500G Lay Flat Tubing (LFT)
7" Lay Flat Tubing (500g / 127µ) — Product Overview
Lay flat tubing (often shortened to LFT) is a versatile polythene packaging material supplied as a continuous tube wound on a roll. Because it is supplied as a tube rather than a pre-made bag, you can cut it to the length you need and seal the ends to create a custom-sized bag on demand. This makes lay flat tubing a practical choice when you need flexible packaging for products of varying lengths, when you want to reduce the number of different bag sizes you keep in stock, or when you want to protect items from dust and handling during storage and transit.
This listing is for 7" (178mm) lay flat tubing in a 500g / 127µ thickness grade. The lay flat width is the measurement across the tubing when it is flattened; when opened out, the approximate circumference is double the lay flat width. The 127 micron thickness provides a robust film suitable for many general-purpose industrial and warehouse packaging tasks where a stronger polythene is preferred.
Key Features
Made-to-measure bags from one roll
Cut to your required length and seal to create bags that fit your product, helping reduce wasted space and excess packaging.
7" (178mm) lay flat width
A popular width for protecting and bundling a wide range of items. The lay flat measurement is taken across the flattened tube.
500g / 127µ thickness grade
A heavier-duty film thickness designed for improved puncture resistance and durability compared with lighter grades.
Continuous tubing for efficient packing
Ideal for repetitive packing operations—cut, insert, seal—especially when paired with a suitable heat sealer.
Clean, professional presentation
Creates neat, sealed packs that help keep products clean and protected during storage, picking, and dispatch.
- Custom length packaging from a single roll
- Strong polythene film (127 micron / 500g grade)
- Consistent width (7" / 178mm lay flat)
- Compatible with heat sealing for secure closure
- Useful for bundling, protecting, and isolating items in storage and transit
Typical Uses
- Creating custom-length protective sleeves for parts, components, and products
- Bundling multiple items together for picking and dispatch
- Protecting goods from dust and handling marks in storage
- General warehouse and industrial packaging where flexible sizing is helpful
- Producing bags on demand for variable-length items
7" Lay Flat Tubing (178mm, 127µ) — Full Product Guide
Lay flat tubing is one of the most adaptable packaging formats because it bridges the gap between pre-made bags and fully bespoke packaging. Instead of choosing from a fixed set of bag sizes, you start with a continuous tube and create the bag length you need at the point of packing. This approach can simplify stockholding, speed up packing for mixed product ranges, and help you achieve a closer fit around your items.
How It Works
Lay flat tubing is supplied as a flattened tube on a roll. In use, you typically:
- Pull out the required amount of tubing from the roll
- Cut the tubing to length
- Seal one end (if not already sealed) using a suitable heat sealer
- Insert the product
- Seal the open end to close the pack
This simple workflow makes it easy to create consistent, secure packs. For operations that pack many items per day, a repeatable cut-and-seal routine can improve throughput and reduce errors compared with selecting multiple bag sizes.
Understanding the Size: Lay Flat Width vs Open Size
The stated width for lay flat tubing is the lay flat width—the measurement across the tubing when it is flattened. When the tube is opened, the effective circumference is approximately twice the lay flat width. This is useful when estimating whether an item will fit, especially for round or irregular shapes. If you are packaging a product with corners or a bulky profile, allow extra room so the film is not overstressed and the seals remain reliable.
Because this is a configurable product page that may cover multiple roll options, focus on the lay flat width and thickness grade shown in the variant you select rather than assuming a single fixed roll length.
Materials and Construction
This product is a polythene lay flat tube manufactured as a continuous sleeve. Polythene film is widely used in packaging because it is lightweight, flexible, and provides a practical barrier against dust and light contamination. The tubing format means there are no side seams to split in the way some bag formats can, and the film can be sealed to create a closed pack.
The 127µ (micron) thickness is a common way to specify film gauge. In general terms, a higher micron value indicates a thicker, stronger film. The 127µ grade is typically chosen when you want a more robust sleeve that can better tolerate handling, sharper edges, or heavier contents than thinner films.
Floor Type Compatibility (Packing Environment)
Lay flat tubing is used at packing benches, in goods-in areas, and on warehouse floors. To keep packing smooth and consistent:
- Use a stable cutting surface to achieve clean, repeatable lengths
- Keep the roll supported on a dispenser or spindle to prevent telescoping and reduce drag
- Maintain a tidy work area so the film stays clean and seals properly
If you are packing in dusty environments, sealed tubing can help keep products cleaner than open-ended sleeves or loose wrapping.
Health and Safety
As with all plastic packaging materials, safe handling and good housekeeping are important:
- Keep film away from heat sources except when sealing with appropriate equipment
- Use cutting tools carefully and store blades safely when not in use
- Prevent slip hazards by promptly removing offcuts and keeping floors clear
- Follow heat sealer guidance for temperature and dwell time to avoid burns and ensure consistent seals
If you are sealing frequently, consider a routine check of seal quality (visual inspection and occasional pull tests) to confirm the closure is secure for your application.
Ideal Applications and Use Cases
Because you can create any length you need, lay flat tubing is especially useful for:
- Variable-length products where pre-made bags would require many sizes
- Long items that are awkward to bag using standard formats
- Parts and components that need clean protection during storage
- Bundling kits or grouped items for dispatch
- Work-in-progress protection between manufacturing steps
In many operations, switching from multiple bag sizes to one or two tubing widths can simplify purchasing and reduce the risk of running out of a specific bag size.
Maintenance, Cleaning and Care
Lay flat tubing itself does not require maintenance, but how you store and handle the roll can affect performance:
- Store rolls in a clean, dry area to keep the film free from dust that can interfere with sealing
- Avoid crushing or deforming the roll, which can cause uneven feeding
- Use a dispenser to reduce handling damage and improve cutting accuracy
- Keep sealing bars clean on your heat sealer for consistent seals
If you notice inconsistent seals, review sealer settings (temperature, dwell time, pressure) and ensure the film is flat and free from creases at the seal line.
Case Study (Typical Workflow Example)
A common scenario is a warehouse that ships a mix of parts in different lengths. Instead of stocking multiple bag sizes, the team uses lay flat tubing at the packing bench. For each order line, the packer pulls out the required length, cuts, seals one end, inserts the item, and seals the other end. This approach can reduce the number of packaging SKUs held in stock and helps ensure each item is protected with a close-fitting sleeve.
For operations with repeat lengths, simple measuring guides or marked benches can help standardise pack sizes and speed up packing.
Who Is It For?
- Warehouses and fulfilment teams packing mixed product ranges
- Manufacturing and assembly operations protecting components between processes
- Maintenance and engineering stores organising parts and keeping them clean
- Retail and e-commerce teams needing flexible protective packaging
Colours / Features Available
This product is supplied as polythene lay flat tubing. If your operation requires specific features (for example, tinted film, printed warnings, or specialist anti-static properties), check the available options within the wider lay flat tubing range or contact the team for guidance on suitable alternatives.
Sizes Available
Lay flat tubing is commonly offered in multiple widths and thickness grades. This page may include multiple variants, so select the option that matches your required lay flat width and thickness. If you need help choosing the right width for your product profile, consider the item’s maximum circumference and allow extra tolerance for corners, seams, and easy insertion.
Because tubing is supplied on a roll, you can create bespoke cut lengths at the point of packing. This is one of the main advantages of lay flat tubing compared with pre-made bags.
Need help selecting the right option?
If you can share the approximate dimensions and shape of what you’re packing (especially the maximum circumference and the required bag length), it’s straightforward to recommend a suitable lay flat width and thickness grade.