The Ultimate Guide to Polypropylene Bags - S&K Packaging

25 Aug.,2025

 

The Ultimate Guide to Polypropylene Bags - S&K Packaging

Sandbags, animal feed bags, and bags to contain grains for human consumption must be sturdy, tear resistant, and available in water- and UV light-resistant versions. The ultimate guide to polypropylene bags we provide below will give you an appreciation of the strength, versatility, and variety of uses woven polypropylene bags provide.

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What Is Polypropylene?

Polypropylene is a thermoplastic polymer resin. “Poly” means many. Polypropylene is made by subjecting propylene (a petroleum byproduct) molecules (monomers) to a chemical reaction that makes the molecules combine into a large “networked” or chain molecule, called a polymer.

Polypropylene has many attractive qualities that make it an excellent material for making packaging. Polypropylene is (or can be) made to be:

  • Transparent, unlike plastics, which aren’t perfectly clear
  • Nontoxic, so it’s considered appropriate for food packaging
  • Lightweight
  • Resistant to UV light
  • Heat tolerant
  • Inexpensive

How Polypropylene Becomes a Bag

Polypropylene resin pellets are heated, then extruded into strips, like thin, flat tapes. For nonwoven polypropylene (PP) bags, these strips are bonded together to make a smoother type of plastic bag. Woven PP bags run the filaments or threads for polypropylene through an industrial loom. The loom weaves them into a fabric with warp and weft (meaning horizontal strips weave over and under vertical strips).

The weaving machines create large rolls of fabric, and from those rolls, the woven polypropylene goes through cutting and sealing or sewing machines to turn the fabric into bags.

Both woven and nonwoven PP bags can undergo lamination to make them more amenable to printing and more durable. Woven bags are stronger than nonwoven bags and can carry more weight than a nonwoven bag of the same size.

Types of Polypropylene Bags

Woven PP bags are a versatile type of packaging used by suppliers of flowable, bulk products, including animal feed, grains, seeds, powders, and resins. Types of woven PP bags include:

  • FIBC bags: “FIBC” stands for “flexible intermediate bulk container.” These are large square or round bags that can hold up to 2,000 pounds of material. They’re either open-top or have spouts for filling and emptying. They also come in a duffel-bag style. They can have structural baffles to enable them to stand up on their own, and they come with corner straps that make them easy to hoist with a forklift.
  • BOPP bags: BOPP stands for “biaxially oriented polypropylene,” and the bags are laminated to accept detailed printed graphics and to render them waterproof and resistant to grease and oils. They have a glossy appearance and preserve required labeling on animal feed or other packaging.
  • Gusseted bags: These have an extra panel that enables them to stand up straight.
  • Lined bags: Woven PP bags are not inherently waterproof. However, they can have an additional lining of plastic film or foil to protect the contents from moisture.
  • Retail shopping bags: Because they are reusable and nontoxic, woven PP bags make excellent totes for groceries. Other retailers like them because they can print logos and designs that will last on the bags.

Advantages of Woven PP Bags

Our ultimate guide to these bags wouldn’t be complete without an explanation of the advantages of woven PP bags. Manufacturers and suppliers of flowable bulk and dry goods love these bags for a variety of reasons. Among the advantages of woven PP bags are:

  • Durable and reusable: You can reuse woven PP bags for years if you handle them properly.
  • Strength and tear resistance: Their structure makes woven PP bags strong and tear resistant.
  • Sustainability: Woven PP bags are entirely recyclable.
  • Chemical resistance: Polypropylene is resistant to most alkaline or acidic substances and organic solvents.
  • Heat resistance: Polypropylene has a high melting point and is resistant to heat exposure.
  • Easy to clean: PP bags are easy to clean for re-use.
  • Pest resistant: Their toughness makes woven PP bags resistant to pests, protecting the product inside.
  • Breathability: These bags allow for airflow for products that need it.
  • Accept coatings: Lamination makes them resistant to humidity and liquids, and a UV light-resistant coating protects graphics and contents from sun damage.
  • Cost-effective: Woven polypropylene bags are inexpensive, considering savings on transportation, product loss, and spoilage.

Common Uses for Woven Polypropylene Bags

Many manufacturers and distributors use woven polypropylene bags to store or transport products. Examples include:

  • Food packaging: Polypropylene’s nontoxic nature makes it food-grade packaging. This makes the bags an excellent choice for packing grains, flour, sugar, corn, and other products intended for human consumption.
  • Agricultural materials: Woven polypropylene bags are useful for storing and transporting animal feed, fruits and vegetables, or even fish food.
  • Construction: Woven PP bags are an uncomplicated way to store and transport construction materials like concrete mix or plaster.
  • Flood control: Woven PP bags with liners make effective sandbags to divert floodwaters and prevent them from entering structures.
  • Geoengineering: Woven PP fabrics and bags help create or maintain roads, irrigation channels, ports and harbors, railways, and mines.

What To Consider When Looking for a Supplier

If you are a manufacturer, distributor, or retailer in need of packaging material for flowable dry goods, consider working with a supplier that can provide you with a variety of choices. Woven PP bags, including FIBC and BOPP bags, may be just the right thing.

On the retail end, BOPP bags, with their high gloss lamination that can accept sharply detailed graphics on the inside of the laminating film, stand out on shelves with color and images that won’t fade or crack.

For transporting or storing large quantities of dry goods, FIBC bags with structural baffles, spouts, or duffel bag closures could work. Find out if your supplier can provide bags with corner handles, top and/or bottom spouts, or electrostatic protections for materials that could generate static electricity through friction with the bag.

Another consideration is the supplier’s ability to print your chosen graphics on your bags in the colors you want.

At S&K Packaging, we offer several options for woven PP bags. We also offer paper bags, paper-poly combination bags, and packaging supplies, including twine, bulk bag repair tape, and industrials sewing machine thread. Contact us today to discuss your need for paper, paper-poly, FIBC, or BOPP bags.

Polypropylene Vs Polyethylene Bags - Comparison Guide

When it comes to choosing plastics bags, two options are often considered: polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) plastic. Although polyethylene and polypropylene bags are both plastics, they aren't typically used for the same purpose or products. Deciding which type of plastic packaging to use depends on your specific needs and application.

Understanding PE and PP Bags: What's the Difference?

What is a Polyethylene bag?

           

Polyethylene bags are translucent or opaque with a slight haze to them that allows you to see the items inside, although the details of the contents won't be clear. Polyethylene bags are ideal for packaging goods or items that require a high level of protection. Most industrial companies use polyethylene bags for packing and storing large, heavy items such as industrial machining parts.

The main characteristics of polyethylene bags include:

  • Translucent or opaque
  • Tear resistant
  • Flexible
  • Durable
  • Low abrasion
  • Soft and pliable

What is a Polypropylene bag?

Polypropylene bags are crystal clear, making them ideal for food, the medical industry, or any other industry where consumers need to clearly see a product before making a purchase.

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The main characteristics of polypropylene bags include:

  • Durability
  • Corrosion resistant
  • Crystal clear transparency
  • Pliable at higher temperatures
  • Stiff and hard plastic
  • High environmental resistance

Before deciding which is the best plastic bag to use, consider your specific business needs, your budget, and how you want to package and present your products to your customers.

PE (Polyethylene) Bags Advantages

Polyethylene has several advantages, including exceptionally high melting and freezing points. It is created by the polymerization of ethylene (or ethene) monomers. Polyethylene is made by the addition or the radical polymerization of ethylene (olefin) monomers.

Some of the properties and benefits of polyethylene bags include:

  • Inert and translucent, which creates a lower static charge
  • Preventing too much light from entering the bag, which protects the contents
  • Attracting less dust, dirt, and other undesirable foreign organic elements
  • Less costly than polypropylene
  • More resistant to cold temperatures and wear and tear
Common types of polyethylene bags include:
  • High-density polyethylene (HDPE): Features densely packed and bonded molecules, making this type of polyethylene rigid, robust, and durable.
  • Low-density polyethylene (LDPE): LDPE is generated from free radical polymerization, resulting in long and short branching of chains. This type of polyethylene is flexible, with low tensile strength and durability.
  • Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE): LLDPE is very strong and durable. It boasts a higher tensile strength and durability than the LDPE.

Polypropylene - PP Bags Advantages

Characterized by a more transparent appearance and higher tensile strength, polypropylene bags offer a higher heat and chemical resistance than polyethylene bags. Polypropylene packaging can be made with rigid protective edges, making it ideal for wrapping solutions that prevent scratches to the product or contents. It also offers unmatched protection against moisture, vapors, and debris. Some of the specific properties and benefits of polypropylene bags include:

  • More resistance to chemicals, high temperatures, and scratches
  • Stiff and hard plastic
  • Crystal clear for excellent product presentation
  • Unmatched vapor and moisture barrier
  • Meeting FDA and USDA specifications and requirements

Applications of Polyethylene Bags and Polypropylene Bags

Polyethylene Bags Applications -

Polyethylene bags are used in a variety of domestic and industrial applications, including making pipes, bottles, cans, tubing, plastic film wraps, polythene grocery bags, and much more.

Polypropylene Bags Applications -

Polypropylene bags are commonly used for food wrapping, electronics manufacturing, and hospitals to keep contents free of contaminants. They are also used for packaging a vast number of consumer products in a wide range of industries and applications, including the automotive industry.

What is the difference between polyethylene and polypropylene bags?

      PE bags are more flexible and cost-effective, ideal for industrial and heavy-duty storage, while PP bags offer superior clarity and strength, making them suitable for food, medical, and high-end product packaging. Choosing between them depends on your specific packaging needs.  

Packaging Solutions by Universal Plastic

Polyethylene and polypropylene poly bags are undeniably the two most commonly utilized packaging solutions. When deciding the best option for your needs, it is crucial to know the advantages that each offer. If you need help choosing the right one, reach out to Universal Plastic today. Our experts will work closely with you to understand your application requirements. Later, we can customize these bags with your brand logo and text for branding and promotional purposes and offer them in the best wholesale prices. Contact us today to discuss your requirements and request a quote.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the main difference between polyethylene and polypropylene bags?

Polyethylene (PE) bags are more flexible, durable, and cost-effective, whereas polypropylene (PP) bags are stiffer, crystal clear, and more resistant to heat and chemicals.

2. Which type of bag is better for food packaging?

Polypropylene bags are ideal for food packaging due to their clarity, moisture resistance, and compliance with FDA and USDA standards.

3. Are polyethylene and polypropylene bags recyclable?

Yes, both PE and PP bags are recyclable, but availability depends on local recycling programs and bag type (HDPE, LDPE, etc.).

4. Can I use polyethylene bags for storing sharp or heavy items?

Yes, especially high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) bags, which are highly durable and tear-resistant.

5. Do polypropylene bags offer better product visibility?

Absolutely. PP bags are crystal clear, making them perfect for retail or food products where visibility is important.

6. Which bag material is more affordable for bulk purchases?

Polyethylene bags are generally more cost-effective, especially for industrial or heavy-duty use.

7. Can these bags be customized with my brand logo?

Yes. Both PE and PP bags can be custom printed with your logo, brand colors, and messaging.

8. What industries commonly use polyethylene bags?

Industries like manufacturing, logistics, agriculture, and hardware use PE bags for packaging, protection, and transport of parts or goods.

9. Are polypropylene bags heat-resistant?

Yes, PP bags can withstand higher temperatures and are suitable for sterilization or heat-sealed packaging.

10. How can I choose the right bag type for my business?

Consider your product type, packaging environment, budget, and visibility needs. You can also contact Universal Plastic’s team for expert guidance and custom recommendations.

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