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…

What people in the street might say about minigrip bags

100 Clear Grip Seal Plastic Bags 40

Grip seal plastic bags in a 40-micron gauge suit small components that need a tidy, reusable pack without complex machinery. The film has enough body to resist splitting in a drawer, tote, or picking tray, while the closure gives a fast hand-seal that can be opened and closed plenty times amid sorting or checks. That makes them useful for kitting, sample packs, screws, labels, or short-life parts where visibility matters as much as protection. The compact 40 size retains contents from rattling about, which lowers handling damage and assists stock stay below control.

Details about   GL17 (15 x 20") LARGE GRIP SEAL BAGS - QUALITY - CLEAR - - QTY DISCOUNTS

Large grip seal bags in the 15 x 20 inch spectrum work optimal when bulk requirements to be protected without forcing products into rigid outer packaging. At that size, they can take garment packs, parts sets and awkward sub-assemblies, yet still stay light enough to avoid adding dead weight to a consignment. The proper performance sits in the film rather than the zip: if the polythene suppliers gauge is uneven or the seal track is poorly converted, the opening can twist, the closure can misbehave below load and handling becomes slower on the packing bench. When the film is transparent and consistent, operatives can identify contents fast, which cuts mis-selects and retains despatch moving at a steadier pace.

Small self-seal bags only work properly when the gauge, seal track and film quality are kept below tight control. A small tolerance in polythene suppliers thickness or melt consistency can make the closure less proper, particularly once fine dust or small particles acquire into the seal area. That creates trouble in controlled-handling work, where a bag may need to be opened and closed again without losing contents or picking up pollution. Static can also make powders cling to the inside face, which affects net content and makes packing see untidy. A superb spec so balances puncture resistance, easy opening and a clean reclose, and that balance is what retains the bag useful rather than only cost-effective to buy.

Self-sealing polythene suppliers bags work optimal when the main job is tight control of small, awkward samples moving below chilled conditions. The film has to cope with sharp tissue edges, stray moisture and the sort of rough handling that happens amid fast secondary bagging, so a weak gauge or poor seal line soon becomes a problem. A consistent mono-material bag gives better seal quality, retains labels readable when condensation is present and reduces the chance of cross-contact in mixed loads. Flat-packed stock also takes up small space on the select face, which assists dispatch teams transport fast without losing order control. When the bag is manufactured well, it assists both handling discipline and clean traceability.

Self sealing bags assist control dust and fine particles by closing as soon as they are removed, which retains the contents from drifting back into the air amid handling. That matters in bagged vacuum systems because the bag is part of the filtration chain, not only a waste sack, and any leak at removal can undo the benefit of a well-sealed machine. A bag that closes cleanly also makes disposal tidier at the assortment stage, with less mess around the bin or caddy. For products carrying allergy-related claims, that additional control assists the case for a cleaner emptying process.

Clear grip seal bags are optimal judged by how well they keep safe small items without making the packing line awkward. A small bag with a proper grip seal should open cleanly, close with a positive click, and stay shut through handling, picking, and transit. For loose components, samples, or small shopping parts, the point is not only containment nevertheless presentation and control at the packing bench. Clear film also assists warehouse staff identify contents without opening all bag, which saves time and cuts mistakes amid dispatch. When the seal grasps and the gauge is sensible for the job, the bags work as a tidy secondary pack rather than a weak link.

Tenzapac 250 x 350mm Plain Grip Seal Bags, 35mu

Plain grip seal bags in an additional heavy grade are chosen when the package requirements more body than a normal lightweight polythene suppliers pouch can give. A 250 x 450mm size suits longer products, mixed small parts, and items that need to lie flat without being small. The stronger film assists resist splitting at the corners and gives better protection when bags are handled often in a warehouse or workshop. A plain stop also makes the contents easier to see and check amid picking, stock control, or despatch. That combination of size, strength, and visibility makes them a practical selection where minour damage would cause avoidable waste.

Self-sealing bags retain manufacturing costs below tighter control when the material selection is matched to the job. A light gauge polythene suppliers bag may see cost-effective on paper, nevertheless weak film, poor seal quality, or a flimsy closure can create rejects, returns, and complaints later in the chain. Extra thickness adds strength, yet it also pushes up resin use and can slow converting if the line requirements more heat or pressure to form a clean seal. The optimal cost balance normally comes from a spec that protects the contents without wasting grammes of film, because waste in the packhouse soon becomes waste in the warehouse as well.

Mini grip bags manufactured from LDPE give small parts and samples a transparent, practical home because the film stays transparent enough for fast identification. That matters on a busy packing bench or in a stock room, where opening the gross pack wastes time and risks pollution. LDPE also brings a useful balance of softness and resilience, so the bag can be handled without feeling brittle or easily cracked. The grip seal closes neatly for short-term storage, keeping moisture away from contents that must stay dry. For light products, labels and small trial items, that combination of visibility and protection makes daily handling much easier.

grip seal bag

A grip seal bag gives fast access and proper closure for small parts, samples, and loose items that need to stay together in transit or storage. The low-density polythene suppliers film is flexible enough to open and close without cracking, while still giving enough body to grasp labels, paperwork, or product detail on the face of the bag. On a packing line, that matters because operatours can occupy, seal, and stack bags fast without reaching for tape or additional closures. The proper gauge also assists avoid splits at the seal track or side seals, which cuts waste and handling complaints. That makes the bag a sensible selection where speed and simple stock control matter.

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

Common uses for minigrip bags

Grip seal plastic bags need a proper closure because the all point of the pack is fast access without losing contents. A transparent polythene suppliers bag with a press-close strip gives a tidy hand feel, nevertheless the seal only works properly when the top edges are clean and lined up before closing. On a busy filling line, small faults like dust, product powder or stretched film can stop the grip from biting evenly, which leads to loose packs and spill risk in transit. The transparent film also assists with stock control because contents can be checked without opening the bag. That makes the pack practical for small parts and mixed storage where speed and visibility matter.

Large grip seal bags in the 11 x 16 inch size work optimal when the film is stiff enough to handle well nevertheless still flexible enough to close cleanly. In practice, the bag requirements to retain its shape on the bench, grasp its opening wide for filling, and then seal without the edge wandering out of line. A steadier gauge across the film reduces weak spots and assists prevent splits close the closure track, which is where failures tend to beginning. That makes the bag easier to use on busy packing lines and less likely to cause rejected packs or loose contents. When the specification is proper, handling feels simple and the results stay consistent.

Small self-seal bags cause trouble in litter streams because their light gauge and big film area let them transport with the slightest draught, particularly once they escape a select-face or secondary bagging step. That makes them awkward around decking gaps, drainage edges and rough ground where debris collects. Thin polythene suppliers also clings to damp timber, brickwork and vegetation, so recovery is slower than it sees from a distance. The practical reply beginnings before waste leaves the work area: firmer film, proper seal geometry and better retention at origin reduce the chance of escaped stock becoming handling damage and pollution in the first place.

Self-sealing polythene suppliers bags keep safe moisture-sensitive products because the seal does above close the opening; it assists grasp the internal conditions proper enough for the contents to stay in a usable state. That matters on benches, in stores and amid dispatch, where even small changes in humidity can affect hydrated materials, gels and other items that lose or earn moisture fast. A sound bag with the proper gauge also avoids the additional weight and space of firmer secondary packaging, so handling stays lighter and storage stays tidier. When the film is consistent and the seam grasps properly, the result is less damaged consignments and less uncertainty at despatch, which is a practical earn rather than a theory.

Darice 1115 23 50 Pack Plastic Self Sealing Bags 4 3 4 By 5 3 4 Inch Clear

Self sealing bags suit low-risk packing jobs where speed, cleanliness and repeat opening matter above heavy protection. The pressure-closed lip retains contents together without tape, heat sealing or additional equipment, which makes them useful at the bench and in dispatch when small parts, samples or accessory packs need sorting fast. Clear film also lets the contents be checked at a glance, so picking errours and unnecessary opening are reduced. Where a pack is handled often, the seal is only as superb as the film gauge and how neatly the edge is closed, so careless filling can weaken the grasp. Used properly, they save time and retain small items tidy.

Clear grip seal bags work well when small flat items need a tidy, visible pack that can be opened and closed without damaging the contents. Size matters here, because a 9 x 12.75 inch bag gives enough room for A4 sheets, slim books, cards, and similar products without forcing the film tight across the corners. That additional space assists the seal stay clean and makes packing quicker on the bench, with less snagging and less crushed edges. The transparent film also assists in picking and checking stock because the contents can be seen at a glance. A bag that handles this sort of mixed light-duty use properly saves time and retains presentation straightforward.

Plain grip seal bags work optimal when the closure is firm, the film is transparent, and the contents can be seen without fuss. A plain bag with a white panel adds a writing area without changing the basic handling, so stock can be identified, dated, or sorted at a glance. That assists in packing rooms where mixed items transport fast and labels do not frequently stick well to film. The bag itself still requirements tidy sealing and sensible gauge, because a weak seal or flimsy polythene suppliers soon leads to spills, pollution, or damaged contents. Used well, this format retains small products tidy without adding additional packaging.

Self-sealing bags work optimal when presentation and simple handling need to meet at the same time. A transparent small-format bag with a fold-above flap lets party favours, confectionery, handmade items, or jewellery be packed fast without additional clips or ties, which assists on a busy packing bench. The see-through film also gives an instant check on colour, stop, and quantity before the bag leaves stock. That matters when mixed contents are being prepared in batches, because a gross item is spotted early rather than after sealing. Used well, this type of pack saves time and retains small products looking tidy on display.

A mini grip bag gives a small sterile swab pack a proper shopping and handling format without taking up much shelf space. For loose items like woodstick or cotton tip swabs, the bag requirements a clean seal, enough clarity for counting at a glance, and a size that avoids rattling around in transit. If the bag is also big, the contents shift and the pack sees untidy; if it is also tight, the swabs can be bent or the seal stressed. That balance matters in dispatch, because tidy secondary packing protects product presentation and reduces handling damage.

Like a grip seal bag 7 small words

A grip seal bag earns its place when contents need fast access without losing grasp of the seal. The interlocking strip gives a tidy closing action that suits small components, samples, hardware, and shopping items that may be opened and shut plenty times in storage or dispatch. Film gauge matters here, because a thin bag may save material nevertheless can split at the fold or shoulder if packed also tightly, while heavier polythene suppliers improves puncture resistance and handling confidence. The optimal selection relies on how often the pack is opened and how rough the journey will be, and that balance is what retains stock presentable and usable.

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.