Bags
Custom Plastic Bags for Shipping: Shopping Guide & Types
Looking for a practical and personalized way to ship your products? Custom plastic bags offer a cost-effective, durable, and visually appealing solution for both businesses and individuals. Whether you’re running an online store or sending gifts to loved ones, these bags combine protection with branding opportunities—making your shipments stand out and arrive safely. Discover why custom plastic bags are the smart choice for modern shipping needs.
Comparison Table: Types of Custom Plastic Bags for Shipping
| Bag Type | Best For | Material Options | Highlights | Typical Sizes | Closure Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poly Mailers | Apparel, small items shipping | Low/High-Density Polyethylene | Lightweight, waterproof | S, M, L, XL | Self-seal strip |
| Gusseted Poly Bags | Bulky/multi-item packaging | LDPE, HDPE | Expands for volume | Custom available | Heat seal/twist |
| Flat Poly Bags | General storage/protection | LDPE, HDPE, Polypropylene | Versatile, space-efficient | Custom available | Open top |
| Die-cut Handle Bags | Retail, promotional use | LDPE | Easy-carry, brand visibility | S-XL | Open/zip/patch |
| Reclosable Zip Bags | Organization, accessories | LDPE, Polypropylene | Resealable, reusable | 2×3″ to 16×20″+ | Zipper |
| Tamper-evident Bags | Secure/regulated shipping | Specialized poly | Tear-off strip/security seal | Custom available | Tamper-evident |
| Stand-up Pouches | Food, powders, display goods | LDPE/Barrier films/Polypropylene | Shelf-ready, self-standing | 3oz to 5lbs | Zipper/spout |
Types of Custom Plastic Bags for Shipping
Choosing the correct type of custom plastic bag ensures your shipments are secure, presentable, and on-brand. Here are some of the most common and useful types for shipping and packaging:
1. Poly Mailers
Poly mailers are a leading option for e-commerce, apparel, soft goods, and lightweight items. They provide durability, moisture resistance, and an easy-to-use adhesive strip for sealing parcels quickly. They are also lightweight, helping to reduce shipping costs.
Best For: Apparel, accessories, small or non-fragile items.
2. Gusseted Poly Bags
A gusseted bag has an expandable side or bottom, allowing you to pack bulkier or multiple items with ease. The extra fabric allows the bag to open wider, which is ideal for packaging goods like pillows, clothing, or bundled items.
Best For: Products with depth or bulk.
3. Flat Poly Bags
Flat poly bags are the backbone of general packaging—great for protecting products from dust, moisture, and scratches. Use them as product sleeves, inner liners, or for general storage and shipping. They come open-ended and can be heat-sealed or tied.
Best For: Documents, small items, or parts.
4. Die-cut Handle Bags
Often seen in retail settings, these bags are also useful for trade shows or for leaving a branded impression with shipped packages. The handle design makes them easy to carry, while custom printing lets your logo or message stand out.
Best For: Brick-and-mortar retail, event handouts, promotional packs.
5. Reclosable Zip Bags
Featuring an integral zipper or slide lock, these bags allow for repeated opening and closing. They’re practical for organizing small parts, jewelry, and even food. Many have a write-on block or branding potential.
Best For: Reusable packaging, organization, small product sets.
6. Tamper-evident and Security Bags
These bags help protect your products from unauthorized access or tampering. They’re required for certain regulated shipments, such as medical, financial, or legal supplies. Common security features include tear-off strips, numbered seals, or permanent closure adhesives.
Best For: Sensitive, high-value, or regulated contents.
7. Stand-up Pouches
A favorite in the food industry, stand-up pouches look great on shelves and are ideal for shipments where presentation is important. Features can include clear windows, zippers, and spouts.
Best For: Snacks, powders, coffee, or samples.
Material Choices
Selecting the right plastic material for your custom bags is critical for performance and environmental impact. Here are some main options:
1. Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
- Features: Flexible, soft, and strong. Ideal for customization and printing.
- Common Uses: Poly mailers, retail bags, flat bags.
- Printable: Yes, excellent for vibrant logos and messaging.
2. High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
- Features: Sturdier and more rigid than LDPE, offers better moisture and puncture resistance.
- Common Uses: Grocery and T-shirt style bags, thin gusseted bags.
- Printable: Good, but generally less clarity than LDPE.
3. Polypropylene (PP)
- Features: High clarity, crisper feel, and great for retail display or specialty foods.
- Common Uses: Clear display bags, food packaging, reclosable bags.
4. Barrier Films & Multi-Layer Plastics
- Features: Combine layers for enhanced protection from oxygen, moisture, or UV light.
- Common Uses: Stand-up pouches, specialty food bags.
- Printable: Excellent, supports custom graphics/branding.
5. Biodegradable & Recycled Materials
- Features: Lower environmental footprint, usually made from renewable or recycled sources.
- Common Uses: Eco-friendly retail, event, or carrier bags.
- Printable: Yes, but some restrictions may apply to ink choices.
Usage Occasions
Custom plastic bags for shipping aren’t just for logistics—they play a vital branding and customer experience role across these scenarios:
- E-commerce Fulfillment: Fast, secure, and branded packaging for online orders.
- Retail Packaging: Enhance purchase experiences with high-quality handle or resealable bags.
- Trade Shows & Events: Distribute samples, brochures, or swag in easily recognizable, branded bags.
- Product Bundling: Combine multiple products or accessories efficiently.
- Food Packaging: Keep items fresh, tamper-evident, and presentable for shipment or pickup.
- Regulated Shipments: Meet regulations for medical, pharmaceutical, and legal documents.
How to Match Custom Plastic Bags with Your Brand or Purpose
- Branding: Choose bag colors, sizes, and prints that reflect your brand identity.
- Occasion: For premium or event-related packaging, select unique textures, finishes, or closures.
- Customer Convenience: Use resealable or easy-carry bags if reusability or handling is important.
- Eco-conscious Messaging: If sustainability is a value, select bags with eco-attributes and print messaging about recyclability.
- Product Type: Match bag thickness and closure to the security or protection level needed.
Tips and Best Practices for Choosing and Using Custom Plastic Bags for Shipping
- Define Your Purpose:
- Determine if your bag will be used for protection, presentation, branding, or a combination.
- Measure Correctly:
- Always add appropriate space for product movement and closure—too tight can burst, too loose can look unprofessional.
- Choose the Right Thickness:
- Thin bags (1-2 mil) suit light-duty applications; medium (2-4 mil) for heavier, bulkier goods; thick (4+ mil) for sharp, heavy, or rugged items.
- Prioritize Print Quality:
- For logos or artwork, request print samples or proofs from your supplier to ensure sharpness and color accuracy.
- Opt for Functional Features:
- Zippers, vent holes, tear strips, and handles all add value for end users.
- Test Under Real Conditions:
- Try filling, sealing, and shipping a sample bag to identify any weaknesses in design or material.
- Plan for Regulations:
- Shipping to regions with strict packaging laws? Ensure compliance with labeling, material specifications, or warnings.
- Order in Advance (if possible):
- Custom production often takes 2–4 weeks; most suppliers offer rush options for an extra fee.
- Assess Environmental Impact:
- Balance performance with sustainability by selecting recyclable or biodegradable options when you can.
- Store Properly:
- Keep bags in a dry, cool location, away from sunlight to avoid weakening or discoloration.
Technical Comparison Table: Key Features of Custom Plastic Bags for Shipping
| Feature | Poly Mailers | Gusseted Bags | Flat Poly Bags | Reclosable Zip Bags | Die-cut Handle Bags | Stand-up Pouches |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical Material | LDPE, HDPE | LDPE, HDPE | LDPE, PP, HDPE | LDPE, PP | LDPE | Multi-layer films |
| Mil Thickness Range | 2–3 mil | 1–4+ mil | 1–6 mil | 2–4 mil | 2–3 mil | 2–5 mil |
| Custom Sizes Available | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Print Options | Up to 8 colors | Up to 6 colors | Up to 8 colors | Spot/process print | 1–6 colors | Up to 6 colors |
| Closure Option | Self-seal tape | Heat, twist, tape | Heat, tape, open | Zipper, slider | Open, zip, patch | Zipper, tear-off |
| Minimum Order Qty | 100–500+ | 250–1000+ | 250–1000+ | 1000+ | 250–1000+ | Custom |
| Eco-friendly Option | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Reusable | Limited | Occasionally | Occasionally | Yes | Yes, some styles | Yes |
| Common Use | Shipping parcels | Bulky, voluminous | Sleeves, storage | Parts, kits, food | Retail/event swag | Food, display |
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Conclusion
Custom plastic bags designed for shipping offer much more than mere protection—they are vital branding tools, organizational assets, and customer experience enhancers. By selecting the right bag type, material, and custom features, your shipments arrive secure, presentable, and impactful.
Carefully consider your packaging’s purpose, product size, required branding, and sustainability goals. With thoughtful planning and these best practices in hand, you’ll ensure your custom plastic shipping bags both delight customers and deliver operational value.
FAQ
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What types of custom plastic bags are best for shipping apparel?
Poly mailers and gusseted poly bags are most suitable for apparel. Poly mailers are lightweight and protect from moisture, while gusseted bags accommodate bulkier items like jackets or bundled clothing. -
How do I choose the right size for my custom bag?
Measure the item’s width, height, and depth. Add extra space (usually 1–2 inches) for ease of packing and closure. For gusseted bags, consider how much the bag needs to expand when filled. -
Can I print any design or logo on a custom plastic bag?
Yes, most suppliers offer full-color printing, with some limitations on the number of colors or coverage area. Provide high-resolution artwork and confirm color proofs before production for best results. -
What is the typical lead time for custom plastic shipping bags?
Standard production usually takes 2–4 weeks after artwork approval. Many companies offer rush services for an extra fee, with turnaround as fast as 1–7 days. -
Are there eco-friendly or recyclable options available?
Absolutely. Many suppliers offer bags made from recycled content, biodegradable materials, or bags that are fully recyclable. Ask about these options when you place your order. -
What bag thickness should I select for heavy or sharp items?
Use bags at least 4 mil thick for heavy or sharp products. Thicker gauges help prevent punctures and splitting during shipping. -
Are there tamper-evident or security bag options for shipping?
Yes, tamper-evident features like tear strips, adhesive seals, and numbered closures are available to enhance security and prevent unauthorized access. -
Can custom plastic shipping bags be reused by customers?
Some bags, such as reclosable zip bags or sturdy die-cut handle bags, are designed for reuse. Consider bags with resealable closures if reusability is important for your brand or customers. -
Are custom plastic bags suitable for food products?
Yes, but ensure the material is food-safe and meets relevant regulations. Common choices include polypropylene or special barrier films for freshness and safety. -
What is the minimum order quantity for custom printed shipping bags?
Minimums vary by supplier and bag type but often range from 100–1000 pieces. Larger orders will generally yield better per-unit pricing.
