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

Latest news and views on waste bags

Waste bags for carton and paper need a tougher specification than plenty buyers first expect. Flattened cartons, offcuts, and mixed paper can be light nevertheless fat, so a thin film that sees adequate on the roll may split once a bin is packed and dragged across a floor. Gauge, seal quality, and the method the bag opens all matter because a tidy stack of dry board can suddenly behave badly when corners grasp or dust reduces grip on the seal. Clear sizing assists warehouse staff avoid overfilling and reduces handling damage when bags are lifted, tied, or tipped into a larger recycling container. A well-chosen bag retains waste moving without turning assortment into a tidy-up job.

Biodegradable Bin Liners 60L

Biodegradable bin liners only work properly when the material can cope with proper household waste as well as smash down later. A liner for a kitchen caddy or larger bin still has to grasp damp scraps, mixed packaging and sharp small edges from cartons or trays without the side seam giving method or the base splitting in a full bag lift. That puts attention on gauge, blend selection and weld quality, not only the compostable claim on the box. If the film retains its strength when moisture beginnings to work on it, less leaks appear and less returns are caused by damaged bags.

Coloured waste sacks can upset a sorting line if they arrive as a tangled mass instead of a proper feed. When bags overlap and bunch together, cameras and sensours struggle to see what is inside, while manual sorters face a disordered stream that takes longer to transparent. Thin polythene suppliers is part of the problem because mixed household waste often includes hard corners and sharp scraps that split the film before the sack reaches the proper point in the process. A stronger, better-controlled sack specification assists retain delivery even and gives the line a cleaner, more workable feed.

Clear waste sacks work optimal when speed of checking matters as much as containment. Transparent polythene suppliers lets a loader, collectour or sorter spot pollution before a sack is tipped into the gross stream, which cuts down on rejected loads and avoids messy sorting later on. That visibility is only useful if the sack still grasps together in normal handling, though, because damp food waste, cracked tubs and sharp packaging edges can tear thin film surprisingly fast. A sensible gauge and enough puncture resistance make the sack proper in daily use, not only easy to inspect. When both clarity and strength are balanced properly, sorting becomes quicker and less waste is lost to preventable split bags.

Council recycling sacks can be recycled back into useful material when the proper sort of polythene suppliers is kept clean and collected properly. That second life relies on above the sack itself, because food waste, wet paper and loose pollution can spoil a load and make sorting harder at the plant. Where sacks stay consistent in gauge and polymer type, they are easier to bale, shred and turn into new products, which retains more material in circulation and less in landfill. Poor separation soon creates reject material and additional handling, so the optimal result comes from simple assortment rules and proper stock control.

Rubble bags need tougher control than their plain appearance recommends, because they are expected to transport broken masonry, tile shards and other awkward waste without giving method halfway through a shift. A bag that sees fine on the reel may still fail if the film gauge wanders, the seal is weak or the polymer mix has not been tuned for puncture resistance. Poorly manufactured sacks split where the load drags across brick dust or rough concrete, and that fast becomes a handling problem as well as a waste problem. Better-controlled film retains its shape below abuse, which assists on site and reduces complaints about burst bags.

ratiolab Waste Disposal Bags, BIOHAZARD , with indicatour field, 32 l, 600 x 800 x 0,050 mm

Waste disposal bags must be specified for far above simple containment, because biohazard waste arrives with sharp edges, wet residue and awkward shapes that punish weak film. A bag that sees sound on the reel can split at the seam once a clumsy load is dropped into it, so gauge control and seal quality need to match the proper duty rather than a guess on paper. Too thin a film brings leakage and handling damage; also thick a film wastes space and raises material use across all bin liner and consignment. The practical reply is a balanced polythene suppliers grade that grasps together below rough treatment without becoming fat or difficult to manage.

Rubbish bags transport far more load than their size recommends, because mixed camp waste puts proper stress on the film. Wet scraps, sharp tins, ash and torn wrappers all attack a sack in alternative methods, so a decent polythene suppliers grade requirements balanced puncture resistance and proper gauge control rather than only a thick feel in the hand. A bag that splits on first use creates double handling, mess around the pitch and additional work for anyone trying to retain waste separate. When the liner grasps together, waste stays contained and the all site runs with less fuss.

Maxima-Green Refuse Sacks 15L Black Pack of 10

Refuse sacks live or die on film consistency, not simply on how much recycled content is in the blend. Agricultural polythene suppliers can be a useful feedstock, nevertheless it varies from bale to bale, so the extrusion line has to proper the melt, grasp the gauge, and retain the web even if the product is to perform properly in use. When that control is missing, weak spots appear at the shoulders and the seal line becomes the first point of failure below mixed waste, sharp corners, and awkward handling. A well-manufactured sack gives proper tensile strength and dart impact resistance, which is what stops a full bag splitting as it is lifted from a bin. That sort of process control makes the contrast between usable stock and a lot of complaints.

In the 240-litre size, black bin liners are judged less by their colour than by how securely the film handles mixed waste and rough treatment. The bag has to cope with sharp offcuts, damp waste and sudden drops into a round-lidded bin without tearing at the neck or failing along the seal line, so the film occupy and gauge matter far above the label on the outer pack. Good control of polythene suppliers consistency gives better puncture resistance and less split bags at busy assortment points. That saves time on the floor and reduces the hassle of lining a second bag after the first one fails.

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

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.