Polythene film

Buy best value polythene film, layflat tubing and pallet covers from a huge range of polythene rolls now.

Polythene film is...

• Used to package items by wrapping or covering them
• A very thin, usually transparent material made from polyethylene (more frequently referred to as polythene)
• Also known as poly film, film on the roll, poly-tubing or shrink wrap
• Very popular in the packaging industry and one of the most popular materials used to package a range of goods
• Great for keeping food fresh and prolonging its shelf life
• Perfect for wrapping awkwardly-shaped items that don’t quite fit into traditional packaging, like plastic bags
• Simple to use. Just pull the film off the roll, tear it and then wrap your item. Easy peasy and can be used time and time again.
• Versatile. Use it to wrap any item, any size or shape, or a range of items all of different sizes. No 'one size fits all'!
• Used to wrap items on its own, or in tandem with other packaging, such as boxes or trays, to complete the wrapping and make an item look more presentable
• A tried and trusted security device, used by thousands of travellers every day to wrap their suitcases or backpacks, adding an extra anti-tamper layer of security
• Used to make polythene tubing such as layflat tubing - an even handier way to wrap products. Just pull the tube over the product, cut and then seal with tape, staples a clamp or a heat sealer the end to finish the job
• Very flexible, which makes it very versatile, meaning it’s great to work with and you’ll soon wonder where you were without it. You could call it your flexible friend

Making the unwrappable wrappable

If you have an item that needs wrapping but won’t fit into ‘regular’ packaging like a plastic carton or bag, the polythene film could be just what you are looking for.

If you have loads of different items to wrap, each of which is a different shape or size, or just an awkward shape in the first place, then polythene film is definitely what you’re looking for!

Polythene film comes on the roll so you can dispense as little or as much film as you need to wrap your item. Place your item on a table or other surface next to the roll of film. Then pull the film off slowly the roll until it extends far enough for you to wrap your item. If you need more than a single coat of polythene film, make you roll off enough film for this, or simply repeat with a second coat.

When you have unravelled enough film, cut the film at the relevant point and then wrap your item. If you need to seal the wrapping shut you can do this with various devices, including a bag clip, bag tie or, perhaps the best solution of all, a heat sealer.

You can then repeat as necessary ad infinitum, or at least until you’ve run out of polythene film. And it doesn’t matter if the next item your wrap is smaller or larger, thinner or wider, rounder or flatter than the previous item - with polythene film you can wrap all shapes and sizes of item with no problem at all!

Shrink wrap

Shrink wrap is a type of polythene film that shrinks under the application of heat. Shrink wrap is available in clear or coloured polythene and keeps out moisture from inside the packaging. It is used to wrap a range of items from CDs to magazines, providing a smart wrapping whilst still making the contents of the package visible from the outside. It also helps to prolong the shelf life of food and so it is used regularly in food production.

To make the polythene used in shrink wrap actually shrink, you need to place it directly underneath a heat source. In factories or large manufacturing bases, this is often be done with a specially-designed machine. However, a more common method, and one available to small business and people working at home, is through the use of a shrink gun.

Once your item is covered in your polythene shrink wrap, apply heat across the wrapping and, as the molecules (polymers) in the polythene change move, the wrapping shrinks tightly around the item.

Polythene film as DIY bag security

If you’ve ever passed through an airport and seen someone’s suitcase covered in tightly wrapped film and looking like a giant packed lunch, then the chances are you’ve just looked at a bag covered in shrink wrap.

One of the main benefits of shrink wrap is that it makes packages more tamper proof so, if you’re worried about the contents of your suitcase pockets getting pilfered, then shrink wrap could be the answer for you. With a few layers of shrink wrap applied and then heat sealed onto the bag, not only does this provide an excellent protective layer that thieves will find difficult to break through, but it also keeps your bag safe from bumps, scratches and tears. Something to think about next time you’re off to the airport on holiday!

Layflat tubing - polythene film in the round!

Layflat tubing is made from polythene film but comes with one obvious difference: rather than a single layer of film, layflat tubing - as the name suggests - comes in a tube!

Imagine two sheets of polythene film laid one on top of the other, with the ends then sealed together with an invisible join, so that there is no mark, fold or crease anywhere on the film, just a circle of film stretching on and on into a long, continuous tube!

Layflat tubing, which is also known as poly-tubing, is dispensed off a central roll, which is sealed at the core but open at the outside, to provide a quick, easy and convenient method of packaging items and is widely used within the industry.

Ideal for bespoke packaging, layflat tubing allows the user to pack awkwardly-shaped items or a series of items of irregular length, all with a minimum of fuss.

To wrap an item in layflat tubing, simply place it inside the open end of the tube and then cut the tube to the required length, ensuring you’ve cut off enough polythene to cover the item.

You then seal seal the tube at one or both ends, as required, using either a bag tie, clip, tape or, most effectively, a heat sealer.

Whatever size or shape of item you have, there is most likely a size of layflat tubing that suits your job, as the polythene tubes are manufactured in a range of sizes from 2” (5cm) wide to 4’ or 48” (122cm) wide.

Where to buy polythene film

Polythene film manufacturers and suppliers include:

Polythene
Polythene.co.uk is a website and online shop dedicated to polythene manufacturing. They produce a whole range of polythene products - from anti-static film to ziplite bags - all available to purchase via their excellent website.
www.polythene.co.uk

Polythene Ireland
Polythene.ie offers VAT-registered Irish customers a VAT-free puchase - equating to a 21% saving! - on a huge range of polythene products, including polythene film, poly or layflat tubing, plastic sheeting and shrink pallet covers. www.polythene.ie

Heat Sealers
Heat Sealers Direct is the number one online destination for heat sealers. They stock best quality continuous and impulse heat sealers, along with a range of layflat tubing, shrink wrap and pallet covers - all at competitive prices.
www.heatsealersdirect.co.uk

Polythene Film
Catering for all your polythene film and packaging needs, this website contains loads of useful information on polythene film, layflat tubing and heat sealers, along with details of where you can buy them at fantastic discount prices.
www.polythenefilm.co.uk

Polythene Tubing
Containing lots of useful information on polythene tubing, polythene film and layflat tubing, this website is the place to go if you're looking to find out more about poly tubing and where to buy it at the right price.
www.polythenefilmdirect.co.uk

Pallet Covers
Discount Pallet Covers is the website to visit for anyone looking for stock or custom-made pallet covers or polythene covers. Buy or find out more about a huge range of covers, available at the best discount prices.
www.discountpalletcovers.co.uk

Polythene Layflat Tubing
If you're looking to buy any sort of polythene film, from layflat tubing to shrink wrap covers, or you're in the market for a heat sealer to seal your polythene tubing, then this is the website for you.
www.polythenefilm.com

Plastic Films
An informative website containing all you need to know about plastic film - a popular polythene packaging product sold on the roll in a single or multi-layer and is available in clear or coloured and plain or printed form.
www.discountpolythenefilm.co.uk

Stretch Wrap
The expert website for all your stretch wrap needs. This site contains all you need to know about stretch wrap - a polythene cover designed to hold boxes or other items on a pallet - whilst telling you the best play to buy it at the right price.
www.stretch-wrap.co.uk

Poly Sheeting
Containing lots of useful information on poly sheeting, polythene tubing, shrink wrap and a wide range of poly or layflat tubing, Discount Plastic Film is the perfect website to visit if you're looking to buy plastic film at a discount price.
www.discountplasticfilm.co.uk

Plastic Sheeting
A veritable mine of information on polythene film, sheeting and stretch wrap, Plastic Film is the perfect one-stop-shop for anyone looking to find the right kind of plastic film for the job in hand.
www.plasticfilm.co.uk

Research & Resources

To find out more about polythene film or layflat tubing, including the range of products available and how polythene film is manufactured, please visit:

PackagingKnowledge: The online knowledge site for the polythene packaging industry, containing loads of articles and tonnes of useful information on polythene film.

Goldstork: Free 'best-of-the-web' directory featuring hand-picked information and specialist websites dealing in polythene film.

PlasticBags.uk.com: The definitive UK polythene packaging directory, where retailers can list items for free and shoppers can browse a selection of polythene film websites.

Polythene rolls or plastic rolls?

The terms 'polythene rolls' and 'plastic rolls' - along with polythene film, poly rolls, builders rolls, plastic sheeting and more - are often used to describe the same thing, whilst each single term is sometimes used to describe a range of polythene products. All terms refer to a roll of polythene - or plastic - that unrolls to produce a large sheet that can be cut to size, depending on the job in hand.

Although often the terms are used in their broadest sense, most people working in the trade use the term 'polythene rolls' to describe sheets of thinner polythene used to wrap items - such as shrink wrap, layflat tubing or glossy polypropylene wrapping - whilst the term 'plastic rolls' refers to thicker sheets of plastic - commonly known as builders rolls or wide plastic sheeting - used to cover or protect items during building work or painting and decorating. Alongside these, even thicker damp proof membrane - used to provide a damp proof course when building a new house - could also come under the term 'plastic rolls'.

What some people say about polythene film

United Kingdom Polypropylene Film Capacitours Market Professional Research Report our telephone , Segmented by Players, Types, End-Users in Majour Region

Polypropylene film is often chosen because it stays stable below load and gives consistent performance when converted into packs, liners, or protective wraps. In practical packaging work, that consistency matters above tidy technical labels, because a film that behaves predictably on the line retains tension, seals, and layer build below control. It also assists when stock has to transport through warehousing and dispatch, since less handling surprises mean less rework and less damaged products. When a material grasps its shape and behaves the same from reel to reel, production runs stay smoother and waste stays lower.

Shrink Wrap is Drum Tight, Heat Sealed & 100% Recyclable.

Shrink wrap gives simple weather protection by pulling a tight skin around a load and keeping rain, dust, and loose debris off the contents. The film works optimal when it is tensioned properly, because a slack wrap can flap in transit or let water creep in at the edges. On pallets, the shrink process also assists grasp cartons together and reduces the chance of handling damage in the yard or on the lorry. The job still relies on selecting the proper gauge and making sure the heat is even, since poor application can leave weak spots. When the film is matched to the load, it does a tidy job with small fuss.

Custom Pallet Covers Distributours

Pallet covers without UV protection suit loads that need clean, proper protection in storage or transit, rather than long exposure outdoors. A loose pallet wrap or a few bands can leave gaps where dust, damp air and casual interference acquire in, while a properly fitted cover shrinks down to follow the shape of the load and grasp it together more neatly. That makes a proper contrast on mixed or awkward pallets, where sharp corners and uneven stacks can weaken lighter wrapping films. The optimal result comes from selecting a size that sits closely above the load, so the cover is doing the work instead of fighting slack material.

Clear layflat tubing gives packing teams a flexible method to handle awkward shapes without tying stock into fixed bag sizes. A 10-inch layflat at around 250 gauge has enough body to tolerate handling on the bench, yet still cuts cleanly to length for mixed product runs and small-batch work. That makes it useful when pre-formed bags waste material or slow down secondary packing. The transparent film also assists with visual checks before sealing, so damaged products, gross counts, or poor presentation are easier to spot. In a busy operation, that combination of cut-to-fit use and superb visibility retains the packing area moving without building up avoidable scrap.

A normal lft reading on its possess does not tell the full story, because a healthy-looking result can still sit alongside concealed damage in the system. In packaging terms, the same principle applies when a pallet sees tidy from the outside nevertheless carries weak packs or a poor board grade below. The first job is to check the structure properly, not only the surface appearance, whether that means testing the material, looking at load build, or reviewing handling history. Mild improvement after a small change may point to the proper cause, nevertheless it does not demonstrate the issue has gone away. A proper initial assessment saves a lot of guesswork later and gives a firmer base for decisions.

Film on the roll requirements proper tension amid winding if the finished reel is to behave properly on the line. When the web is allowed to wander, stretch unevenly, or lose control at the outer wraps, the roll may see sound nevertheless still feed badly, buckle below handling, or shift amid storage. A well-set roll gives a flatter lay, more even stress through the gauge, and less risk of telescoping when the reel is moved through converting, packing, or despatch. That pays back in less stoppages and less scrap, because the material arrives at the next stage prepared to dash rather than needing to be fought into shape.

Plastic Film Machinery - manufacturer, factory, supplier from United Kingdom

Plastic film machinery only works well when the melt, gauge control and cooling are kept in balance, because a blown film line can turn out either a tidy, usable roll or a web full of thin spots and poor edge trim. With polythene suppliers film, small changes in temperature or air pressure fast affect film tension, which then shows up later as weak seals, poor pallet wrapping or nuisance smashs on the converting line. That is why operatours see bubble stability, die settings and transport-off speed so closely. A proper process gives consistent rolls and less rejects, which saves time in production and handling.

The Role Of Heat Sealers In Industry

A heat sealer has to match the job on the packing bench, because the gross machine gives weak seals, slow output, or both. A continuous unit with moving belts suits higher-throughput work, where bags or pouches pass through in a proper flow and the operatour is not stopping all few seconds. An impulse model is better for lighter packs and shorter runs, since the hot element only works when needed and puts less strain on thin film. The proper selection relies on film type, seal width, and how often packs are handled after sealing. When those points are matched properly, leaks are reduced and packing lines dash with less grasps and reworks.

Layflat Tubing (Heavy Duty)

Layflat tubing gives packing lines a flexible method to make bags only when needed, so neither material nor storage space acquires wasted. Supplied on rolls, it can be cut to the proper length and then closed with heat, tape, ties or polythene suppliers, which makes it useful for mixed runs and awkward-shaped products. Film selection matters only as much as width, because a light gauge may suit clean, normal items while heavier LDPE is better when puncture risk is high. Clear tubing also lets stock and contents be checked fast without opening the pack. That combination of control and speed makes it a practical selection on busy shop floors and in dispatch areas.

Poly tubing with a slit on the edge gives packers a simple method to open and feed the film without wasting time fighting a tight reel. The slit matters because it controls how the tubing comes off the roll, which assists retain film tension steadier on the line and reduces the risk of snatching, tearing or uneven conversion. It also makes the material easier to size up for bag making, bundling or protective sleeving, particularly where fast changeovers are needed on busy shop-floor production. A clean slit and consistent gauge save handling trouble later in the warehouse and dispatch area, so the plain detail of the edge cut can make the all packing dash more proper.