Custom Poly Bags

Custom flip top and reverse flip-top poly bags are designed to have a convenient flip-over top allowing easy opening and reclosing of a package. Custom flip top poly bags are commonly used for bagging blankets, clothing, other textiles, food, and sandwiches. These bags are often custom printed with a logo, company name, contact information, instructions, and directions.

Custom bottom loading poly bag has the top of the bag sealed and the bottom open. Custom bottom-loading bags have one side of the bottom longer which allows the bag to be opened more easily. 

How do you determine the correct size and thickness (Mil) for custom poly bags?

Purpose: What will the poly bag be used for? Will it package products, store food, or something else? Different uses require different bag sizes and thicknesses.

Size of the item: The size of the bag will depend on the item you want to put in it. The bag should be large enough to accommodate the item easily but not so large that it wastes material or causes the item to shift around too much.

Weight of the item: Heavier items require thicker bags. If the bag is too thin, it might not be able to support the item's weight and could tear or break.

Protection needs: If the items to be packaged are sharp or have rough edges, a thicker bag would be more suitable to prevent puncturing. Similarly, items that require extra cushioning or protection from external factors such as moisture, dust, or UV rays may need thicker or special types of poly bags.

Now, let's see how to determine the size and thickness (Mil) for your custom poly bags.

Determining the Size:

Measure the width, length, and depth (if applicable) of the item you wish to bag. These measurements will be the basis for your poly bag's size. For bags with bottom or side gussets (which allow them to expand), you'll also need to account for these in your dimensions.

For example, to determine the width of the bag, measure your product's width (left to right), add its depth (front to back), then add 1/2" to 1" for fit. This is the width of the bag you’ll need.

To determine the length of the bag, measure the height of your product (bottom to top), add the depth (if applicable), and then add 3” to 5”. This extra length accounts for the overhang needed to close the bag.

Determining the Thickness (Mil):

The thickness of a poly bag is typically measured in Mil. One Mil is equal to one-thousandth (1/1000) of an inch.

As a general guideline:

• Lightweight items (up to 10 lbs) typically require 1-2 Mil thickness bags.
• Medium-weight items (10-50 lbs) typically require bags of 2-3 Mil thickness.
• Heavy-duty or sharp items (>50 lbs) usually require 3-4 Mil or more thick bags.

Remember, these are just guidelines. You should always test your bag under actual conditions to ensure that it can securely hold your product.

Please note that local regulations and sustainability considerations can also affect the thickness and material type of the bags. If possible, always try to balance the requirements of strength, cost, and environmental impact.

Popular 1 Mil to 6 Mil Custom Poly Bag Applications:

1 Mil Custom Poly Bags

1 Mil custom plastic bags are used for lightweight, less bulky items. They are generally used in applications where a barrier against dust and moisture is needed.

Packaging for textiles and apparel like T-shirts and lightweight clothing.
Covering and protection for lightweight items like paper and photographs.
Packaging for food items such as baked goods and produce.

2 Mil Custom Poly Bags

2 Mil custom plastic bags are slightly more durable and offer better protection against punctures than 1 Mil bags. They are suitable for products that require a bit more security.

Packaging for small parts and manuals.
Packaging for pharmaceuticals and wellness products.
Packaging for food products such as nuts, candies, and frozen foods.

3 Mil Custom Poly Bags

3 Mil custom plastic bags offer even more durability and are often used for medium-weight items that need more protection.

Packaging for industrial parts and hardware.
Packaging for electronic components.
Food storage, particularly for bulkier, heavier items like grains.

4 Mil Custom Poly Bags

4 Mil custom plastic bags are considered heavy-duty bags suitable for heavier products with sharper edges.

Packaging for automotive parts.
Packaging for industrial equipment and tools.
Protecting heavier food items or those with sharp edges, like frozen foods with bone-in or shell-on.

5 Mil Custom Poly Bags

5 Mil custom plastic bags are typically used for hefty items or items with sharp edges that could puncture the bag.

Packaging for construction materials.
Packaging for heavy hardware and industrial parts.
Packaging for sharp or heavy medical equipment.

6 Mil Custom Poly Bags

6 Mil custom plastic bags are used for the heaviest, bulkiest, and sharpest items. They are typically used in applications where a high level of protection is needed.

Heavy-duty covers for outdoor equipment and machinery.
Packaging for heavy parts or equipment.
Waste disposal for sharp or heavy objects.
Protective covering for sharp or heavy items in shipping and storage.
 

Please note: These are typical applications, and your specific needs may vary depending on the specifics of your product, handling, and transportation conditions. Always consider testing the bags under actual conditions before large-scale use.