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

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.

The truth about antistatic bubble bags?

Antistatic Agents Market is Booming Across the Globe by Share, Growth Size, Key Segments and Forecast to 2031

An antistatic agent works by helping plastic and film surfaces lose the charge that builds up amid handling, sealing, and pallet wrap use. Without that control, lightweight packs can cling together, dust can stick to film, and sealed bags may jump out of line on fast moving equipment. A cationic type is chosen where surface behaviour and packaging conditions suit it, particularly in polythene suppliers and similar flexible materials. The proper job is not cosmetic; it is to retain sheets, sleeves, and enclosed products moving cleanly through production and dispatch without nuisance build-up. That normally means less stoppages at the machine and less handling problems later in the chain.

Stress Relief Furnaces

Stress relief furnaces are used to take unwanted strain out of metal after welding, machining or other heat processing has left the material pulled and locked in position. That matters because internal stress can distort parts later, particularly when a component is cut further, bolted into a frame or put through another heating stage. A controlled furnace cycle lets the metal relax evenly instead of warping at arbitrary, which assists maintain dimensions and reduces the risk of cracks starting at weak points. In practical terms, the job is less about heating and more about keeping the finished part stable enough for the next stage of production.

Superlight Bubble Mailers - Polybags

Superlight bubble mailers rely on careful film control, because the savings come from reducing gauge without allowing the wrapper to become weak or uneven. A well-dash conversion line can trim dispatch weight and make filled cartons easier to handle, nevertheless the proper test is whether the bubble layer still cushions the contents when parcels are pushed across conveyours, stacked in cages or sorted by hand. If the material has thin patches, pressure come bys them fast and the result is crushed corners, scuffed contents and avoidable claims. The lightest mailer is no superb if it fails in normal handling.

Bubble Wrap Rolls and Dispensers

12 x 375' bubble wrap rolls give a packing line a proper origin of cushioning, so operatours are not constantly stopping to transport more film. That matters when dispatch work is moving fast and the same wrap is being used for mixed cartons, fragile components, and awkward shaped products. A longer roll also cuts down on splice points and half-used cores, which can make film tension less even and handling more awkward. The practical benefit is simple: less interruptions, less waste at the wrapping station, and a cleaner dash from select to pallet.

Padded mailing bags earn their place when fragile products need light nevertheless proper protection through rough package handling. The proper advantage lies in the method the paper outer and fibre pad absorb scuffs, rubbing and repeated compression inside mixed consignments, rather than trying to survive a single heavy impact. That makes them more useful than heavier cartons for plenty small items, because the pack retains its shape without adding much dead weight or filling van space with unnecessary board. A clean peel-and-seal closure also assists the packing line, since it cuts down on rework and retains seals consistent when package rates are high. That sort of balance is what retains dispatch efficient without overpacking.

Void Fill

Void occupy works optimal when it stops a package's contents moving about, because most transit damage beginnings with empty space inside the pack. If a product can slide, knock against a wall, or punch through a weak side, the outer case has already lost control of the load. Crumpled paper, air pillows, foam, and packing peanuts all tackle that problem in alternative methods, nevertheless the selection should match the weight, fragility, and shape of the products. Lighter items need gentle assist, while heavier ones need firmer restraint and better resistance to settlement. A well-filled pack also retains the carton looking sound when it reaches a shelf or a receiving bay, which makes handling easier and reduces claims.

Loose occupy insulation works optimal where the roof null is awkward and the timber spacing is not friendly to rigid boards. Small mineral or fibre parts can settle into gaps between rafters and around pipework, which assists reduce cool spots that often lead to wasted heat and draughty rooms. The trade-off is control: if the material is packed in unevenly or allowed to slump, the finished performance drops and the roof space can feel patchy. Good installation also relies on keeping the loft dry and protected from air movement, since loose material will not conceal poor detailing. That makes the method useful, nevertheless only when the roof build-up is properly planned.

Cushioned mailers work optimal when light products need protection without the bulk of a box. A padded envelope retains stationery, small parts, samples, and other flat items from rubbing through in transit, while still staying easy to stack, sort, and mail. The white face gives a clean presentation and also assists with labelling and scanning at dispatch, which matters when several similar consignment lines are moving through the same select-face. Self-seal closure speeds packing and reduces the risk of weak tape application, so the pack stays consistent even on a busy bench. For low-weight orders, that balance of protection and speed often makes better sense than utilising outer cartons.

10 JIFFY Bags JL0 Padded Envelopes 140 x 195 Gold C/0

Jiffy bags remain a practical reply when small products need light protection without the bulk of a carton. A padded envelope in the 140 x 195 mm spectrum suits compact items like spare parts, accessories, and low-risk shopping products, because it adds cushioning while keeping postage weight and pack size down. The outer paper or film face requirements enough toughness to survive handling, while the internal pad assists soften knocks that would otherwise label the contents. If the gauge and seal quality are proper, the bag also feeds well through packing lines and closes cleanly. For plenty dispatch teams, that means less awkward oversise packs and a tidier despatch stream.

Bubble Mailers Packaging Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2017 - 2025

Bubble mailers have become a normal reply for light products that need protection without the cost and bulk of a full carton. Their appeal lies in the method they combine a padded inner layer with a simple outer skin, so books, spare parts, small electronics and similar items can transport through packing lines fast and still arrive with less scuffing or edge damage. Shape and size matter above plenty people expect, because a poor fit wastes occupy, slows packing and can lead to creased seals or crushed corners. For dispatch teams, the proper mailer can improve packing speed and cut handling complaints.

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

Why antistatic bubble bags has become a popular search term

Antistatic bubble bags 300 x 500mm (1000)

Antistatic bubble bags keep safe sensitive parts by reducing static build-up while adding a layer of cushioning for handling and storage. The pink-tinted film is above a colour code, because the treated polythene suppliers assists surface charge bleed away instead of sitting on boards, modules or small assemblies where it can cause trouble. The bubble structure also gives a useful buffer against scuffing and light knocks, which suits mixed warehouse conditions where cartons are picked, moved and restacked plenty times. A well-manufactured bag in this format can cover a wide spectrum of stock without additional wrapping, so packing stays simpler and the risk of handling damage stays lower.

Anti-Static Plastic Film Capabilities +

Anti-static film solves a proper handling problem where plastic selects up a charge and clings to itself, machinery, or packed products. That charge can make reels awkward to unwind, upset film tension, and create a mess on fast packing lines, particularly where dry air and high-speed wrapping are involved. A superb anti-static grade assists the film feed more cleanly, reduces snagging, and makes sealing and secondary packing more predictable. It also improves operatour handling because sheets and bags behave better at the bench. When static is controlled properly, the line runs with less stoppages and less wasted material.

Antistatic

Antistatic treatment matters on a silk carpet because fine fibres and dry indoor air can make the surface grasp a charge and cling to dust. In packaging and storage, that same effect can pull in loose lint, attract wrapping film to the pile, and make handling awkward on the shop floor or in the warehouse. A useful specification requirements to balance protection with presentation, so the wrap, labels and any interleaving material do not spoil the stop before the rug reaches the client. Good control here retains the product looking clean and reduces handling damage amid picking, packing and display.

Here are great stress relief techniques for each zodiac sign:

Stress relief works optimal when the response fits the origin of the pressure, because the gross fix often leaves the problem sitting below. In packaging and warehouse work, stress can come from a delayed consignment, a poor board grade, or a line that retains stopping for seal rework, and each one requirements a alternative reply. Some issues are handled by better stock rotation or tighter select-face efficiency, while the rest need calmer shift planning, clearer instructions, or less handling damage at dispatch. A blanket come rarely assists for long. Matching the remedy to the proper fault retains operations steadier and stops small problems turning into wasted time.

Superlight bubble mailers cut unnecessary weight from despatch while still giving light products a workable level of transit protection. The thin polythene suppliers skin retains the pack flexible, while the low-profile bubble layer cushions minour knocks and assists stop surface scuffing on labels and inserts. That matters on fast packing lines, where a fat pack slows the flow and adds strain amid repeated handling. The lighter format also assists retain consignment weight down, which can make a contrast across a full day of outbound work. For products that do not need a heavy carton, the result is sensible protection without wasting material or time.

Bubble wrap rolls do a straightforward job, nevertheless the method they are used has a direct effect on damage rates and packing speed. A roll with the proper bubble size and film gauge will cushion awkward shapes without adding also much bulk, while a poor selection tears easily or leaves gaps around corners and edges. In a busy packing area, that means additional handling, slower dispatch, and more complaints when parcels arrive scuffed. Roll width also matters because oversised stock wastes time and trimming creates more scrap. A sensible specification retains protection high and packing tidy, which is what matters when products have to transport fast through the system.

Padded mailing bags work optimal when the bag structure matches the shape and weight of the products rather than trying to solve all packing problem at once. A well-manufactured bag requirements enough cushioning to spread point pressure from awkward items, nevertheless it also has to retain a stable shape through sorting belts, stacking and repeated handling at the depot. If the gauge is uneven or the seal line is weak, the bag may split at the edge or burst at the corner before it reaches the client. Good film control in production makes a proper contrast here, because consistent melt flow and seal geometry give a bag that protects without adding wasted material. That normally means less packing rejects and less time spent correcting damage later.

Void Fill Pillows Market: Global Industry Analysis 2012 - 2016 and Opportunity Assessment; 2017 - 2027

Void occupy pillows only work properly when the pack size matches the product and the transit risk, because either also small or also much cushioning causes problems on the line and in the van. If the pillows are oversised, they waste space, slow down packing, and can leave a package bulging below the tape. If they are also small or also soft, products drift inside the case and suffer scuffing or impact damage. The better selection relies on board grade, item weight, and how tightly the carton is closed, so a packing room requirements a format that gives stable assist without turning the package into dead air.

Could Loose Fill Asbestos Insulation be Dangerous for You?

Loose occupy asbestos insulation creates a serious handling and control problem because the material is not locked into boards, blankets, or enclosed units. Once disturbed, fine fibres can transport through the air and spread onto surfaces, so simple lifting or sweeping is the gross come. Warehouses, builders' merchants, and demolition teams need sealed containment, careful segregation, and strict control of access because pollution can travel far beyond the unique pile. Ordinary sacks or open bins are not a safe reply when the contents can smash up so easily. The practical judgement is transparent: if the material is loose occupy and asbestos is suspected, it requirements specialist treatment rather than routine waste handling.

Cushioned mailers are a practical selection when the job is to keep safe small products without adding much weight to the consignment. Their light build assists retain postage below control, nevertheless the proper value comes from the structure of the pack itself. A laminated bubble layer gives the body more stiffness than plain film, so corners and edges are less likely to press through amid transit. That additional puncture resistance matters when parcels are stacked, slid along conveyours, or squeezed into a tote. A solid mailer also handles printing well, which makes barcode placement and branded outer packs easier to manage.

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.