Understanding Poly Bag Mil Sizes

Understanding poly bag Mil sizes, or thicknesses, will help you select the right option for your products. Choosing the correct poly bag Mil is crucial for the success of your packaging strategy. Mils that are too small might end up tearing during transit, which can cause product damage. On the other hand, Mils that are too large provide plenty of protection, but can be costly compared to the Mil you actually need to get the job done. Let's look at the different poly bag Mil sizes available.


1 Mil Poly Bags

1 Mil plastic bags are often used for short-term applications where a lower level of protection is required. These bags are designed for temporary storage of lightweight items. Some common uses include cleaning bags and grocery bags.

4 Mil Plastic Bags

You’ll want to use 4 Mil poly bags for bulkier items that need some extra strength to hold them in place. This includes bolts, screws, and things of that nature. A 4 Mil thickness is designed for heavyweight items. 

2 Mil Plastic Bags

These types of poly bags are used for light or medium weight products. This includes items like clothing, small parts, and bin liners. Your typical retail bag is usually around 2 Mils. A 2 Mil polyethylene bag is the most common thickness used accross all industries.

5 Mil Poly Bags

Use 5 mil poly bags for products with sharp edges or those that need extra protection. They are appropriate for industrial and heavy-duty materials.

3 Mil Polyethylene Bags

3 Mil poly bags are great for medium weight products, such as hardware and other assembly parts. Most plastic furniture covers and mattress bags are rated at a 3 Mil thickness. These offer stronger puncture resistance compared to 1 or 2 Mil bags, but are still quite affordable.

6 Mil Poly Bags

6 Mil plastic bags are often used for industrial applications where strength and durability are essential. These bags provide a high puncture resistance to keep small parts contained, even if they have sharper edges.

 

Consider Your Products and Their Unique Packaging Needs 

In addition to all of this, you’ll also likely want to keep in mind any specific considerations presented by your individual product line or marketing and branding strategy. The Packaging Group carries a diverse range of specialty poly bags to make your life easier and to streamline your shipping process.  

Plastic bags are used across a huge variety of industries to package many different goods and materials, such as food, clothing, furniture, hardware, newspapers, and much, much more. Each of these requires a distinct type of plastic packaging bag.  

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Specialty Poly Bags 

Some common examples of specialty plastic bags that you may already be aware of include gusseted bags, which expand at the sides in order to stand up on a flat surface and accommodate oddly shaped items. Another option that many people frequently utilize are reclosable polypropylene bags. As you might have guessed, these can be resealed after opening and generally come with a zipper closure at the top. If you need help organizing or identifying your products, there are many white block poly bags that are easy to write on and label, as well as colored plastic bags that work wonders for your branding strategy.  

Those working in more specific industries may also want to take advantage of our medical poly bags, plastic furniture covers, mattress bags, or plastic newspaper bags. If you need to give heavy metals or electronics extra security, be sure to look into our VCI poly bags to help prevent rust and corrosion or our anti-static plastic bags that protect from electric charges.  

Choosing the Right Poly Bag

Hopefully, this simple breakdown of poly bag Mil sizes will help you better understand your packaging needs. If you know which poly bag Mil is right for your products, you can place your order with The Packaging Group online now. For any questions regarding poly bag Mil sizes, contact us today so we can help you find the proper packaging supplies for your company.