Plastic bags

Buy from a massive range of best value plastic bags or poly bags at wholesale prices now.

Plastic bags are…

• Bags made from plastic for a variety of day-to-day functions
• Made from or polyethylene, usually referred to as polythene
• Also known as polythene bags, poly bags or polybags
• Available in a multitude of shapes and sizes to cover a range of uses
• Used for everyday tasks such as carrying shopping or disposing of waste
• Also used for more specialised uses such as wrapping furniture for storage or disposing of clinical waste
• Created using a process called 'blown film extrusion' or the 'tubular film process'
• Available in a range of coloured opaque polythene, or made from clear see-through polythene
• Available in a huge range of thicknesses - or gauge - to suit the job in hand, from delicate high-clarity display bags to ultra-heavy-duty rubble bags
• Often decorated with a printed design, to advertise a business or service
• Available in eco-friendly alternatives to polythene, such as biodegradable or polybio bags, that degrade when buried or they come into prolonged contact with compost

Why people are talking about waste sacks

Black sacks

Black sacks are often provided for normal waste because they conceal mixed waste fast and retain the household assortment tidy on the kerbside. A rolled format makes storage simple, and a fixed delivery cycle assists maintain stock without cluttering a cupboard or utility space. The main issue is consistency: if the sacks are also thin, they split at the gross moment; if they are also big, they waste material and can tear when overfilled. A sensible supply pattern retains handling easy and reduces complaints about damaged bags or loose waste. That makes the product more about proper daily use than about the bag itself.

Bin bags are often used as a simple method to collect cut vegetation, nevertheless they only work properly when the waste is light, dry and easy to shift. In clearance work, a bag can save time at the point of assortment because brash, leaves and small offcuts can be gathered fast without constant trips back to the vehicle. The trouble beginnings when the load is awkward, damp or spiky, because thin film splits, handles tear and the load becomes hard to transport securely. Matching the bag to the job retains the site tidier and reduces handling damage.

240 litre Compostable Wheelie Bin Liners

Compostable wheelie bin liners need tight stock control because their useful life is shorter than plenty buyers think. The film is designed to smash down above time, so long storage can alter strength, make the gauge less consistent and raise the risk of splits when bags are pulled from a carton or fitted to the rim. That creates avoidable damage on the packing line and wastes labour replacing failed liners. Warehouses handle this optimal with date coding, first-in, first-out rotation and smaller, faster-moving consignments rather than bulk buying that sits forgotten. A liner that has old in store may see fine, nevertheless it can fail when handling is rough, which makes shelf-life discipline a practical cost issue rather than a paperwork habit.

Biodegradable bin liners cost more to supply because the expense sits in the method they are manufactured, stored and financed, not only in the resin itself. A lined-up production dash has to grasp gauge proper, because thin spots fast lead to punctures, split seams and messy returns once food waste or compacted waste enters the bag. That tight control is harder than with normal polythene suppliers, particularly when the finished stock has to wait in warehouse below a credit-backed sale. The package of cost also covers pallet space, dispatch handling and the additional care needed to retain the film stable in transit. That makes the higher unit rate easier to understand, even when the bag sees simple on the shelf.

Square Bin Liners (Flat pack)

Bin liners on a roll earn their place through controlled gauge, proper seal strength and a polythene suppliers blend that can stretch without tearing when a bin is awkwardly loaded. That matters on proper floors where a liner acquires dragged above sharp rims, overfilled before changeover, or pulled complimentary in a rush amid a busy shift. A rolled format also saves space in stores and on the select face, so stock is easier to count, easier to transport and less likely to tie up shelf room. The better versions balance film toughness with sensible material use, which cuts waste without making the liner feel flimsy. A well-manufactured roll retains labour down and reduces nuisance failures that slow all else.

Waste bags need a closure that stays shut in storage nevertheless opens cleanly when filling beginnings. An elastic top does that job better than a loose flap because the sides pull the mouth closed by themselves, which cuts down on accidental spills and retains the pouch body tidy on the shelf or in transit. When the front and rear edges are separated, the opening forms fast without fiddly fasteners, so loading waste bags is simpler and less likely to slow the line. That kind of self-closing mouth also assists retain contents protected from dust and handling damage.

A recycling middle only works properly when waste sacks are matched to the proper stream and handled with transparent sorting on site. Green sacks for garden waste need to arrive intact, load cleanly, and stay robust enough for damp clippings, soil and the strange sharp stem without splitting in the bin wagon or at the compound. If sacks are poorly specified, operatours lose time dealing with leakage, stray litter and re-sorting, and the all reception process slows down. A decent sack specification assists retain pollution down and makes the material easier to transport to composting or further treatment.

Compost Bags

Compost bags need to be specified for the job they in reality face, not only for the label on the pack. If the film is also thin, wet kitchen waste can stretch seams, split corners and leave a weak seal that fails before assortment day. Too much gauge adds cost and makes bags harder to open when the liner is being fitted to a bin. Good compostable film also has to balance handling strength with the method it smashs down later, so the sack is stable in use nevertheless still suited to biological waste systems. A sensible specification reduces mess, rejects and complaints.

Kitchen caddy liners need to match the method food waste is handled, because a flimsy bag splits, leaks and causes nuisance in the bin store before it ever reaches assortment. A superb liner has enough gauge and stretch to grasp damp peelings, teabags and scraps without tearing as the caddy is lifted or emptied. Distribution points that offer complimentary rolls make it easier for households to retain utilising the proper liner rather than improvising with gross bags. That steadier supply reduces mess, lowers complaints and retains the caddy cleaner between assortments.

Our Food Waste sacks are an Environmentally Friendly method to dispose of food waste.

Food waste sacks have to cope with far more abuse than their simple shape recommends, because they are expected to grasp wet scraps, sharp bones, and repeated knocks from caddies and bins without splitting at the seam or neck. A graded polythene suppliers blend with proper melt flow and the proper gauge will normally dash better through converting lines and dispensers, while also giving enough dart impact strength to resist puncture when the load settles. Too much film thickness only adds weight and wastes pallet space, nevertheless a light spec that sees tidy on paper can cause leaks, rejects and messy handling on the shop floor. The proper balance retains production smooth and reduces nasty surprises further down the chain.

The A-to-Z of plastic bags

Polythene bags are used for a multitude of functions, from storage to waste disposal, retail display to transportation and postage to recycling.

Here is a list of some popular types of plastic bags, from antistatic to zip-seal, with a brief description of what they are used for:

Anti-static bags - Pink bags designed to protect electrical and electronic components from electrostatic discharge.

Asbestos waste sacks - Thick red polythene bags clearly marked with a 'Asbestos Waste' warning signs, for the safe disposal of asbestos.

Bubble bags - Protective bags comprised of a series of air-cushioned 'bubbles' that keep delicate items safe during transport or storage.

Clinical waste sacks - Thick yellow polythene sacks with warning signs, used for the safe disposal or incineration of clinical waste.

Clip-close carriers - Premium carrier bags with a plastic clip-close handle attached to the top of the bag for secure fastening.

Compost bags - Green bags made from 100% biodegradable material that are perfect for disposing or kitchen or garden waste.

Display bags - Crystal-clear, glossy polypropylene bags used by retailers to give their products extra sparkle whilst on display.

Dry cleaner bags - Thin clear or coloured polythene bags used by dry cleaners and laundries to protect clothes in transit or storage.

Eco-friendly bags - A range of biodegradable bags, offering a green alternative to regular polythene bags.

Fashion carriers - Premium carrier bags made from thick polythene with a punched out handle, popular with high-end retail outlets and gift shops.

Featherpost padded mailers - 'Jiffy style' padded mailing bags made from paper and lined with bubble-wrap to protect items in the post.

Film-front bags - Display bags with a clear polypropylene front 'window' and a paper backing, popular with bakeries and cake shops.

Fish bags - Clear heavy duty polythene bags with watertight seal, ideal for use in pet shops, aquaria, garden centres or funfairs.

Grip-seal bags - Plastic bags with integral seal that is squeezed close between forefinger and thumb. Also known as minigrip bags or grippa bags.

Greeting card bags - High clarity display bag made from polypropylene film used to wrap any type of greeting card.

Hercules bags - Extra strong, tear-resistant clear polythene bags suitable for handling heavy duty contents.

High tensile strength bags - Extra strong polythene bags available in either clear or blue-tint polythene.

Jiffy mailers - Featherlight mailing bags made from paper and lined with bubble wrap to offer protection to bag contents during postage.

Jumbo carriers - The largest carrier bags on the market, these giant bags are big enough to hold anything from bedding to large cuddly toys.

Kraft carriers - Popular with retailers, these quality paper carrier bags in a range of colours offer a great alternative to polythene carrier bags.

Laundry bags - Garment covers popular with dry cleaners, designed to protect your clothes and keep them clean after collection and in storage.

Mailing bags - Handy polythene envelopes with a fold-over seal used for postage, popular with online retailers and eBay traders.

Netting bags - Bags woven from knitted plastic and closed with a drawstring. Popular use packing onions or wood kindling for fires.

Packing bags - Clear plastic bags in a huge range of sizes, used to protect items during transportation or storage.

Patch handle carrier bags - The classic carrier bag with a reinforced patch handle for a stylish look and excellent bag strength. Ideal for printing with your own design.

PolyMax bags - Extra strong heavy duty bags available in clear polythene (with good clarity) or black polythene for the very toughest of jobs.

Recycling bags - Coloured polythene bags used to separate recycling waste into different types - e.g. paper, tin, glass, plastic - and dispose of in correct bin.

Specialist bags - Lesser-known polythene bags used to serve a specific purpose, such as clinical or asbestos waste disposal, dog poo bags, flower sleeves or sweet bags.

Specimen bags - Specialist grip-seal bags with a self-seal strip and an attached pouch to keep record cards, ideal for taking samples.

Stand-up food pouches - A fantastic way to display products, these clear bags feature an integral self-seal strip and a bottom gusset so the bag can stand up on the shelf.

Starch-based bin liners - A range of eco-friendly starch-based Polybio refuse sacks, these compostable bags are ideal for disposing of food, garden or kitchen waste.

Take-away bags - These classic white rigid paper bags are popular with takeaway restaurants, although plain vest carriers are often employed as an alternative.

Top tac bags - A range of self-seal bags, including display bags and mailing bags, featuring an integral peel and seal strip for convenient use.

Ultra-strong Polymax bags - Probably the strongest polythene bags available, these 400 gauge sacks can handle the heaviest of heavy duty jobs.

Vacuum bags - Thick clear plastic bags sealed by vacuum sealers, used in the catering industry for storing or cooking food, including fish and meat.

Varigauge carriers - Carrier bags made of polythene that varies in thickness, with stronger, thicker polythene at the top so that a reinforced handle is not required.

Vest-style carriers - Strong, thin, crinkly carrier bags with two handles that looks like a vest when laid out flat. The most popular carrier bag in the UK.

Wallpaper carriers - Extra wide, thick patch handle carrier bag ideal for carrying wallpaper or other wide items.

Waste sacks - Range of sacks used to collect waste contents, either as a bin liner or freestanding bin bag.

Wicketed food bags - Counter bags that tear off from a wire bracket, known as a wicket, popular with food retailers including bakeries and delicatessens.

Wrapping paper carriers - Extra long, narrow carrier bags ideal for carrying wrapping paper or other long, thin items.

Zipper bags - Premium self-seal clear polythene bags great for displaying contents. Feature an integral metal zip fastener for a sturdy feel.

Where to buy plastic bags

Plastic bag manufacturers and suppliers include:

Polythene Bags
Polythene Bags is a fantastic website specialising in polythene bags. Design your own custom printed carrier bag or mailing bag, or choose from a massive range of stock polythene bags, from waste sacks to packing bags and mailing bags to carriers.
www.polythene-bags.co.uk

Polythene Bag
Whatever type of polythene bag you are looking for, you'll find them at Polythene Bags. Order online from a fantastic range of price-busting bags and get them delivered to any mainland UK address absolutely free.
www.polythenebags.co

Poly Bags UK
Polybags Bulk Sales provide low-cost bespoke polythene manufacturing for large-volume UK customers. As the sister website of leading manufacturer Polybags, you'll get the same first class levels of service and product quality that you get with with Polybags Ltd.
www.polybagsbulksales.co.uk

Clear Polythene Bags
Buy Polythene Bags provides customers with clear polythene bags, black polythene bags and a massive range of polythene bags and other polythene packaging, with loads of extra detail on polythene manufacturing and size guides to help you choose the right product for you.
www.buypolythenebags.co.uk

Polybags Ireland
Irish VAT-registered customers can get a huge 21% discount off all polythene packaging products at Polybags.ie as they get their VAT refunded. Shop online from a massive range of great value products or call the Polybags team to find out more.
www.polybags.ie

Poly Bags
Specialists in polythene bags and plastic carrier bags, this website offers every type of plain or printed polythene bags along with fantastic biodegradable alternatives - all at fantastic discount prices.
www.polythenebags.eu

Plastic Bags
Buy Plastic Bags provide customers with a one-stop-shop for a huge range of plain or bespoke printed plastic bags, including loads of helpful information to help you find the right plastic bag to meet your specific needs.
www.buyplasticbags.co.uk

Cheap Poly Bags
Discount Polybag offer a single source to meet all of your plastic packaging requirements at the right price for you. This tailor-made website from industry leader Polybags Ltd contains a wealth of information on the vast range of plastic packaging which they stock.
www.discountpolybag.co.uk

Clear Plastic Bags
If you're looking to buy clear plastic bags or coloured poly bags then this is the website for you. With loads of information on a huge variety of plastic bag types, you'll find all the answers to help you choose the right plastic bag for you.
www.buy-plastic-bags.co.uk

Plastic Bag Sales
A very handy resource on plastic carriers and shopping bags, Bargain Plastic Bags is the only website you'll need to find the best plastic bags at bargain prices.
www.bargainplasticbags.co.uk

Plastic Bags Suppliers
Providing customers with a definitive list of discount suppliers of plastic bags and a range of other polythene packaging - from plastic sheeting to resealable bags - this website is a fantastic resource to anyone looking to buy polythene products.
www.discountplasticbags.co.uk

Heavy Duty Plastic Bags
Find out more about a wide range of polythene bags, from shopping bags to heavy duty bags, at this excellent website that specialises in plastic bags.
www.plasticbags2u.com

Cheap Plastic Bags
Cheap Plastic Bags is an excellent website for anyone looking to buy polythene bags at cheap prices. With detailed information on huge variety of plastic bags and details of where to buy them at the best price for you.
www.cheapplasticbags.co.uk

Plastic Bag
Whatever type of plastic bag you are looking for, from clear plastic bags to resealable plastic bags, you'll find out more about it at this helpful website guaranteed to help you choose the right type of bag for your needs.
www.plasticbags2u.co.uk

Plastic Shopping Bags
Looking for shopping bags or any type of plastic bag? Need to find out more information on where to buy them on what types of bags are available? Plastic Bags Supplies is the website for you!
www.plasticbagsupplies.co.uk

Trending ideas for waste sacks

Q: Why are we proposing to cut complimentary black sacks to all households?

Black sacks are the apparant place to see for savings when a waste service is below pressure. They are easy to replace, broadly sold through normal shopping channels, and often used simply because they are to hand rather than because they suit a planned system. In packaging and waste handling terms, that makes them a poor candidate for long-term assist if a council or business is trying to trim costs without disturbing a working recycling route. Cutting back on an item that can be bought anywhere leaves the more controlled part of the assortment service untouched, which is the sensible method to keep safe performance while spending less. That sort of change normally gives a cleaner budget result than trimming the gross part of the operation.

Tie-handle bin bags on a roll make daily waste handling quicker because the bag can be pulled, torn off and fitted without wasting time on awkward folds or loose stacking. The tied handles assist the bag close more securely, which is useful when bins are filled with light nevertheless fat waste that tends to spring back open. A 50-litre size suits normal office and light commercial bins, while the roll format retains stock tidy and easy to store on a shelf or in a cleaning trolley. The format also assists reduce handling damage in storage, so less bags are split before use. That makes the product practical for busy sites that need clean changeovers and predictable stock use.

Clear Wheelie Bin Liners

Wheelie bin liners need to be specified as working packaging, not only as big bags, because the gross film fast shows up as split seams, messy handling and additional overpack on the floor. A sound liner balances stiffness and stretch: denser polymer gives better puncture resistance, while softer content assists the bag transport with awkward waste and resist tear spread once a corner catches. Gauge alone can be misleading if melt consistency is poor, because thin spots fail first and make the all batch see unreliable. When the film is matched to the job, the result is cleaner loading and less waste from failures.

Biodegradable Bin Liners

Biodegradable bin liners have to work as proper packaging first and green packaging second. A liner that splits on the method to the caddy or gives method below damp food waste fast becomes a handling problem, whatever the label says. The better films are chosen for a sensible balance of puncture resistance, gauge control and seal quality, so the sacks still dash neatly on converting lines and grasp their shape in use. That matters in stores, kitchens and warehouses alike, where awkward loads, sharp edges and overfilled bins are normal enough. A liner that performs cleanly also cuts mess at origin, which makes daily waste handling simpler and less wasteful.

Bin Bags & Bin Liners

Bin liners for a 20-litre bin work properly only when size, film gauge and seal design are matched to the container, because a bag that fits cleanly stays put instead of slipping below the rim as damp waste settles. A superb lay-flat width gives enough overlap for easy insertion without leaving a loose collar, while a sensible high-density polythene suppliers blend adds stiffness for fast loading and enough puncture resistance where peelings, cartons and rough waste collect at the base weld. That sort of control also assists the liner retain its shape amid handling, which makes the bin see tidier and avoids awkward scuffing when the bag is pulled out.

Accepted food waste bags

Waste bags in the 5 to 10 litre spectrum work optimal when they match the size of an indoor kitchen caddy, because a tight fit leads to less slippage and less split liners at the rim. If the bag is also small, the sides sit below strain and waste can leak into the caddy, which slows down emptying and creates an unpleasant clean-up job. A bag with the proper occupy capacity also assists the liner stay open properly for food scraps, peelings and tea bags. That makes daily use tidier and retains the container behaving as intended.

Rexel Wide Entry Shredder Waste Sacks 175 Litres Ref 40095 [Pack 100]

Waste sacks for shredded material need to cope with awkward, springy waste that does not sit neatly in a bin, and a 175-litre sack with a generous opening gives that material somewhere proper to drop. When the bag size and depth match the shredder output, assortment is faster, spillage is reduced and the floor stays clearer around the machine. That matters in busy production areas where loose strip waste or chopped board can fast become a slip and housekeeping issue. A special dispenser box also assists because sacks can be pulled out cleanly without wasting time. A well-sized sack makes disposal part of the workflow rather than a nuisance.

Compost bags need to grasp their shape well enough to be filled, stacked, and carried without splitting at the seam. A 60-litre sack sounds simple, nevertheless the material has to balance stiffness with enough give to cope with rough handling in the yard or at the garden middle. If the film is also thin, it tears when lifted or dragged across a pallet deck. If it is also heavy, it wastes resin and can be awkward to open and occupy. Good bag design also assists the pack line transport faster because the mouth opens cleanly and the finished pack stands more neatly on shelf or display. That sort of practical control saves damage and retains the stock looking presentable.

Kitchen caddy liners need to grasp wet food waste without falling apart before assortment day, and paper liners only work when the coating, gauge and size are matched to the caddy. A thin bag can soften fast, split at the base or sag into the waste stream, which creates a mess and can make the all load harder to handle. The better selection is a liner that stays upright, has enough sidefold for the bin shape, and can be lifted out cleanly once full. That saves time in the kitchen and retains pollution down.

Heavy-duty 100-litre food waste sacks need careful film design because wet kitchen waste places very alternative requirements on them than dry waste. Vegetable peelings, plate scrapings and juices sit against the seal area and create local stress, so the sack has to cope with stretching, abrasion and smell control as well as simple capacity. A superb compostable grade does that by balancing gauge, strength and controlled breakdown, rather than relying on a thicker film that merely feels tougher. If the pouch is also light it can split on the lift; if it is also heavy, composting slows and the material loses its purpose. That balance is what retains handling damage down and makes the sacks behave properly from use to disposal.

Research & Resources

To find out more about plastic bags, how they are manufactured, the huge breadth of polythene bags available and their many and varied uses, please visit:

PlasticBags.uk.com: Directory specialising in plastic bags and other polythene packaging. Browse through a huge selection of plastic bags websites or, if you are a manufacturer, list your products for free.

Goldstork: A free online directory featuring the best hand-picked information on polythene bags, specially selected to cover the full range of plastic bags on the market.

PackagingKnowledge: An online polythene packaging encyclopedia containing a wealth of information on plastic bags and in-depth articles for the packaging industry.

Eco-friendly alternatives to plastic bags

If you're in need of bags to get your job done, but you want to reduce the impact on the environment while doing so, there are plenty of eco-friendly alternatives to regular polythene bags:

Biodegradable carrier bags - Made out of 100% biodegradable or renewable materials such as potato starch, these bags provide all of the strength and convenience you need and expect from a regular carrier bag but, when disposed of in composting conditions, they completely break down, making them more environmentally-friendly.

Biodegradable mailing bags - Send those all-important business mails in an eco-friendly way whilst still looking professional. This range of strong mailing bags all feature a biodegradable leaf logo to show your customers that you care about the environment. They can then dispose of the bag in compost, where it will biodegrade.

Biodegradable clear bags - A range of clear bags that are perfect for displaying products before disposing in compost or landfill, where it will completely biodegrade. Ideal for disposing of organic waste, which can be thrown away with the bag in an eco-friendly manner. Available in a range of sizes, from 4” x 6” to 36” x 48”.

Eco-friendly bin liners - Dispose of your refuse with these environmentally friendly bin liners, waste sacks and compost bags. Ideal for kitchen waste, including food peelings, other compostable food and garden, these bags are completely biodegradable. Put them in your compost heap or bury them in soil and simply wait.

Dog poo bags - For the conscientious dog owner, these eco-friendly bags show that you mean business when clearing up after your dog has done their business. Place your hand inside the bag, pick up the dog poo, turn the bag inside out and tie the bag's two handles together before disposing of in a dog poo bin or compost heap. Made from 100% biodegradable material.

Compost bags - These bags are ideal for the food waste bins or kitchen caddies for collecting and disposing of biodegradable kitchen waste. Place your vegetable and fruit peelings, cores and other similar waste into your kitchen caddy, lined with these bags. Once full, remove, tie at the top and throw in your compost bin where both bag and contents will fully degrade.