What is 1.5 Mil Poly Tubing Used For?
1.5 mil low density polyethylene (LDPE) tubing is one of the most versatile packaging materials for protecting products during storage and shipping. Unlike pre-made poly bags with fixed dimensions, poly tubing lets you create custom-length packages by simply cutting and heat sealing.
Common Applications:
- Food packaging: Produce, baked goods, candy, dry goods (FDA compliant)
- Electronics: Circuit boards, cables, small components
- Automotive parts: Fasteners, gaskets, small hardware
- Retail products: Toys, crafts, office supplies
- Industrial parts: Metal components, tools, replacement parts
How to Use Poly Tubing
Step 1: Measure your product and cut tubing to desired length (add 2-3 inches for sealing room).
Step 2: Insert product into tubing.
Step 3: Heat seal one or both ends using an impulse sealer, hand sealer, or automatic sealing equipment.
Alternative: You can also staple or tape the ends if heat sealing isn't available.
1.5 Mil vs Other Thicknesses - Which Do You Need?
1.5 mil poly tubing is the lightest weight option, ideal for lightweight products that need basic protection from dust, dirt, and moisture. It's the most economical choice for high-volume packaging.
When to choose thicker tubing:
- 2 mil or 4 mil: Heavier products, sharp edges, or items needing puncture resistance
- 6 mil or 8 mil: Heavy industrial parts, long-term storage, rough handling environments
Need help choosing? Contact our packaging team for a recommendation.
Why Buy Poly Tubing in Bulk?
Buying poly tubing on large rolls (instead of pre-made bags) offers major advantages:
- Cost savings: 30-50% less expensive per package than pre-sized bags
- Flexibility: No need to stock multiple bag sizes - one roll handles varying product lengths
- Less waste: Cut exactly what you need, no leftover space
- Faster packaging: No hunting for the right bag size
Specifications: 1.5 Mil Low Density Poly Tubing
- Material: 100% virgin low density polyethylene (LDPE)
- Thickness: 1.5 mil (.0015 inches)
- Treatment: One side treated for ink adhesion
- Compliance: FDA approved for direct food contact
- Roll diameter: 12 inches (3-inch core)
- Sealing: Heat sealable, tape compatible, staple compatible
- Temperature range: -50°F to 180°F
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 1.5 mil poly tubing food safe?Yes. Our 1.5 mil poly tubing is made from 100% virgin low density polyethylene (LDPE) and meets FDA requirements for direct food contact. It is commonly used for bakery items, produce, candy, and other dry and fresh food products. What is the difference between poly tubing and poly bags?Poly tubing is a continuous roll of flattened tube that is open on both ends, so you cut it to any length and seal the ends yourself; poly bags arrive pre-made in fixed sizes with one end already sealed. Tubing is the better choice when your product lengths vary or when you want to stock one roll instead of many bag sizes, typically at 30-50% less cost per package than pre-sized bags. Can you print on poly tubing?Yes. Our tubing is surface treated on one side to accept printing inks, so you can print product labels, logos, or barcodes using flexographic printing equipment. For small runs, adhesive labels work well on the treated side. What equipment do you need to seal poly tubing?You need a heat sealer. Hand-held impulse sealers work for low volume, foot-operated sealers for medium volume, and automatic continuous sealers for high volume. If heat sealing is not available, the ends of 1.5 mil tubing can also be taped or stapled closed. How thick is 1.5 mil poly tubing, and when should you go heavier?1.5 mil equals .0015 inches, the lightest weight we stock, and it is the right choice for lightweight products that need basic protection from dust, dirt, and moisture. Step up to 2 mil or 4 mil for heavier items, sharp edges, or puncture resistance, and to 6 mil or 8 mil for heavy industrial parts, long-term storage, or rough handling. How much tubing is on a roll?Every roll is a standard 12 inch diameter on a 3 inch core, so the linear footage decreases as the tubing width increases. Contact us for the exact footage on the width you need. Can you return unused poly tubing?Unopened rolls may be returned within 30 days. Tubing that has been custom cut is non-returnable. Contact us before shipping anything back so we can issue a return authorization. Related Products
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Ready to order? Select your width above, or contact us for volume pricing.
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