Sealing & resealing bags

Buy from an extensive range of sealable and resealable bags, including grip seal bags, zip seal bags and self-seal bags.

Sealing and resealing bags are...

• Reusable polythene bags that can be opened and closed
• Designed for multiple use - open and close as many time as you like!
• Bags that can be sealed by a variety of means, including self-seal bags

Self-seal bags are...

• Manufactured with an integral sealing strip, located along the bag opening, to allow for easy opening and closure
• Also known as minigrip bags, mini-grip bags, gripper bags, grippa bags and resealable bags
• Ideal for securing bag contents and avoiding leakage or contamination
• Available in a variety styles to suit a range of uses, from storage bags to carrier bags
• Available in clear polythene with or without labels - to make a note of bag contents and help retrieval
• Available in variety of coloured opaque polythene - e.g. red, green, blue or black - to help with item storage and colour-coded retrieval
• Also available in more specialist polythene, from heavy duty grip seal bags to anti-static grip seal bags
• Sometimes referred to as zip seal bags. However…

Zip seal bags are…

• Manufactured with a metal zip fastener or zip seal, making them…
• A more premium bag than a grip seal bag
• Used for storing important documents, such as art portfolios or school project work
• Ideal for use as a wallet for conference delegates or for exhibition attendees
• Also known as zip bags, ziplite bags or zipper bags

Sealable, resealable and self-sealable - there's more than one way to seal a bag

Sealable bags

Any plastic bag that can be sealed shut can be described as a sealable bag.

The sealing process can be carried out by any means, including a bag tie or clip (e.g. a sandwich bag with a twist tie), an adhesive strip, either external (e.g. sealing any bag with cellotape) or internal (e.g. as with a mailing bag), an internal self-seal strip (e.g. as with a minigrip bag) or by heat sealing with an external sealer (e.g. as with vacuum bags).

So any plastic bag that is designed with a seal can be called a sealable bag. However, not all sealable bags can be called resealable bags.

Resealable bags

Only bags where the seal can be reused can be classified as resealable bags. Some bags, such as mailing bags, feature a single-use seal that can't be reused without tearing open the bag itself and thus rendering it useless. Mailing bags are a very convenient way of sending post - thanks to their integral adhesive seal - but, because their seal is strong enough to keep the mail contents secude until the bag is cut or ripped open by the recipient, then a mailing bag is not a resealable bag, although it is a sealable bag.

Self-seal bags

Not every sealable bag be called a self-seal bag. This monicker is reserved only for bags that can be sealed closed without using any external sealing accessory - including adhesive tape, clips or bag ties - and without the use of a heat sealer to melt the polythene and seal the bag.

The most popular types of resealable bags are grip seal bags. These bags, which are sometimes known as mini-grip bags, gripper bags or grippa bags, feature an integral seal that runs along the top of the bag.

The seal contains a male (single) and female (double) ridge of plastic on opposite sides of the bag opening. When the seal is squeezed gently between thumb and forefinger, the male ridge fits snuggly into the female ridges to close the bag. This seal protects the contents of the bag from moisture, dirt and other external contaminants.

It can be used over and over again, which means the grip seal bag is a sealable bag, a self-seal bag and a resealable bag.

This handy bag is available in a huge range of sizes, made from clear, coloured or black polythene, with or without labels to make handy notes on the bag and with specialist options including antistatic bags - to keep electrical components safe - and specimen bags with accompanying record cards - perfect for hospitals, doctors' surgeries and police stations.

Methods of sealing plastic bags

The most common ways of sealing a polythene bag are by:

Sealing the bag with ties or clips. Fasten any bag shut with a plastic clip or twist shut with a tie. A popular method of sealing food bags for domestic use (e.g. clip a packet of frozen peas shut before placing in freezer, twist a sandwich bag closed for a packed lunch etc.)

Sealing the bag with a built-in adhesive flap. Some bags such as mailing bags are manufactured with a flap opening, where the flap contains a built-in adhesive strip attached along its length. Simply remove the cover from the adhesive and press the flap down to seal.

Sealing the bag with a built-in grip or zip seal. A range of bags are available with an integral strip that seals shut either by squeezing the seal together (grip seal) or pulling closed (zip seal). Very handy for regular use as they can be used over and over, these bags also provide great protection from moisture, dirt etc.

Sealing the bag with a heat sealer. If you really want to seal your bag shut tight this is the method for you. A heat sealer will bond two pieces of plastic when placed together in the sealer and the sealer is closed shut. A one-time seal, this method of sealing bags is popular for vacuum packing food.

Where to buy sealing and resealing bags

Resealable bag manufacturers and suppliers include:

Ziplock Bags
The home of ziplock bags online, this website features everything you need on ziplock, zipper, ziplite, grip seal and all self-seal bags. With a huge range of products at great prices and free delivery within the UK, this is the number one ziplock website out there.
www.ziplockbags.co.uk

Self Seal Bags
Specialists in self-seal bags, this website stocks a huge range of resealable bags from grip seal to mini grip and ziplock to ziplite. Packed with loads of useful information to help you choose the right bag for you, with free delivery to UK addresses.
www.self-seal-bags.co.uk

Plastic Self Seal Bags
Discount Self Seal Bags is the place to go to get resealable plastic bags at discount prices. Also features loads of useful information on self-seal bags, including a handy buying guide to make sure you pick the right sort of resealable bag for you.
www.discountselfsealbags.co.uk

Minigrip Bags
A website loaded with information on minigrip bags - aka grippa bags - and all types of self-sealing bags, with list of the best places to buy them online. Features a useful guide to anti-static self-seal bags, what they are used for and how they work.
www.minigrip-bags.co.uk

Zip Seal Bags
Zip Seal Bags contains loads of great information on zip seal bags and other types of self-seal polythene bags and eco-friendly alternatives. It also features a handy list of online zip seal bag retailers.
www.zipsealbags.co.uk

Antistatic Bags
Antistatic bags is the number one website dedicated to antistatic bags. Containing a wealth of information on antistatic packaging and how it works, along with details of where to buy it at the best possible prices.
www.antistatic-bags.co.uk

Resealable Bags
Resealable-Bags is a division of Polybags Ltd, the UK's number one polythene manufacturer, that specialises in resealable bags. Offering an unrivalled range of resealable bags and other polythene packaging at the best prices online.
www.resealable-bags.co.uk

Research & Resources

For plenty more information on sealing and resealing bags, including the manufacturing process, types of self-seal bags available and their many uses, please visit:

PlasticBags.uk.com: Browse through a huge range of self seal bags websites or, if you are a manufacturer, list your products for free on this online directory specialising in self seal bags and other plastic packaging.

PackagingKnowledge: The UK packaging industry's number one website contains huge amounts of information and in-depth articles on self seal bags.

Goldstork: This free online directory features specially selected information and hand-picked features on a range of self seal bags and resealable bags.

What is static electricity?

Every object in the world - ourselves included - is made of atoms, which are in turn made of protons, neutrons and electrons. While neutrons have no charge, protons are positively charged and electrons are negatively charged.

In normal circumstances, the number of protons and electrons in an atom balance each other out, meaning that atoms have no charge. However, when two items rub together or separate, the electrons contained within these items can move from atom to atom or even from item to item, thus giving the atoms a positive or negative charge.

If the items involved in this situation are made from a material that does not conduct electricity - an insulator - then this charge can not move. The result is static electricity.

How do antistatic self-seal bags work?

If any static electricity comes into contact with an antistatic self-seal bag, rather than pass through the bag and risk damaging the electrical components inside the bag, the electricity passes around the bag and dissipates before it can make contact with the components, thus removing the possibility of damage.

Why people are talking about sealable bags

Grippa bags earn their retain on fast-moving packing benches because they let small parts be opened, filled and closed again without changing the container each time. That makes them useful for kitting, sample sets and loose components that need to stay counted while handling is still underway. The film selection matters only as much as the seal strip, since a soft gauge can feel awkward, curl in the hand and tear on sharp edges, while a heavier film adds cost and takes up more room in storage. A bag that behaves neatly at the bench saves time and reduces the sort of rework that slows a shift.

Keyword Research: People who searched minigrip bags also searched

Minigrip bags work optimal when small items need fast control without additional carton space or loose handling. A sound specification uses a low-gauge polythene suppliers film that still draws evenly through the zipper, because poor film consistency makes the closure wander and puts strain on the side welds. That shows up fast on a busy packing line, particularly where kits, returns or spare parts are handled again and again. Clear film assists staff check contents, counts and labels without opening all bag, so less time is lost and less items acquire misplaced. A well-manufactured bag saves labour and cuts waste, provided the film and seal quality match the job.

Mini grip bags speed up small-item packing because the press-seal closes loose parts in one simple motion, cutting out additional wrapping and fiddly ties. A clean, even seal matters above plenty buyers expect, since tablets, fixings or mixed components need to stay put while cartons are filled, tipped or moved along a line. If the film is also light for the contents, sharp corners can punch through or leave pinholes, and that means spills, cleaning work and avoidable waste. Used with the proper gauge, these bags handle the job neatly and retain the packing area calmer.

BagCo MGZ4P1215 Zippit packaging supplierble Bags

packaging supplierble bags work optimal when the closeable strip behaves properly below daily handling, not only in a tidy sample pack. A bag with proper gauge and a clean seal profile is less likely to split at the lip, which matters when staff are filling, sorting, and reusing packs through secondary bagging. Good film selection also assists the bag retain its shape instead of going brittle around the fold, so product stays protected without adding rigid weight. That makes storage simpler, speeds picking, and reduces the awkward handling damage that comes from flimsy packs collapsing in transit.

Sealable bags with zipper closures need a bag body that assists repeated opening without the mouth distorting or the seal line failing. A well-manufactured format relies on the proper film gauge, clean edge control and proper converting so the zipper travels straight and closes without snagging. If the bag material is also soft, the top can wrinkle and make the seal awkward; if it is also stiff, the pack becomes harder to occupy and the closure feels gross. Good production control also matters, because poor cutting or heat soaks close the sealing area can weaken the bag before it reaches the shelf. The better selection is the one that retains its shape while still closing cleanly all time.

Specimen Bags | Laboratory Sample Bags | Lab Specimen Bags

Specimen bags need to be chosen for how they handle proper samples, not only for the name on the pack. In laboratories and healthcare settings, a superb sample bag has to stay sealed, stay legible, and cope with being moved from bench to fridge to dispatch without losing the contents or the label. Write-on panels assist staff retain specimens linked to the proper case, which cuts down on mix-ups and wasted tests. Bag size and style matter as well, because a bag that is also tight can stress the seal while one that is also big wastes space in transit. Careful specification retains handling simple and the chain of custody cleaner.

4 mil slider zip bags Slider Zip LockiDeli Fresh Bags, Microwave Bags, Slider Bags, School Lunch Pouch, Slider grip bags

Slider grip bags need tight control of film gauge and the closure profile if they are to dash properly on the packing line and still open cleanly later. If the polythene suppliers varies also much, the slider can grasp, lift, or miss part of the seal, which normally points to poor extrusion control or an unbalanced mix of stiffness and slip. Good converting retains the bag flexible enough for repeated opening and closing, yet firm enough to stack neatly in outers and grasp its shape in transit. That reduces trouble at filling, cuts down on rejects, and makes the pack more proper in daily use.

Asia-Pacific Zipper Bags Market Report 2017

Zipper bags succeed or fail on the quality of the seal, not only on the clarity of the film. A superb zip requirements clean extruded profiles, even conversion, and enough gauge in the body to stop the bag splitting when it is opened and closed plenty times. Polyethylene versions normally feel softer and more forgiving, while polypropylene bag styles often give a clearer stop and a firmer hand. If the seal line is weak or the zip tracks are poorly aligned, products leak, dust acquires in, and handling complaints soon follow. Good bag specification saves more trouble than a cheaper roll ever can.

Small Zip Bags

Small zip bags work optimal when the seal is proper and the gauge suits the job, because a flimsy bag can split, leak, or lose its grip on the closure after a bit of handling. For loose items like small fruit, fasteners, samples, or shopping bits and parts, a transparent ziplock format retains contents visible while still giving a tidy, packaging supplierble pack. Putting baggies on cards also assists hanging display and speeds up picking and packing on the shop floor, nevertheless only if the carding method does not stress the seal or distort the film. A superb balance between clarity, strength, and easy opening makes the pack easier to sell and safer to handle.

A heavier self seal bag gives much better control above product protection than a thin substitute because the additional gauge assists the film retain its shape and resist rough handling. Clear polythene suppliers lets contents be checked fast, which saves time at select-face and amid stock checks, while the firmer body of the bag stops packs slumping in cartons or collapsing on shelving. A decent grip seal also closes more reliably after repeat opening, so it suits samples, small parts and paperwork that pass through several hands. That combination of visibility, strength and easy reclosure retains the pack tidy and reduces avoidable handling damage.