{"id":239590,"date":"2021-04-15T09:01:30","date_gmt":"2021-04-15T09:01:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.polybags.com\/?p=239590"},"modified":"2021-04-18T23:15:30","modified_gmt":"2021-04-18T23:15:30","slug":"poly-bag-thickness","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.polybags.com\/poly-bag-thickness\/","title":{"rendered":"Poly Bag Thickness: What is a Mil and More"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”]Poly bags come in many different shapes, sizes, and strengths \u2014 which is why it is one of the most flexible, versatile, cost-effective packaging materials on the market. Let\u2019s take a look at how poly bag thickness is measured and how to figure out what thickness and strength is right for your product.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Understanding Poly Bag Thickness<\/span><\/h2>\n

Poly bag ply relates to the strength, durability, and protective capability of the bag. Depending on what you need to package, you may need a stronger, thicker bag to hold your product. This is measured according to a poly bag’s mil score.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What\u2019s a Mil?<\/span><\/h3>\n

A mil is the industry-wide measurement unit for poly bag thickness, or gauge.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

One mil is equal to a thousandth of an inch (1000 mil = 1 inch)<\/b>. Most poly bags are 6 mil or less, with the average poly bag breadth around 2 mil. This may seem like a small range, but for poly bags, there\u2019s a big difference between 0.5 or 1 mil poly bag and a 5 mil poly bag.<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s important to note that the industry standard practice in the manufacturing of poly bags and other flexible materials is to produce materials to nominal thickness \u2014 10% thinner than the specified mil \u2014 unless requested as full gauge. This means that a 2 mil poly bag manufactured to nominal thickness would actually measure 1.8 mil, or 0.0018 inches thick.<\/span><\/p>\n

To get an accurate quote for your custom poly bag order, be sure to specify nominal thickness or full gauge thickness.<\/span><\/p>\n

Common Poly Bag Mil Types<\/span><\/h2>\n

To help you understand the difference between common poly bag thicknesses, here are some of the different uses for poly bags at varying mil sizes.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Poly Bag Thickness: Mil<\/b><\/td>\nPoly Bag Thickness: Inches<\/b><\/td>\nPoly Bag Uses<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<1<\/span><\/td>\n0.0005-0.00075\u201d<\/span><\/td>\nMeant for short-term use requiring little protection, such as produce bags or dry cleaning bags.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1-2<\/span><\/td>\n0.001-0.002\u201d<\/span><\/td>\nModerate protection for storing, shipping, or displaying items like food, clothing, or retail products.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
3<\/span><\/td>\n0.003\u201d<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
4<\/span><\/td>\n0.004\u201d<\/span><\/td>\nHeavy-duty protection for heavy or abrasive products. Can also be tear and scratch-resistant for added durability. Ideal for storing bulk items like screws or parts or large industrial uses such as pallet covers.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
5<\/span><\/td>\n0.005\u201d<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
6<\/span><\/td>\n0.006\u201d<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n

How to Choose Poly Bag Thickness<\/span><\/h2>\n

When choosing the right poly bag mil, you\u2019ll need to consider three things: the product it will need to contain, the protection required for your product, and the ideal durability for your poly bag.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n