Understanding Poly Bag Thickness

Poly bag ply relates to the strength, durability, and protective capability of the bag. Depending on what you need to package, you may need a stronger, thicker bag to hold your product. This is measured according to a poly bag’s mil score. 

What’s a Mil?

A mil is the industry-wide measurement unit for poly bag thickness, or gauge. 

One mil is equal to a thousandth of an inch (1000 mil = 1 inch). Most poly bags are 6 mil or less, with the average poly bag breadth around 2 mil. This may seem like a small range, but for poly bags, there’s a big difference between 0.5 or 1 mil poly bag and a 5 mil poly bag.

It’s important to note that the industry standard practice in the manufacturing of poly bags and other flexible materials is to produce materials to nominal thickness — 10% thinner than the specified mil — unless requested as full gauge. This means that a 2 mil poly bag manufactured to nominal thickness would actually measure 1.8 mil, or 0.0018 inches thick.

To get an accurate quote for your custom poly bag order, be sure to specify nominal thickness or full gauge thickness.

Common Poly Bag Mil Types

To help you understand the difference between common poly bag thicknesses, here are some of the different uses for poly bags at varying mil sizes.

How to Choose Poly Bag Thickness

When choosing the right poly bag mil, you’ll need to consider three things: the product it will need to contain, the protection required for your product, and the ideal durability for your poly bag.

• Measure Your Product: What are you putting in the poly bag? Consider the dimensions of your product, but particularly the weight. Heavier items require thicker mil poly bags than light items, regardless of size.
• Choose the Level of Protection: Does your product need extra protection for fragile or sharp edges? Delicate items may require a thicker poly bag for better protection from damage like scratching. Thicker poly bags can also protect other items from your product — if your item has sharp edges, for example.
• Consider Poly Bag Durability: How long does your poly bag need to last to protect your product, reach the shipment destination, or sit in storage? Whether your poly bag is single use or reusable will affect the mil. Reusable bags should be at least 2 mil, while temporary poly bags can be less than 1 mil.

Poly bags are an incredibly versatile packaging material that can be developed into varying strengths to serve any application. If you’re still not sure which poly bag thickness is right for you, talk to an expert from A-Pac Manufacturing. We’d love to learn more about your product and application and help you find the very best thickness and size poly bag for your company.

4 Cost Effective Packaging Solutions to Increase Profitability

4 simple ways to save on packaging costs are switching to economical materials, using smaller packages, varying your packaging options, and making sure your packaging material is good quality. Let’s go through each of these cost-effective packaging solutions to reduce costs and increase profits.

#1 Choose Cost Effective Packaging Materials

Using cost effective packaging materials such as poly bags, paperboard, and cardboard, can significantly reduce your packaging costs. While all of these materials can be customized to accommodate different types and sizes of packaging, poly bags are the most versatile packaging — and a great price point for effective, durable packaging.

Poly bags can be developed to different strengths and durability levels to suit your needs, from single-use bags to reusable poly bags. They also support custom branding, offer unique sealing options, and come in a variety of shape designs. 

#2 Use Smaller Packages with Less Material

Another way to reduce expenditures on packaging materials is to maximize space with smaller packages. Smaller packages not only use less material, which saves your company money, but they also take up less space in your facility and on your shipping fleet, which translates to eased costs. 

Gusseted poly bags, for example, are a cost effective packaging solution that can accommodate a variety of products. The side panels can expand to allow larger products to fit easily inside or fold flat for smaller items.

#3 Vary Different Cost Effective Packaging Options

Using different packaging options can help you tailor your packaging materials more specifically to the product, and save on packaging costs. Not all products you ship will need to be packaged in the same way in order to be shipped safely. Consider having a few packaging options — different sizes, materials, strengths, etc — to use for different items. 

For example, while some fragile items may require padded envelopes, flexible packaging like flat poly bags may work well for other products such as clothing or small parts.

#4 Use Effective Packaging to Minimize Return Costs

Cost effective packaging solutions such as cheaper materials or smaller packages may save your company money, but if your packaging isn’t effective, you could end up spending more for damaged products and returns. When cutting costs and shopping for new packaging products, make sure your materials will support your products so they reach the consumer safely. 

Plastic bags, for example, can be manufactured to different strengths for sharp-edged or bulk items. If you have specific concerns about packaging and shipping your products safely, you can work with a poly bag supplier to design custom bags for your company. The right poly bag supplier can help you find the ideal packaging for your products, while saving you money and increasing your profits.

Increase Profits with Cost Effective Packaging Solutions

Cost effective packaging solutions such as versatile poly bags developed for your unique packaging needs are a great way to boost your company’s profits. If you’re looking to improve your packaging with custom poly bags, A-Pac Manufacturing offers the highest-quality poly bags at no minimum order and 2-3 week lead times. Give our team a call for more information.

6 Popular Poly Bag Seals

No matter what you need to package, from agricultural items to auto parts, there’s a poly bag seal that will be perfect for your application.

#1 Twist Tie Poly Bags

This type of poly bag seals with a thin, flexible wire or ribbon which wraps around the bag opening and twists or ties to secure. The poly bag is open on one end and heat sealed on the other. It’s commonly used for packaging food items such as bread, potatoes, or loose bulk cereals and grains.

#2 Seal Reclosable Poly Bags

Seal reclosable poly bags are a popular choice because they allow for an airtight seal and repeated use. To open and close this poly bag seal, tracks on either side of the bag opening fit together, allowing the bag to be pressed close. A lip extends above the seal so it can be easily reopened by peeling the two sides apart. 

Seal reclosable poly bags can be used for a variety of items, and are typically used to hold small parts, especially those that can be stored and accessed again later.

#3 Zip Seal Reclosable Poly Bags

Similar to the seal reclosable poly bags, this poly bag seal also closes by bringing the adjoining tracks together. However, this type of poly bag seals using a zipper or slide. The zipper eliminates the need for extra material to be used as a lip. Zip seal reclosable poly bags allow more convenient, repeated access to the contents of the poly bag. 

#4 Fold and Adhesive Poly Bags

As one of the most cost-effective poly bag seals, the fold and adhesive poly bag seal is a popular choice. An extra lip of material extends beyond the bag opening, which is folded over the bag to close. A strip of adhesive secures the fold to contain the bag contents. This type of poly bag seal is not typically reusable, as it requires the bag to be torn open. Some poly bags with this seal option may have a perforated edge for easy access. 

A fold and adhesive poly bag seal is ideal for packaging items that need protection from dirt or debris, but aren’t meant to be airtight or puncture resistant. They are commonly used for packaging items like clothing or fabric, or can even be used as temporary storage for food items.

#5 Drawstring Reclosable Poly Bags

Drawstring reclosable poly bag seals use a simple cotton rope, threaded through a heat-sealed tube at the opening of the poly bag. To close, the ends of the rope are pulled tight. To open, the rope slides back into the tube as the opening expands. 

One advantage of drawstring reclosable poly bag seals is that the rope closure can double as a handle for easy transport. This type of reclosable poly bag seal is often used to package ice, as it can be easily accessed and reused.

#6 Heat Seal Poly Bags

Heat seal poly bags use one of the most basic sealing options. Once the poly bag is filled, a special device fuses the sides of the bag together, melting the material slightly and then allowing it to cool quickly to form an airtight seal. Heat seal poly bags can be used for almost everything, from protecting plastic cutlery to containing small parts to packaging medical devices.

To access the contents of the poly bag, the material needs to be cut or torn, which means it can’t typically be reused or reclosed. Heat seals for poly bags are commonly used for single-use packaging, where items need moisture-protection or to prevent contamination of sterile products. 

Looking for sealable poly bags? A-Pac manufacturing offers custom poly bags at no minimum order. We can manufacture the bags you need, including the seal you need, on the timeframe you want. Give our team a call for more information. 

While many new ways to package products have emerged over the years, poly packaging bags are still one of the most popular options, and for good reason! Poly bags are weatherproof, durable, fantastic for branding, and can be used for almost any product you can imagine. 

Are you considering poly bag packaging for your business? You’re in the right place! Read on to discover the top benefits of investing in poly bags. 

5 Reasons Why You Should Invest in Poly Packaging Bags

Whether you’re trying to cut back on costs, invest in more versatile packaging, or find a supplier with fast turnaround times, poly packaging bags could be the right choice for your business. 

#1) Poly Bag Packaging is a Cost Effective Solution

Polyethylene is significantly cheaper to produce than other materials. For example, while a paper bag may cost 4-5 cents to produce, a similarly sized plastic bag costs substantially less. As a result, poly bag packaging is one of the most cost-effective packaging options on the market.

If you have large quantities of products to package, poly bag packaging will win every time in a cost comparison. If you’re interested in cutting costs, your company can save money on poly bags by working with the right poly bag supplier.

#2) Poly Bag Packaging Has a Short Production Time

Another advantage of using poly packaging bags for your products is the rapid production process. Poly bags are made from poly sheeting, which is stretched, cut, and sealed to the size, shape, and design of your custom poly bags in a quick, streamlined process. The average production time for custom poly bags is about 4 weeks, but some poly bag packaging suppliers can fill custom orders in less. 

At A-Pac Manufacturing, we take pride in our swift turnaround times so you can get the packaging you need, when you need it. We offer 2-3 week lead times and no minimum order quantity. When you partner with us, you’ll never have to worry about being without packaging again!

#3) Poly Bag Packaging is Strong and Durable

Poly bags are a superior packaging material because they can be developed in varying strengths. HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) and MDPE (Medium-Density Polyethylene) are two of the strongest types of poly packaging that are ideal for packaging sharp-edged or bulky products. 

When ordering your custom poly bags, you can specify the mil strength of your bags, which will determine the thickness of the material. Generally, the thicker the bag, the stronger and more resistant to punctures or tears it is. 

Poly packaging is also highly durable – few materials offer the same resistance to moisture. For many products, having a protective barrier against humidity and elements is essential. Products like food items or electronic components could be easily compromised without this defense and are best protected by poly bag packaging.

#4) Poly Bag Packaging Has Versatile Uses

When it comes to custom packaging options, poly bags are unmatched. At A-Pac Manufacturing, we can support custom branding for your brand, including logos, fonts, and colors, and can easily design any bag to display what your company chooses. 

Our poly bags can also have customized sealing and handle options and contain special additives for appearance, clarity, or texture, depending on your company’s needs. It’s truly the most versatile material for packaging because it can be uniquely suited to your company and your product.

#5) Poly Bags Are Available in Environmentally-Friendly Options

Poly packaging bags have come a long way in terms of sustainability. While they are known for their affordability and durability, modern polyethylene bags can also be eco-friendly. 

A-Pac Manufacturing is committed to supporting greener and more eco-friendly packaging initiatives, and our new, more sustainable poly bags are our next step in offering you more of the environmentally friendly solutions you’re looking for. Using NuPlastiQ®, we can provide poly bags that are made from 20% plant-based materials. 

Discover Custom Poly Bag Packaging from A-Pac Manufacturing

If you’re looking for a highly customizable, durable, and versatile way to contain and ship your products, poly bag packaging is the most reliable, cost-effective solution. You can order custom poly bags to look, feel, and perform exactly the way you want. Plus, you can have them ordered, shipped, and ready to use in just a few weeks!

When looking for a new packaging manufacturer, look no further than A-Pac Manufacturing. We thrive on working with smaller businesses and are dedicated to offering quick turnaround times while maintaining superior quality. If you want to learn more about our products and prices, contact us online today! 

What Custom Poly Bags Do You Need?

Consider what you need from your bags — how they should look and feel, and what you need them to do. Do your bags need to hold heavy items? Do they need to be a specific color? Will they display your branding information? The more customizations you add to your bag design, the more information you’ll need to communicate to your supplier. When you order custom poly bags, you should know:

• • The type of poly bags you’re looking for: flat, wicketed, gusseted, sideweld, bottom seal, or other type of custom poly bags
  • How is the bag going to be closed?: fold over, tie, twist tie, taped, sealed
  • What custom branding you need on the bags: including your logo, the placement on the bag, printing (multiple labels), and your preferred colors
  • How many bags you need in your order

The other important piece of information you need to specify is when you need your custom poly bags. This will determine when you place your order.

When Do You Need Your Custom Poly Bags?

The process to make custom poly bags is streamlined to prepare your product quickly, but it takes time to develop the perfect product for your application. Ordering well ahead of when you need your custom poly bags will ensure the proper time and attention is given to product quality so you receive the best bags for your investment.

Consider the average production time for custom poly bags, and talk to your supplier about an estimate based on your specifications. Understand that the more customizations you have for your product, the longer lead time you’ll need to factor into your order. Our typical lead times for registered print bags are 6-8 weeks.

A good rule of thumb is to go back at least 4-6 weeks from the earliest time you need your bags in hand. For example, if you need your bags at your facility on January 30th, you’ll want to order at least a month, to a month and a half before, so place your order by December 15th.

How to Order Custom Poly Bags

When ordering your custom poly bags, be as specific as possible. Your supplier will need to know all the relevant information about your order to be able to design a proof and provide you with an accurate estimate. 

Your order should include the following information: size, style/shape, color, thickness, branding information (including branding copy, location of copy on the bag, specific colors) bag quantity, shipping instructions, and any other relevant information about the bag’s use and strength requirements.

When you order your custom poly bags, it’s important to include all the relevant details. The more information you provide upfront, the smoother the ordering, proofing, and manufacturing processes will roll out.

Confirming Your Custom Poly Bags Order

Confirm the details of your order with your custom poly bags supplier to make sure the details are as you require. It’s easier to fix problems before the bags are made than after they’ve been manufactured and packaged to ship. You can also confirm with your supplier the estimated shipping date and arrival of your custom poly bags. 

A trustworthy, reputable poly bag supplier will communicate with you along the way to make sure you’re getting exactly what you need, when you need it. They prioritize customer service so you understand every step of the process of making your custom order, and make sure you’re satisfied with the quality of the end product. This level of communication not only builds trust with your supplier, but also saves you time and money.

A reputable poly bag supplier should follow up with you three times about the status of your order: 

1. Once, with a proof of your bag before printing including style, colors, and branding information. This stage will require your approval before the production of the bags can go ahead. 
2. Again, when your order has been manufactured and shipped. 
3. Finally, after you’ve received your order to make sure you are satisfied with the product quality, order quantity, and service.

Looking to make a custom poly bag order? A-Pac offers no minimum orders and custom capabilities to get you exactly the bags you need, when you need them. Contact us for more information.

Choosing the right poly bag size for your business is important. Your bags must be large enough to fit your product and offer viable protection against dirt, debris, and moisture – but you also don’t want to use a poly bag that has more material than you need, or you risk generating unnecessary waste and extra costs. 

So, how do you know what size poly bag you need? We’re here to help. 

To find what size poly bag you need, follow these four steps:

1. Measure your product
2. Determine your necessary poly bag measurements
3. Choose the correct type of poly bag
4. Confirm poly bag sizes with the proof 

Note: Any time you find that you need a bag sample, we’d be happy to help. Order a sample bag from A-Pac Manufacturing and talk to our team to make sure you’re getting exactly what you need. 

Let’s break these steps down further so you can figure out exactly what size poly bag you need for your product.

Follow These 4 Steps to Find the Right Poly Bag Sizes

1. Measure Your Product

For packaging purposes, you’ll need to measure your product or bag contents to find the correct poly bag size. You can find your product’s dimensions by taking measurements of your product’s length, width, and depth.

The shape of your product will also determine the type and style of bag you need. For example, if your product is flat and two-dimensional, a simple flat poly bag will best serve your needs and come in standard measurements. However, if your product is three-dimensional or a nonstandard shape, you’ll need a poly bag that can fit around it and cover all parts of the product. To find the minimum size bag you need for oddly shaped items, measure the space the product will take up in the bag from the widest points.

If you’re looking for a poly bag to fit in your product, such as a drum liner, these measurements will differ from the container’s length, width, and depth. Drum liners are measured in gallons. However, length and width calculations can easily be converted to express capacity in gallons using a bag guide to determine poly bag sizes.

2. Determine Your Necessary Poly Bag Measurements

When taking measurements of a poly bag, account for the space your product will take up. To adequately fit your product, the bag’s dimensions must be greater than what you want it to enclose. What size poly bag you’ll need will be the one that fits your product comfortably and will be easy to handle for packaging and shipping.

It’s also essential to consider the bag’s fit around your product. Add a few inches to the dimensions if you want the bag to fit loosely. A loose fit will ensure the product fits in any direction or arrangement in the packaging. Too tight of a fit could stretch or tear the poly bag, which could be a concern if your product has blunt or sharp edges.

3. Choose the Correct Type of Poly Bag

Poly bags come in various sizes and constructions and have designated uses, so it’s important to understand that different poly bags will require other measurements and ordering procedures. Here are a few examples of common types of poly bags:

• Flat Poly Bags: Standard flat poly bags are available in a wide range of poly bag sizes with straightforward measurements — just length and width.
• Gusseted Poly Bags: The sides of this bag type can expand to allow for a more fitted shape. For gusseted bags, in addition to length and width, be sure to also measure the desired depth when at full capacity.
• Bags on a Roll: Flat poly bags are often sold on a roll of uniform bags attached with perforated edges end-to-end. For each roll, the total roll length is the combined lengths of the bags. The width of the bags will be the same as the roll. 

Also, some bags have extra material at the top for handles, sealing options, etc. This part of the bag is not included in the overall measurement. The dimensions for your bag will cover the size of the bag pouch up until the bottom of these features. Keep this in mind when measuring what size poly bag you need, and also that your poly bags will take up more space than just the basic pocket size.

4. Confirm Poly Bag Sizes With the Poly Bag Proof

When ordering your poly bags, it’s always wise to talk with your supplier about what size poly bag they think will best meet your needs. During the poly bag ordering process, your supplier should develop a poly bag proof — a sample of your bag that meets your exact specifications and design requirements. You can use this proof to confirm that your product will fit comfortably inside the bag to ensure you have the correct size before production begins.

Talk to an Expert at A-Pac Manufacturing for Help Determining Poly Bag Sizes

Do you need help determining what size poly bag you need? Contact us today at A-Pac Manufacturing. We’re happy to help you choose the best-sized bag for your product. Also, be sure to check out our free guide for How to choose the right poly bags for your company.