Poly Bags VS Roll Bags: Which Is Right For You?

In the wide world of flexible packaging, it is easy to get confused about some products. This is especially true when the products look, feel, and act similarly.

With competitive price and timely delivery, sontex sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.

I was right where you are when I first started learning about roll bags and poly bags. And while they have some undeniable similarities, they are two very different types of flexible packaging.

But, what are the differences between poly bags and roll bags?

After a few decades in the packaging industry, Industrial Packaging has consulted countless clients on flexible packaging supplies. Along the way, we have helped many businesses choose the appropriate bagging for their products.

In this article, we will explore poly bags and roll bags. During that exploration, we will take a look at the differences between these two types of bagging. After reading this article, you will know which type of flexible bagging is right for you.

What Is A Poly Bag?

Polybags are transparent or clear bags that are made from polyethylene plastic. These bags are most commonly used for packaging goods and shipping products.

On average, polybags range in thickness from 1-6 mils. But, there are also specialty and custom thicknesses available upon request. Additionally, there are some custom bags made from special plastic formulations for niche or unique packaging requirements.

The popularity of polybags has exploded in the past several years. This is due to their thin body shape, smooth surface, reflectivity, and excellent flexibility.

Another reason these bags have become so popular is that they are much less expensive than cardboard boxes and have therefore been adopted by many eCommerce companies. The buy-from-home phenomenon only boosted this trend during the COVID pandemic.

What Are Some Common Applications For Polybags?

Polybags are commonly utilized for packaging products such as shirts, pants, trade publications, mailers, bedding, textiles, and other types of popular consumer goods.

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What Is A Roll Bag?

Generally speaking, a roll bag is a see-through or colored bag. Roll bags are made from different types of plastic formulations. The formulation used is dependent upon the application the bag is used for.

As the name would suggest, roll bags come wrapped onto a roll. Every bag on the roll features an opening on one side of the bag. This is where the product is inserted. The other side of the bag is perforated. The perforation allows for easy removal from the roll.

To help you visualize how roll bags work, think about the last time you bought fresh produce at the supermarket. Those plastic bags that you use to package loose fruit and veggies stationed throughout the produce department feature a similar look, feel, and application to that of a roll bag.

What Are The Common Applications For Roll Bags?

Roll bags are most commonly used for eCommerce fulfillment, mailers, and medical products. That being said, pretty much any consumer goods that can fit can be packaged in a roll bag.

What Is The Difference Between Poly Bags And Roll Bags?

When figuring out which type of bag is right for your products, you need to understand some of the key differences between these two types of flexible packaging bags.

One of the main differences between poly bags and roll bags is the plastic formulations. While poly bags are made exclusively from polyethylene plastic, roll bags can be made from various types of plastics.

This is important to you as a consumer because your products may or may not be able to be packaged in polyethylene. This information allows you to choose the appropriate bag for your products.

And, while some polybags come on a roll, they are also available as singles.

One of the significant differences between poly bags and roll bags is the max sizes available. From an industry standards standpoint, roll bags are available up to 25 inches wide and 72 inches long. Poly bags are available up to 98 inches wide and up to 288 inches long. With that being said, custom sizing is available upon request.

Which Is Right For You? Poly Bags Or Roll Bags?

To figure out which type of flexible bagging is right for you and your products, you are going to have to answer a few questions. With the answers to these questions in hand, you will decide if poly bags or roll bags are suitable for your products.

• Do your products require a plastic formulation other than polyethylene? - If you answered yes, then you will want to use roll bags.
  
  
• Do you need to package a product larger than 25 x 72 inches? - If you answered yes, then you will want to use poly bags.
  
  
• Do you want to avoid using plastic packaging? - If you said yes, neither of these types of packaging is appropriate for you.
  
  
• Are you looking to reduce the cost of rigid packaging like cardboard boxes? - Polybags would be the best option for you.

Where Can You Purchase Polybags And Roll Bags?

Now that you know the differences between these types of flexible bagging, you should be able to choose the one that is appropriate for your packaging needs. But, where should you buy your flexible bagging supplies?

You can purchase poly bags and roll bags from various vendors. These include online retailers, eCommerce vendors, packaging distributors, packaging manufacturers, and big box stores like Home Depot.

Anti-Block

Routinely added to film and bags to keep the sheets from sticking together.

Anti-Stat

Contains an anti-static additive that dissipates static electrical charges. Good for short-term storage. View Anti Static Poly Bags.

ASTM D Certification

This specification covers plastics and products made from plastics that are designed to be composted in municipal and industrial aerobic composting facilities. The properties in this specification are those required to determine if plastics and products made from plastics will compost satisfactorily, including biodegrading at a rate comparable to known compostable materials. The purpose of this specification is to establish standards for identifying products and materials that will compost satisfactorily in commercial and municipal composting facilities.

ASTM D Certification

This specification establishes the requirements for labeling of materials and products (including packaging), wherein a biodegradable plastic film or coating is attached (either through lamination or extrusion directly onto the paper) to compostable substrates and the entire product or package is designed to be composted in municipal and industrial aerobic composting facilities. This specification, however, does not describe the contents of the product or their performance with regards to compostability or biodegradability. In order to compost satisfactorily, the product must demonstrate each of the three characteristics as follows: (1) proper disintegration during composting; (2) adequate level of inherent biodegradation; and (3) no adverse impacts on the ability of composts to support plant growth.

Bagasse

A biodegradable and compostable material that is made from sugarcane fiber leftover after juice extraction. This fiber is made into disposable products normally made from plastic or virgin paper.

Bags on a Roll

Continuous roll of seamless tubing perforated under bottom seal. Bags must be torn off to open. View Flat Poly Bags on a Roll. View Gusseted Poly Bags on a roll.

Bag Signs

A bag sign is a plastic bag that is stretched over a wire frame. Typically, the wire frame is rectangular with an open end. The two wire rods on the open end are pressed into the ground and the bag sign is stretched over the wire frame to display the printing on either side of the bag. The bag signs made by Custom Poly are printed on LDPE film with a special backing to prevent sunlight conditions from interfering with the printed message on either side of the sign. Bag signs are most familiar during election years when candidates use them as part of their campaign efforts.

Barrier Film

Specially formulated film typically used to extend the shelf life of food products. Prevents transmission of moisture and gases.

Biodegradable

A material that is capable of undergoing decomposition into simple compounds such as carbon dioxide, methane, water, inorganic compounds and biomass. The predominant mechanism for decomposition is the enzymatic action of micro-organisms. There are no requirements regarding residues or time to breakdown.

BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute)

The U.S. standard in compostability. The BPI Logo Program is designed to certify and identify plastic products that will biodegrade and compost satisfactorily in actively managed compost facilities. The BPI and US Composting Council (USCC) use American Society for Testing and Materials Specifications (ASTM) to approve products for their “Compostable Logo” effort. These specifications are the result of 8 years of intensive work by researchers, product manufacturers, composters, and resin producers to identify plastic and paper products, which disintegrate and biodegrade completely and safely when composted in a municipal or commercial facility, like kraft paper, yard trimmings and food scraps. In order to be BPI certified, products must meet ASTM D or D standards based on testing in approved independent laboratories.

Bioplastics

Bioplastics, also called organic plastics, are a form of plastics derived from renewable biomass (living and recently dead biological material) sources, such as vegetable oil, cornstarch, or pea starch, rather than fossil fuel plastics which are derived from petroleum.

Black Conductive Film

An anti-static film made with a carbon black additive. A humidity-independent, corrosion-resistant, non-contaminating film with a long shelf life. View Black Conductive Poly bags.

Bleached White Kraft

Common paper bag. Bleaching is done by a chemical process.

Blown Film

The most common method of producing film and bags. Resin is melted in the extrusion process and blown vertically into a bubble to cool.

Bottom Gusset

A bottom gusset is formed by pushing the bottom, closed end of a flat poly bag up, into the bag interior making an accordion type fold or pleat at only the bottom of the bag. Bottom gusset bags are always sidewelded. The size of the bottom gusset is measured across the open or unfolded dimension. The bottoms of plastic bags constructed in this manner sit more or less flat on a surface when filled.

Bottom Seal Bags

Individually cut bags from seamless tubing, sealed on the bottom. Flat or side gusseted bags with a seal – usually have a tail.

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"C" Cut Handle

A carrying handle die-cut into the top of the bag that leaves a flap of material in place

Cast Film

Extruded in sheet form through a slotted die.

CFC's

CFC's, or Chlorofluorocarbons, are a mixed group of chemical compounds composed of carbon, fluorine, chlorine and hydrogen alkenes. They are nontoxic and nonflammable and can be readily converted from a liquid to a gas and vice versa. Their commercial and industrial value notwithstanding, CFCs have been found to pose a threat to the environment through ozone depletion.

Clarity

Transparency of the film based upon surface gloss and haze.

Coated

Clay or other material coating on paper to make it smoother and less absorbent to ink. Produces a smooth finish and better print, but can rub off and crack on folds taking the ink with it.

Compostable

Capable of undergoing biological decomposition in a compost site as part of an available program, such that the material is not visually distinguishable from other compost and breaks down into carbon dioxide, water, inorganic compounds, and biomass, at a rate consistent with known compostable materials (usually 90 days). These compostable materials leave no toxic residue.

Coroplast Signs

An alternative to bag signs are signs printed on coroplast, a material that resembles corrugated cardboard but is made from plastic. Coroplast signs are cut to size from larger sheets of material and then screen printed. They are displayed in yards by inserting wire stakes into the corrugation in the edge of the sign board and then pressing the other end of the stakes into the ground. Because coroplast signs are printed using a screen print process, it is possible to do four color process printing to obtain amazing full-color results.

Custom Printing

Adding words and/or graphics in one or more colors to the bag

Degradable

A material that undergoes a significant change in its chemical structure under specific environmental conditions resulting in a loss of some physical properties. (Micro-organisms do not need to be involved).

Doorknob Bags

Side-weld bag, staple-packed with perforated lip and hole just below the top of the bag.

Electrically Conductive

Carbon-impregnated polyethylene bags providing exterior protection from static charges.

EVA

Ethylene Vinyl Acetate. Additive that strengthens and improves seal-ability. Appropriate for use in cold-temperature applications.

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Faraday Cage

Provides both interior and exterior protection from static and other charges.

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Flap Lock

Bag has lip folded back with side seals. Commonly known as a sandwich bag.

Flat Bags

Two-dimensional bag (width x length) with bottom or side seals. View Flat Poly bags.

Flexographic Print

Print that is solid colored - also known as line art. Each color requires a separate plate to print a solid color.

Fractional Melt

A resin additive used to increase the tensile strength, impact strength, abrasion resistance, and tear properties of poly bags and films.

Gauge

The thickness of material. The higher the gauge, the thicker the material.

GMO

GMO, or Genetically Modified Organism, is an organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. DNA molecules from different sources are combined into one molecule to create a new set of genes. This DNA is then transferred into an organism, which creates a protein. The protein material is harvested and converted into a material that is used as an alternative to plastic.

Glue Strip

A line of adhesive added to the bag to make it self-sealing...can be permanent or resealable

Grommet

A hang hole reinforced with a metal ring to help keep the bag from tearing

Gusseted Bags

Flat style bag with both sides or bottom tucked in to form gussets. Designated with three dimensions; Side Gusset (width x depth x length) or Bottom Gusset (width x length + gusset). View Gusseted Poly bags.

Hang Hole

A hole is added to the bag, usually near the top, allowing it to hang on a hook or have a tie inserted.

Header Bags

Side-weld bag with continuous seal along top, 2"-3" below fold. Bag is loaded and sealed from the bottom and typically has a hang hole.

High Density Polyethylene

Thinner, yet stronger than low density polyethylene. Moisture and vapor barrier, non-porous.

Hot Stamp Printing

Thermal bonding processes that results in the permanent adhesion of the print to the bag.

HDPE

High Density Poly Ethylene. This plastic film is most familiar for its use in standard retail store check-out bags

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Linear Low Density Polyethylene

Stronger than low density. Resistant to punctures and tears, non-porous, and stretchable.

Lip

One side of the bag is longer than the other; allows bag to open easily.

Low Density Polyethylene

Porous and somewhat stretchable. Good clarity.

Machine Finished (MF)

A process of mechanically polishing paper between cylinders.

Machine Glazed (MG)

Usually on kraft paper, it’s smoother than machine finished.

Metallocene

Thinner and stronger than low density polyethylene. Puncture resistant.

Mil

Thickness of material. The higher the mil, the stronger the material. (1/ inch = 1 mil)

Natural Kraft

Unbleached paper in its natural form - brown in color.

OK Compost and DIN CERTCO EN Certifications

These two types of compost certifications are standard in Europe and are very similar to ASTM D and D. They test to ensure that at least 90% of the organic material is converted into carbon dioxide. Similar to ASTM D, these testing specifications require that no more than 10% residue remains after three months and the resultant compost does not negatively affect plant growth. Although these certifications are the standard in Europe and other regions of the world, we recommend attaining BPI certification if you are using compostable products in the U.S.

Organic

Natural products that have been grown without the use of conventional pesticides and artificial fertilizers, free from contamination by human or industrial waste, and processed without ionizing radiation or food additives. Producers must be certified by an independent third-party certifying agency in order to use the USDA Organic label.

Oxo-Degradable

Often mistakenly called Oxo-Biodegradable, it is a plastic made from fossil fuels that has been treated with an additive that allows it to disintegrate over time through interaction with microbes. The chemical structure of the plastic is broken down with the help of oxygen and heat or sunlight, and then the smaller particles are utilized by micro-organisms as food. They do not pass ASTM regulations, however, because they do not degrade as quickly as the definition requires. They compost well and are safe for landfills.

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Perforation

A line of small holes placed on a bag to make it easier to tear off or open...can also be used to make a tamper-evident bag

PLA

A type of bioplastic (also known as organic plastic). Polylactic acid or polylactide (PLA) is a form of plastic derived from corn or sugar cane. Starches from the corn and sugar cane are converted into carbon and other elements that are used to make the plastic polylactide.

Plant Starch Cutlery

Made from a type of bioplastic (also known as organic plastic), plant starch material is a biodegradable, thermoplastic resin. It is composed of starch combined with several other biodegradable materials. The cornstarch is modified in order to obtain heat-resistant properties, making the plant starch material one of the few bioplastics capable of withstanding high temperatures.

Pocket

Adding another sheet of plastic to the bag, usually sealed on three sides, to provide additional, separate storage

Polypropylene

Stronger and more rigid than polyethylene. Preserves freshness with vapor and moisture barriers. Non-porous and excellent clarity. Ability to withstand high temperatures.

Process Print

Colors are reproduced by printing overlapping dots of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black (CMYK) inks to simulate a large number of different colors.

Random Print

A repeating print that appears in full on a bag at least once. A partial print may be visible on either side of the full print.

Reclosable Bags

Seal-top reclosable and reusable bags can be made with or without a tamper-evident adhesive seal. Also includes zipper and slider zipper bags. View Reclosable Poly bags.

Recyclable

A product or package that can be collected separated or otherwise recovered from the solid waste stream for reuse. The term may also be applied to the manufacture or assembly of another package or product through an established recycling program. Claims of recyclability should be qualified to the extent necessary to avoid consumer deception about any limited availability of recycling programs and collection sites.

Registered Print

The print shows up in the same spot on every bag in a production run.

Renewable Resource

A natural resource that can be replenished by natural processes at a rate comparable or faster than its rate of consumption by humans or other users. Renewable resources may also mean commodities such as wood, paper, and leather.

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Side Gusset

A side gusset is formed by pushing the side edges of a flat poly bag into the bag interior, making accordion type folds or pleats along both sides of the bag. Side gusset bags are always bottom sealed. The size of the side gusset is measured across the open or unfolded dimension. Plastic bags constructed in this manner conform well to box-like shapes

Side Weld

Bags are sealed on the side. No bottom seal.

Slip

Additive that helps prevent bags from sticking to each other and promotes easy insertion of packaged goods.

SOS

Self-opening satchel.

Star Seal

Strongest bottom seal for liners that combines four sections in a star design. Seal maximizes carrying capacity.

Static Shielding

Four layer construction providing Faraday Cage protection. Offers greater protection than anti-static.

Tamper-Evident Zipper Lock Bags

Many zipper lock bag users (e.g. retail goods, food products) want to ensure that only their consumer utilizes the resealable zipper in the packaging. One way to accomplish this is to use a tamper-resistant zipper lock bag, which is basically a bottom-fill zipper lock bag that is pre-sealed above the zipper. A perforation in the plastic above the zipper allows the consumer to tear away the seal and access the zipper and the bag contents. Another type of tamper-evident zipper lock bag has a zipper that will not open once it has been closed except by destroying the bag itself.

Tensile Strength

The force required to break through film and bags, or snap rope, cable ties, and wire by pulling on opposite ends. Determined by material thickness and width.

Tubular Bags

Bags with no side seals or slit seals that are usually bottom sealed and have a tail.

UVI

Ultra Violet Inhibitor. Additive diminishes the effect of sunlight breaking up the film and extends film life in sunlight conditions.

Vent Hole

A small hole is added to the bag to allow air and moisture to pass through the bag

Wicketed Bags

Tear-off bags held in place by a metal wicket on the lip of the bag. View Wicketed Poly bags.

Write-on® Area

A white area imprinted on the bag allowing it to be written on

Zipper Lock Bags

Plastic bags can be made with narrow interlocking tracks, made from the same plastic material, that are sealed into the poly bag near the open end across the width. These are called zipper bags, zip lock bags or reclosables. Typically, the user places an item in the bag and then pinches one end of the track near the seal at the side and slides their fingers across the width of the bag, forcing the poly zipper tracks to merge and lock together. Most zipper lock bags can be opened and resealed a number of times.

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For more Plastic Roll Bagsinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.