How Do I Choose a Custom Poly Bag Manufacturer for Food Packaging?

Food contact compliance

Ask for compliance letters that cover the film resin, additives, and inks for the intended use, including temperature and food type. Frozen, hot fill, and fatty foods each raise different questions.

Food safety certification

Many food brands and their customers require suppliers to hold a GFSI benchmarked certification such as SQF. Request the current certificate and check that the site and scope match.

Film and gauge

Poly bags for food are often polyethylene, chosen for clarity, toughness, and sealing. Specify the gauge, and use the film gauge converter if your specs mix mil, micron, and gauge.

Print and artwork

Food bags often carry nutrition panels, barcodes, and lot codes. Confirm the printer can hold fine type and that print stays out of seal areas where needed.

Traceability and complaints

Ask how each case is labeled, how lots trace back to raw materials, and how complaints are investigated and answered.

How to compare your shortlist

Ask every supplier the same questions on the first call. Which plant will run the job, and does its certificate cover that site? Which print method and how many colors in one pass? How is color approved and by what standard? What starts the lead time clock, purchase order or approved artwork? What documents come with the first order? Who is your day to day contact when something goes wrong? Write the answers in one table. The supplier that answers clearly and in writing is usually the one that will run your job the same way every time.

Where PCI fits

Where PCI fits: Matt Louie, who writes this site, sells for Poly Craft Industries (PCI). PCI prints by flexographic printing only, runs new 10 color presses, is SQF and GMI certified, quotes a standard lead time of 3 to 4 weeks after artwork approval, and supplies brands sold at major retailers. That makes PCI one supplier to put on a short list, not an automatic answer. Use the checks on this page to compare PCI with every other supplier you are considering.

Next step

If you want PCI to quote your spec, send it to Matt directly through the quote form at /quote/, use Ask Matt at /send-your-package/, email Matt@PolyCraftInd.com, or call Matt at (516) 849 6237.

What film are food poly bags made from?

Often low density or linear low density polyethylene, chosen for clarity, strength, and sealing. Your product and conditions decide the spec.

What documents should a food bag supplier provide?

A current food safety certificate, food contact compliance letters, and a specification for the bag.

Can ink touch food?

Ink placement and structure should be designed so ink does not contact food. Ask the supplier how this is controlled.

How thick should a food poly bag be?

It depends on the product weight, sharp edges, and handling. Test samples with your product.