Should You Switch to Poly Tube Bags?

Your brand's packaging can always benefit from optimization, as it could save you significant amounts of money...and better protect your wares against damage.

But with so many packaging options on the market, it can be hard to know which to choose!

Poly tube bags are frequently used across a variety of industries to seal and send items safely to customers.

But, is it worth switching to poly tube bags? This article might help you decide, as we explore both the benefits and considerations to keep in mind as you make your decision. 

Let's dive in!

What is Poly Tubing?

Polyethylene is one of the most popular packaging materials on the market.

This plastic is the most durable available today and owes its popularity to its chemically-resistant properties and low cost. Polyethylene (Poly, or PE) can survive almost all environmental hazards.

The plastic is classified based on its density, whereby three options are typically available:

• High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
• Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
• Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE)

Poly tubes are tubes of plastic sold in rolls. These come in a variety of thicknesses, each with their own benefits—the thicker the plastic, the stronger the protection.

However, low-density poly tubing comes with tons of perks. This thinner material is easier to process and comes at a lower cost.

It reacts better to lower sealing temperatures while still providing moisture resistance. Plus, its high elongation resists tears and punctures.

Once an item is packaged in poly tube bags, you can seal it at one or both ends in a variety of ways. Heat sealing allows for complete closure, or you can tape or twist the packaging closed.

How Is Poly Tubing Used?

Poly tube bags are sold in rolls boasting different widths. You can use them by unrolling as much plastic as you need and pulling the bag around a cylindrical object, or a collection of smaller items. 

The varied width means you can use poly tubing for near-on anything. It's commonly used to package electrical goods, tools, and clothing. It also safely seals items like rugs, posters, fabrics, or small parts. 

Use an Impulse Sealer to Give Poly Tubes an Airtight Finish

Impulse sealers make it easy to seal the ends of your poly tubes. Simply close the arms of the sealer over the end of the poly tube where you want the plastic to seal. The sealer will get hot and melt the plastic together for airtight closure.  If you are interested in these types of sealers, contact us to help you choose the correct sealer for your needs.

The Benefits of Poly Tubing 

Unsure about switching to poly tube bags? If you are currently packaging items in plastic bags that are the wrong size for your product, you could benefit from poly tubing. Let’s take a look at how you might benefit from this packaging method.

Protect Your Products from the Elements

Poly tube bags, when appropriately sealed, are leak-proof, meaning water vapor can't pass through. Rest-assured, no moisture can damage your products. The airtight seal allows electronic companies, for example, to use anti-static PE for electric components.

Use poly tubing to protect your products from getting wet and from dust and dirt, making them much more resilient to the whole shipping process and delighting your customer with a distinctly undamaged and clean product at the end.

Poly Tubing Is Lightweight

Polyethylene is light and easy to store. The rolls are relatively small when you consider the amount of packaging they provide.

As such, they're easy to transport themselves. The poly tube bags as packaging also don’t add any considerable weight to the product. The shipping cost remains unchanged, and you don’t produce a greater carbon footprint.

Cost-Effective

Perhaps the most significant benefit of poly tubing as packaging is its low-cost applications. A roll of poly tube bags is an affordable option for anyone wanting to ship their products with added protection.

Many companies offer various widths so you can choose the exact width of tubing you need. This allows you to seal your products in just the right size of packaging. This customizability means you don’t spend extra money on excess material. 

Privacy

You can purchase black poly tubing to make bags that have the same benefits that clear poly has, except that they do not allow for you to see the contents very well. 

Clarity

You can order branded poly tube bags boasting opaque designs. However, the majority of ready-to-order rolls are clear. This allows you and the customer to view the item before it's removed from its protective packaging.

If you need to store items in a warehouse long-term, this can be a great way to protect your inventory from damage and dust without losing clear visibility. 

Compact

Poly tube bags can be cut to any desired length and ordered at precisely the right width. Once heat sealed, they cling tightly to the item. Loose items within the packaging are held in place securely, and nothing slides or shifts.

This keeps the packaging compact and avoids damage through freely moving parts.  Poly tubing can be a great way to reduce product damage within warehouses and during transport.

Should You Switch to Poly Tube Bags?

Whether poly tube bags are suitable for your products depends primarily on the type of items you sell. Cylindrical objects lend themselves well to poly tubing as you'll benefit from the different widths and variable lengths available.

Moisture and dust protection are also essential for electrical items, tools prone to rust, or fragile items like poster rolls. Again, if these are the kinds of products you're selling, then poly tube bags are undoubtedly worth considering. 

Last but not least, poly tube bags are available at low cost and consume little storage space. You don't have much to lose by purchasing a roll to see whether it suits your needs. 

Intrigued? Pack Secure sells everything you could possibly want to meet your packaging needs, so why not browse through our collection today? If you have any questions, feel free to ask.