Polythene Bags & Plastic Bags: The UK's Leading Supplier

With over 20 years of experience, Kite Packaging is the supplier UK businesses rely on for quality polythene packaging. Whether you need lightweight bags for small parts, heavy-duty polythene bags for industrial components, or specialist garment bags for retail packaging, you will find the right solution here.

All customers benefit from free standard delivery on orders over £45. We also offer wholesale discounts on bulk orders and deliver every order with the highest standard of customer service. Not sure which type, size or strength you need? Talk to our team for expert advice and get the right spec first time.

Why UK Businesses Trust Kite for Polythene Bags

Choosing the right supplier for your plastic packaging bags matters. The wrong packaging can lead to damaged stock, wasted spend and frustrated customers. At Kite Packaging, we combine one of the UK's largest stockholdings with decades of industry expertise to help you find the perfect fit every time.

Our customers rate us 4.5 out of 5 on Trustpilot, and we hold BRC accreditation for storage and distribution alongside ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications. We are also a certified Carbon Neutral business, committed to reducing environmental impact across our operations.

We operate from multiple regional distribution centres across the UK, ensuring fast, reliable delivery wherever you are. Whether you are looking for poly bags for a one-off project or need a dependable trade supplier for ongoing fulfilment, Kite is here to help. Contact us for expert advice on choosing the right product for your business.

Polythene Bags by Strength: Light, Medium & Heavy Duty

Polythene bags are manufactured in different thicknesses, commonly measured in microns (or gauge). Choosing the right strength is important for protecting your contents during transit, storage and handling. Here is a quick guide to help you choose.

Light Duty Polythene Bags

Our light duty polythene bags (typically 25 to 50 micron) are ideal for protecting lightweight items such as paperwork, documents, food, stationery and small parts during storage or transit. They are the most cost-effective option for general-purpose packaging where maximum strength is not required.

Light duty bags are commonly used in retail, fulfilment and warehouse environments where items need a clean, dust-free layer of protection. They are suitable for use with heat sealers for a secure, tamper-evident seal.

Medium Duty Polythene Bags

Medium duty poly bags (around 50 to 75 micron) offer greater durability for products such as textiles, soft toys, clothing, plastic components or general stock. They strike the right balance between protection and cost effectiveness for everyday packing and shipping.

These bags are a popular choice for businesses that need durable, reliable packaging without the added weight and expense of heavy duty options. They are widely used across retail, manufacturing and logistics.

Heavy Duty Polythene Bags

Our heavy-duty polythene bags (100 to 250 micron and above) are built to handle tools, industrial components, nails and screws, abrasive items, and heavier products like books. These strong plastic bags resist punctures and tearing, making them the go-to choice for industrial and manufacturing environments where reliable protection is essential.

Heavy duty bags are designed for repeated access and long-term storage of items that could damage lighter gauge material. They offer excellent performance in demanding settings where security and durability matter most.

Plastic Bags for Packaging: Solutions by Use Case

Different industries have different packaging requirements. Our range of plastic packaging bags is designed to serve the most common applications, with specialist options for niche needs.

Plastic Bags for Clothing & Retail

Our clear garment bags and clothing packaging bags keep items dust-free, crease-free and professionally displayed. They are essential for retailers, dry cleaners and online fashion sellers looking for a clean, professional finish.

Available in a wide range of sizes to fit everything from individual t-shirts to full-length garments, with options for gusseted bags and flat-lay styles. We also stock carrier bags for point-of-sale use, available in both plastic and paper.

Polythene Bags for Food Packaging

Many of our polythene bags are suitable for food use and compliant with UK food contact regulations, making them ideal for bakeries, food manufacturers, catering suppliers and meal prep businesses. Use them for portioning, wrapping or storing food products safely and hygienically.

For longer shelf life, explore our vacuum packaging range. We also offer a wider selection of specialist products through our food packaging category, including bags designed to protect against moisture and contamination.

Plastic Bags for Shipping & Packing

From warehouse pick-and-pack operations to ecommerce fulfilment, our polythene bags for packing provide a fast, lightweight and cost-effective way to protect products in transit. Use them as inner packaging inside cardboard boxes, as primary packaging for soft goods, or as dust covers for items in storage.

Our mailing bags offer a self-seal, tamper-evident alternative for direct dispatch, and are available in a range of sizes and colours. They are widely used by ecommerce businesses shipping clothing, accessories and soft goods directly to the customer.

Packaging Bags for Small Businesses

Starting or scaling your business? We supply packaging bags in manageable pack quantities with no minimum order requirement, so you do not need to commit to pallets of stock before you are ready.

Combined with free delivery over £45 and wholesale discounts on larger volumes, Kite is the packaging partner that grows with your business. Our team can also advise on custom printed options to help your brand stand out. Get in touch to discuss your requirements.

Polythene Bag Types: Grip Seal, Mailing, Oversized & More

Beyond standard open-top poly bags, our range includes specialist bag types designed to meet specific packaging challenges. Here is an overview of the most popular styles.

Grip Seal & Zip Lock Bags

Our resealable grip seal bags and zip lock bags are perfect for organising small parts, storing food, and packing accessories. They are reusable, easy to open and close, and available in a comprehensive range of sizes.

Grip seal bags are popular with warehouse operations, craft sellers and food businesses where repeated access and reliable closure are important. Their resealable opening makes them ideal for items that need to be accessed multiple times without compromising on security or protection.

Mailing Bags & Dispatch Sacks

Strong, lightweight and tamper-evident, our mailing bags are designed for direct-to-customer dispatch. Featuring self-seal strips for fast packing, they are a popular choice for ecommerce businesses shipping clothing, accessories and soft goods.

Available in grey, white and custom printed options, our mailing bags provide excellent performance at a competitive price. They are widely used across the UK by online retailers looking for reliable, durable packaging that creates a positive customer experience on arrival.

Oversized & Furniture Bags

Our oversized bags and furniture bags protect large items such as sofas, mattresses, white goods and pallet loads during transit and storage. Available in extra-large sizes with options for gusseted and flat styles, these bags are essential for removals firms, furniture retailers and warehouse operations.

If you need to protect bulky or unusually shaped items from dust, moisture and surface damage, our oversized polythene bags offer a practical and cost-effective solution.

Bubble Wrap Bags & Padded Mailers

For fragile or delicate items, our bubble bags combine cushioned protection with a convenient peel-and-seal closure. Available in standard and anti-static versions, they are suitable for electronic components, ceramics and other items that need reliable protection from impact during storage or delivery.

Our padded envelopes and bubble lined mailers provide a postal-ready alternative for sending fragile items through the post, with built-in cushioning for added security.

Specialist Bags: Asbestos, Refuse & Vacuum Packaging

We also stock specialist polythene bags for regulated and heavy-duty applications. Our UN-certified asbestos bags are stress-tested to 25kg and designed for compliant double-bagging. Our refuse and rubble sacks handle heavy waste on construction sites and in domestic clear-outs.

For food preservation and space-saving storage, explore our vacuum packaging machines and pouches, ideal for hygienic food packaging or reducing the depth of bulky items.

Small & Large Polythene Bags: Finding the Right Size

Choosing the correct bag size prevents wasted material, reduces cost and ensures a secure fit around your products. Our small polythene bags start from as little as 50 x 75mm, making them perfect for jewellery, screws, small parts and craft items.

At the other end of the range, our large plastic bags and oversized bags accommodate furniture, pallets and bulky goods. Enter your required measurement into our size finder to quickly locate the most suitable product, or contact our team for personalised advice.

We also offer layflat tubing on a roll, which lets you create custom-length bags sealed with a heat sealer. This is the most flexible option for businesses with variable product sizes, allowing you to create bags to any length without holding stock in multiple sizes.

Wholesale Polythene Bags: Bulk Pricing & Trade Discounts

Buying poly bags wholesale from Kite means significant volume discounts without compromising on quality or delivery speed. Whether you need bulk plastic bags for packaging in a fulfilment operation, a warehouse restock, or a seasonal surge, we offer tiered trade pricing across our full range.

Order by the pallet for the best per-unit cost, or mix and match different bag types and sizes within a single order. For recurring requirements, contact our trade team to set up a credit account and lock in preferential pricing. We also supply bespoke and custom printed polythene bags for businesses wanting branded packaging at wholesale volumes.

Eco-Friendly Polythene & Paper Bag Alternatives

At Kite Packaging, sustainability matters. We are a certified Carbon Neutral business, and we are committed to offering greener choices across our range. Many of our polythene bags include recycled content and can be recycled after use, helping you reduce waste without compromising on performance.

Want to take it a step further? Our durable paper bags offer strong performance with even less environmental impact. They are fully biodegradable, quick to decompose, and easy to recycle. Available in white and brown kraft, with block-bottom and carrier styles for retail use.

Many of our plastic bags for packaging are also made from recycled materials, making them a more sustainable choice for your business. Our team can advise on the most suitable eco-friendly option for your specific application.

Frequently Asked Questions About Polythene & Plastic Bags

Got questions about our polythene packaging bags? Here is everything you need to know to help you choose the right option for your needs.

What Is the Difference Between Plastic and Polythene Bags?

Polythene (also known as polyethylene) is a specific type of plastic. It is the most commonly used plastic in packaging bags due to its strength, versatility and cost effectiveness. The difference is that whilst all polythene bags are plastic, not all plastic bags are made from polythene. Some are made from polypropylene or other polymers. In everyday language, the terms are widely used interchangeably when referring to packaging bags.

Which Strength of Polythene Bag Do I Need?

This depends on the weight and nature of the items you are packing. Light duty bags (25 to 50 micron) are ideal for paperwork, food and small parts. Medium duty bags (50 to 75 micron) work well for clothing, textiles and general stock. Heavy duty bags (100 micron and above) are designed for tools, industrial components and abrasive items. If you are unsure, our team can recommend the right specification for your application.

Can Polythene Bags Be Recycled?

Yes, most polythene bags can be recycled, including both LDPE (low density polyethylene) and HDPE (high density polyethylene) bags. While recycling options can vary by area, more and more supermarkets and specialist recycling points now accept soft plastics, making it easier than ever to dispose of polythene bags responsibly. Many of our poly bags are also made from recycled materials, supporting the circular economy.

Can I Use Clear Polythene Bags for Retail Packaging?

Yes, clear polythene bags are an excellent choice for retail packaging. They offer a clean, professional finish while keeping your product fully visible, making them ideal for showcasing items on shelves or at point of sale. Available with grip seal, self-adhesive or open-top closures in a variety of sizes.

What Are LDPE and HDPE Polythene Bags?

LDPE (low density polyethylene) bags are softer, more flexible and commonly used for general packaging, food wrapping and storing food. HDPE (high density polyethylene) bags are thinner but stronger and more rigid, often used for carrier bags and heavier items. Both types are recyclable. Your choice depends on whether you need flexibility (LDPE) or tensile strength (HDPE).

Where Can I Buy Polythene Bags Near Me?

You can buy polythene bags online from Kite Packaging with fast delivery to any UK address. We dispatch from multiple regional distribution centres, with next day delivery available on most stock items. There is no need to search for a local supplier when we can deliver directly to your door, often the following working day.

Can I Get Custom Printed Polythene Bags?

Yes. Kite offers custom printed polythene bags featuring your branding, logo or handling instructions. Custom printing is available across a range of bag types and sizes, helping your brand create a professional impression at every stage of delivery. Contact us with your artwork and quantity requirements for a bespoke quote.

Are Your Polythene Bags Food Safe?

Many of our polythene bags are suitable for food use and compliant with UK food contact regulations. They are clearly marked as food safe in their product specifications. If you need bags for a specific food packaging application, contact our team and we will confirm the right product for you. You can also explore our wider food packaging range.