Bags / Polythene (Popular)

* Many of our poly bags are suitable for food use, however there may be exceptions and if you specifically require this then it is best to get specific confirmation of this.

Bags / Polythene (Popular)

Clear polythene bags are a practical, everyday packaging choice for protecting, grouping and presenting products. This collection focuses on multi-purpose clear bags in a broad range of sizes and thicknesses, making it easier to match the bag to the weight, shape and handling demands of your items. Many applications benefit from the clarity of polythene film (quick identification, tidy presentation) and the ability to close the bag using tape, ties or heat sealing where appropriate.

These bags are commonly used for packing components, retail items, garments, printed materials, light engineering parts, and many other products where a clean, transparent protective outer layer is helpful. Thickness is a key variable: lighter films suit low-stress uses, while heavier films provide improved puncture resistance and durability for heavier or sharper contents.

Clear Polythene Bags — Helpful Guide

Below is a practical guide to the main packaging types represented within this category, along with links to the relevant sub-collections. Use it to narrow down the best option based on thickness, handling method and the way you intend to close the bag.

1) Standard clear polythene bags by thickness (micron / “mu”)

Film thickness is typically stated in microns (µm, often written as “mu”). As a quick reference, 1 micron equals 0.001 mm, so a 50µ bag is approximately 0.05 mm thick. Thicker film generally increases strength and puncture resistance, but may require slightly different heat-sealing settings.

Lightweight & 100g (25mu)
Best for very light items and low-stress packing where minimal material thickness is sufficient. Often chosen for lightweight components, inserts and simple protective covering.
120G (30mu)
A step up in thickness for light-duty packing where you want a little more robustness while keeping the bag flexible and easy to handle.
150G (38mu)
A common “everyday” thickness for general-purpose use, balancing clarity, flexibility and improved tear resistance compared with very lightweight film.
Medium 200G (50mu)
A strong general-purpose option for a wide range of products. Suitable when bags are handled frequently or when contents have corners that could stress thinner film.
250G (63mu)
Heavier-duty protection for bulkier items or products with edges. Often selected when you want extra puncture resistance and a more substantial feel.
Heavy (76-102mu)
Designed for demanding applications, including heavier contents and items with sharper profiles. A good choice where durability matters more than ultra-light flexibility.
500G (127mu)
Very heavy-duty film for high-protection uses. Useful for industrial parts, thicker bundles, or situations where bags may be reused or experience higher abrasion.
700G - 1000G (178mu - 254mu)
Extra-thick film for maximum durability and puncture resistance. Often used as protective sleeves or covers for heavy, awkward or high-value items.

2) Mailing and dispatch formats

When the bag is part of a dispatch workflow, the closure method and handling conditions become especially important. Mailing formats are typically chosen for speed of packing, consistent presentation and protection during transit.

Clear Poly Mailers
Clear mailing bags designed for packing and sending items where visibility is useful (for example, paperwork, printed materials or products that benefit from quick identification). Consider the thickness and closure style that best matches your transit conditions.

3) High-throughput packing formats

For repetitive packing tasks, formats that support fast dispensing and consistent bag separation can improve efficiency and reduce handling time.

Perforated Polythene Bags
Perforated formats are designed to separate cleanly and quickly, supporting streamlined packing where many bags are used in sequence. They are often used in production, fulfilment and assembly environments.

Case study: reducing damage and rework in a small fulfilment operation

A small parts distributor was experiencing occasional product scuffing and bag splits during picking and packing. The issue was most noticeable when items with corners were packed into very lightweight bags and then handled repeatedly during order consolidation. By switching those lines to a medium-to-heavy thickness range and standardising heat-seal settings for the most common bag sizes, the team reduced split bags and improved pack consistency. The key lesson was that “strong enough” film depends on the full handling journey: picking, internal movement, sealing, and transit—not just the item’s weight.

How to choose the correct polythene bag

Step 1: Define what the bag must do

Protection: Is the goal dust protection, moisture resistance, scuff prevention, or containment of small parts?
Presentation: Do you need high clarity for quick identification or retail display?
Handling: Will the bag be opened and closed repeatedly, or sealed once and shipped?

Step 2: Choose thickness based on stress, not just weight

Weight is a useful starting point, but shape and handling often matter more. Items with corners, edges, or abrasive surfaces can stress film and cause punctures. If bags are dropped into totes, stacked, or moved around frequently, consider moving up a thickness band.

Light-duty (25–30µ): low-stress protection for lightweight items.
General-purpose (38–50µ): a versatile range for many packing tasks.
Heavy-duty (63–102µ): improved puncture resistance for demanding handling.
Extra heavy-duty (127–254µ): maximum durability for industrial or high-risk applications.

Step 3: Confirm closure method (including heat sealing)

Many clear polythene bags are suitable for use with heat sealers, but sealing performance depends on film thickness and the type of sealer. Thicker films may require higher temperature and/or longer dwell time to achieve a consistent seal. If you are sealing for transit, test a few settings and perform a simple pull test to confirm seal integrity.

Where heat sealing is not required, closure can be achieved using ties, tape, labels, or by placing the bag inside a secondary outer pack. The best method depends on whether the bag needs to be tamper-evident, re-openable, or simply closed for dust protection.

Step 4: Check size and fit

Choose a bag size that allows the product to slide in without forcing, while avoiding excessive empty space that can lead to bunching or snagging. For bulky items, allow extra width and length for easy insertion and closure. For flat items, a closer fit can improve presentation and reduce movement.

Step 5: Consider compliance and end-of-life handling

Food use: If the bag will be used for food contact, ensure the specific product is suitable for food use and that it matches your intended application (for example, dry vs fatty foods, ambient vs frozen use). Where required, request documentation appropriate to your compliance needs.
Recyclability: Clear polythene film is widely recyclable in principle, but local collection rules vary. Keep film clean and free from contamination where possible, and follow local guidance for plastic film recycling.

Practical tips for better results

Prevent punctures and splits

Move up a thickness band for sharp-edged or abrasive items.
Remove or cover sharp corners where possible (for example, with edge protectors or a small wrap).
Avoid overfilling; stress at the seal area can cause failures during handling.

Improve sealing consistency

Keep sealing bars clean and free from film residue.
Use consistent pressure and dwell time; adjust temperature gradually when changing thickness.
Allow seals to cool briefly before handling to reduce distortion.

Support efficient packing workflows

Standardise a small number of bag sizes and thicknesses for your most common products.
For high-volume use, consider perforated formats to speed up dispensing and reduce handling time.
Label bags clearly where identification matters; clear film helps with quick visual checks.

Common applications

Retail and e-commerce: protecting items from dust and scuffs, grouping accessories, and presenting products neatly.
Warehousing and logistics: organising parts, kitting, and protecting components during internal movement.
Manufacturing and assembly: separating batches, protecting finished parts, and supporting line-side packing.
Documents and printed materials: keeping paperwork clean and visible, especially when used with clear mailer formats.

Q&A

What does “mu” (micron) mean on polythene bags?

“Mu” refers to microns (µm), a measure of film thickness. One micron equals 0.001 mm, so a 50µ bag is about 0.05 mm thick. Higher micron values generally mean stronger, more puncture-resistant film, but less flexibility.

How do I choose the right thickness for my product?

Start with how the bag will be handled, not just the item’s weight. Lightweight film suits low-stress protection, while heavier film is better for sharp edges, frequent handling, or transit. If you see splits or punctures, move up a thickness band.

Are clear polythene bags suitable for heat sealing?

Many clear polythene bags can be sealed using heat sealers, but settings depend on film thickness and sealer type. Thicker film often needs higher temperature or longer dwell time. Always test a few seals and check strength before packing at scale.

Are these bags suitable for food use?

Some polythene bags are suitable for food use, but suitability depends on the specific product and intended application. For direct food contact, confirm the bag is stated as suitable for food use and ensure it matches your needs (dry, fatty, frozen, etc.).

Are polythene bags recyclable?

Polythene film is widely recyclable in principle, but collection methods vary by area. Clean, clear film is typically easier to recycle than contaminated or heavily labelled film. Follow local guidance for plastic film recycling and keep bags as clean as possible after use.