With the rapid development of e-commerce today, people's lives are inseparable from express delivery, and plastic mailing bags have been derived from this. These bags must not only be strong, waterproof, convenient and practical, but also meet the needs of environmental protection, because more and more plastic waste has caused global temperatures to rise, so it is particularly important to use environmentally friendly and recyclable express delivery bags.
This article will explain in detail what plastic mailing bags are, how they are made, the advantages and disadvantages, applications, how to choose the right plastic mailing bags, I hope it will be helpful to you.
What Is a Poly Mailer?
A poly mailer is a lightweight, durable plastic bag used to ship non-fragile items such as clothing and accessories, soft goods, or documents. These mailing bags are typically constructed from polyethylene, a flexible plastic known for its water resistance and tear strength.
What Are Poly Mailers Made Of?
Most polyethylene mailing bags are made from PE that has been stretched into a thin film after heating, and then sealed at the ends to ensure that the packaged items cannot leak out and ensure security.
Types of polyethylene:
- HDPE (High-density polyethylene :strong and rigid, used in some high-end packaging bags
- LDPE (Low-density polyethylene):soft and flexible, commonly used in standard mailing bags
Eco-friendly materials:
What Are the Features of Poly Mailer?
- Self-sealing strip: An adhesive closure that easily seals to keep items secure.
- Tear-resistant: Resists tearing during shipping.
- Weatherproof: Keeps items dry in rainy and snowy weather.
- Smooth surface: Perfect for printing or sticking shipping labels.
Optional features include:
- Bubble lining: Provides extra protection
- Double adhesive seal: Allows for easy returns
- Breathable holes: For specific products such as textiles
- Custom printing: For brand logos or information
Application of Poly Mailer
Plastic mailing bags are great for shipping soft, non-fragile items. Here are some common uses:
- Clothing (T-shirts, jeans, jackets)
- Small accessories (scarves, hats, socks)
- Documents and paperwork
- Books (in some cases)
- Fabrics and textiles
What items are not suitable for plastic bags:
- Fragile items, such as glass or electronics
- Large, bulky items
- Items with sharp edges
- For fragile or heavy items, it is best to use cardboard boxes or bubble bags.
Poly Mailers Are Classified by Material
| Material Type | Description | Typical Uses / Features |
|---|---|---|
| Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) | Most common material; lightweight, waterproof, tear-resistant | General shipping and packaging |
| High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) | Stronger and more puncture-resistant than LDPE | Packaging requiring higher protection |
| Recycled Polyethylene | Made from recycled plastics; eco-friendly | Sustainable brands, environmentally conscious packaging |
| Compostable Poly Mailers | Made from bio-based, biodegradable materials (e.g., bioplastics) | Environmentally friendly, breaks down naturally |
| Tyvek Poly Mailers | Made from tightly woven high-density polyethylene fibers | Durable, waterproof; ideal for important documents/photos |
| Kraft Paper Composite Mailers | Combination of kraft paper and plastic lining | Strong, waterproof, tear-resistant; for sturdier packaging |
| Bubble Lined Poly Mailers | Poly mailers with bubble wrap lining inside | Extra cushioning for fragile or valuable items |
| Expansion Poly Mailers | Thicker material with gusseted sides | Suitable for bulky or thicker items |
| Clear-View Poly Mailers | Poly mailers with transparent windows | Displaying contents like brochures or magazines |
Poly Mailer Sizes and How to Choose
Poly mailers come in many sizes. Here are some popular ones:
| Size (inches) | Size (cm) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 6" x 9" | 15 x 23 cm | Jewelry, phone cases |
| 9" x 12" | 23 x 30 cm | T-shirts, books |
| 10" x 13" | 25 x 33 cm | Sweaters, small items |
| 12" x 15.5" | 30 x 40 cm | Hoodies, medium clothing items |
| 14.5" x 19" | 37 x 48 cm | Bulkier apparel, pillows |
Advantages and Disadvantages of Poly Mailers
Benefits of Using Poly Mailers
Lightweight and saves freight
Poly Mailers are very light, so they can reduce transportation costs during transportation, thereby saving costs for enterprises, especially suitable for light and non-fragile products.
Waterproof and moisture-proof
Made of waterproof plastic material, it can prevent the penetration of liquids or liquids on rainy days, thereby protecting items from damage caused by moisture.
Good toughness
It has strong tear and puncture resistance to prevent damage to the package during transportation.
Cost saving
Compared with traditional cartons or other large packaging, Poly Mailers are cheaper, not only saving materials but also saving space, reducing overall packaging and transportation costs.
Easy to store and use
Small size, easy to fold, more space-saving storage, and comes with sealing tape, which is convenient and quick to use.
Diverse sizes and styles
Different sizes, bubble liners or compostable types can be selected according to different product needs to meet diverse packaging needs.
Brand customization and identification
Customized brand logos and patterns can be printed to enhance brand image and customer recognition, while reducing delivery errors.
Environmentally friendly options
There are also biodegradable and compostable Poly Mailers on the market to meet the needs of environmental protection and sustainable development.
Disadvantages of Poly Mailers
Poor temperature resistance:
Polyethylene materials are easily deformed or melted in high temperature environments, so care should be taken to avoid exposure to high temperature environments during transportation。
Poor toughness:
Polyethylene materials have relatively poor toughness and are easily damaged, especially when subjected to external impacts.
Are Poly Mailers Eco-Friendly?
Polyethylene mailing bags are not all environmentally friendly.
Although polyethylene (PE) material itself is environmentally friendly, the polyethylene material used to make mailing bags also contains other materials, and these additives may contain harmful substances. Recycled materials may be used in the production process of mailing bags, and these recycled materials may contain harmful substances such as plasticizers and flame retardants.
In order to ensure the environmental friendliness of mailing bags, it is recommended to choose mailing bags made of environmentally friendly materials that meet national standards. These mailing bags usually do not contain harmful substances and meet environmental protection requirements
Poly Mailers vs Other Packaging Options
| Feature | Poly Mailer | Bubble Mailer | Cardboard Box |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | Very light | Light | Heavy |
| Protection | Low | Medium | High |
| Cost | Low | Medium | High |
| Branding | Easy to customize | Easy | Custom box needed |
| Eco options | Available | Limited | Available |
| Best for | Soft, flat items | Semi-fragile | Fragile/heavy |
Where to Buy Poly Mailers for Your Business
You can buy poly mailers in bulk from online retailers, packaging wholesalers, or directly from poly mailer manufacturers. Consider suppliers that offer branded poly mailers, eco-friendly poly mailers, or custom sizes to suit your needs.
1.Online Marketplaces
- Amazon
- eBay
- Alibaba
- AliExpress
These sites are good for small orders or testing a few types. But many are made from regular plastic, and long-term prices are high.
2: Packaging Suppliers
Many local or international packaging companies sell poly mailers in bulk. You can find them by searching “poly mailer supplier + your country.”
Pros:
- Bulk prices
- Better support
- Custom options
Cons:
- Higher MOQs (minimum order quantity)
- May not offer eco-friendly choices
3: Buy Direct from Manufacturer (Best for B2B)
If you need large orders, custom printing, or eco-friendly options, buying from the manufacturer is the best choice.
We are a direct manufacturer of compostable poly mailers, offering:
- OEM/ODM services
- Factory prices
- Custom sizes and logo printing
- Global shipping
- Free samples available
FAQ
Are plastic bags waterproof?
Yes, most plastic bags are waterproof and can protect your parcel from rain or splashing water. However, they are not airtight and are not suitable for long-term contact with water.
Can I recycle plastic bags?
Standard plastic bags made of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) can be recycled in plastic bag recycling bins (such as those in supermarkets). They cannot usually be put in household recycling bins. Look for the recycling symbol on the label.
Are plastic bags better than paper boxes?
For soft, small or flat items - yes. They can save shipping costs and storage space. But paper boxes are better for fragile or bulky items.
Can plastic bags be reused?
Yes, especially if they come with a second tape. Some customers reuse them for returns or as their own packaging.
Conclusion
Plastic mailing bags are one of the most popular packaging methods in today's e-commerce field. Simple, economical and efficient. If you are sending clothes, accessories or small items, they are definitely a wise choice.
Whether you want to open your own online store or want to improve your shipping process, as a trusted Chinese compostable mailer bags manufacturer, we can help you customize courier bags in bulk, whether it is logo, size, color, appearance, printing, etc.
📦 Ready to upgrade your packaging?
👉 Contact us today to request a quote or get free samples of our compostable poly mailers.
