier bags

A biodegradable carrier bag only works properly when the materials and the disposal route match the claim. Corn-based film can suit light shopping use, nevertheless its tear resistance, seal behaviour and shelf life need checking before it reaches the shop floor, because a bag that sees tidy at dispatch can still split below a heavier occupy or poor handling. Converting also has to control gauge evenly, since thin spots weaken the bag and can lead to waste at packing. The practical value is transparent: a well-specified bag assists the emblem story without causing avoidable damage or returns.

Large carrier bags can make theft easier because they conceal a small item in plain sight and give staff less chance to spot what has been taken. A roomy bag with soft sides swallows up a boxed necklace or other compact article without much noise, so the movement sees normal on CCTV and from the shop floor. That is why busy tills, narrow aisles and poor sightlines create trouble for shopping security, not only the bag itself. Clear bag checks, better camera angles and tighter control of high-value display areas reduce the risk before an item disappears.

Cheap carrier bags are only a bargain when the paper grade, handle style and occupy weight all match the job. A thin kraft sack may see fine on the shelf, nevertheless once it is loaded with bottles, boxed products or a heavy takeaway order, weak seams and poor handle attachment soon display up as handling damage. Twist-handle paper bags normally give better transport comfort and a tidier stop for shopping use, while lighter sulphite paper suits low-risk items and short journeys. Choosing the gross gauge adds waste without saving much in practice. A sensible specification retains products presentable and reduces complaints at the counter.

Promotional Carrier Bags - Shopping Bag - Hi Vis Product Code - Hi8439 - 1CP

Promotional carrier bags with hi-vis stripes do above transport purchases; they give the bag a second job as an easy-to-see item in low light. That matters when a paper or polythene suppliers bag is handed above at the till and then used later on a dark street, in a car park, or on a wet pavement where poor visibility raises the risk of mistakes and dropped products. A big format also assists because a bigger bag is easier to grip, loads better, and takes heavier shopping without straining the handles. The practical value comes from attaching promotion with use, so the bag stays useful after the first handover.

Coloured carrier bags have to cope with far above a emblem or a nice shopfront see. For specialist vinyl shopping, the load is awkward: heavy for its size, square at the corners and often carried a fair distance after purchase. That puts proper stress on the film, particularly if the polythene suppliers gauge is also light or the extrusion process leaves weak spots that split below strain. Good bags need enough strength at the handle and side gussets without wasting material, because fat stock takes space in storage and slows down packing. A well-judged bag also opens cleanly, stacks properly and gives a proper hand feel on the counter, which retains service moving when demand is busy.

Big carrier bags make beach clean-ups transport faster because they grasp a messy mix of litter without needing constant changeover. A light bag with decent capacity lets volunteers collect cans, bottles, wrappers and broken bits of waste in one dash, which retains attention on the shoreline instead of on emptying containers. The film requirements enough gauge to cope with sand, damp waste and rough dragging, while the handles must take a full lift without tearing at the top seal. When bags are chosen well, assortment stays tidy and more material is removed before wind and tide shift it back out of reach.

Quality carrier bags make a short grocery trip much easier when they are chosen for load-bearing strength rather than convenience alone. A thin bag can split at the handle only as the shop is handed above, which is annoying with fresh food and can lead to wasted packaging inside the bag as well. A stronger carrier with decent gauge or a well-manufactured woven handle spreads the weight better, so cartons, tins and chilled items stay supported on the walk home. That matters even more when bags are carried inside a backpack, because sharp corners and shifting contents add additional strain. Good bag quality saves faff and reduces breakages.

Plastic carrier bags used for hot prepared-to-eat food need a alternative rule from normal shopping bags because hygiene and handling are part of the packaging decision. A bag that has already carried raw groceries, loose packaging or dirty returns can transport pollution to food that will be eaten straight away, and that is a worse problem than simple litter. In food service, the bag is doing above carrying items from one counter to another; it is part of the food contact chain, so cleanliness matters only as much as strength. A plain charge or restriction does not solve that practical point. The sensible come is to treat fresh, clean bags as the proper case for hot takeaway food and avoid muddled reuse.

Size 3 Laminated Paper promotional Carrier Bag

A promotional carrier bag has to do above transport shopping; it also has to survive handling, stacking and a fair amount of abuse before it reaches the client. Standard polythene suppliers gives light weight and superb tear resistance, while patch handles spread the load where fingers pull hardest, so the bag is less likely to split at the top. That matters on a busy packing line, where a weak handle can slow dispatch and create claims. When the material is chosen and converted properly, the bag comes off the line tidy, lifts cleanly, and acquires the message across without failing in use.

Compostable carrier bags only work properly when the material, storage and stop-use all line up. A bag that sees green on the shelf can still fail if it is also thin, has poor seal quality, or is left in a hot stockroom where the film beginnings to lose strength. Retail teams also need to think about handling damage at the till and how much weight the bag must transport without splitting on the method to a car or bike. If the specification is proper, the bag can cut visible plastic waste without causing complaints or spillage. That makes the selection useful rather than decorative.

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.