Packaging format
Poly bags and wicket bags: a practical buyer’s guide.
A practical guide to printed poly bags, wicket bags, zip bags, tape bags, bottom-gusset bags, and flat packs.
Direct answer
Wicket bags are tied to equipment and handling
A wicket holds a stack of bags in position for loading. Hole spacing, lip, wicket wire, block quantity, bag opening, and equipment can affect whether a replacement runs. A photograph of the wicketed stack and the machine area can answer questions a generic drawing will not.
Gauge is only one part of bag performance
Nominal thickness matters, but resin selection, blends, processing, seals, dimensions, and the product also affect how a bag feels and performs. Do not reduce a successful bag to gauge alone.
Print has to respect the seal and converting layout
Artwork needs to account for seals, folds, wickets, perforations, registration tolerance, and any unprinted areas. If the current package has ink near the seal, flag it for review rather than assuming the new construction can copy it unchanged.
Buyer questions
Questions worth settling before the quote.
What is a wicket bag?
A wicket bag is supplied in a stack held on a wire wicket so the open end can be presented for loading. It is common where operators or equipment need repeatable access to the next bag.
What does bottom gusset mean?
A bottom gusset is a folded section at the base of a bag that opens to create more volume. Its measurement and finished shape should be shown on the bag drawing or specification.
Can a sample be matched without a spec?
A sample is a useful start, but it may not reveal resin blend, treatment, additives, or exact gauge. Document review and manufacturer evaluation are still needed before calling anything an exact match.
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