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Custom Side Seal Poly Bags – Affordable, Customizable Packaging

Side seal poly bags are the cost-effective choice for packaging lightweight products. These heat-sealable bags are sealed along both the left and right edges, with no bottom seam and no wasted seal lip — a construction that trims material cost while still holding contents securely. Perfect for businesses that need reliable, customizable packaging without breaking the budget.

Why choose side seal poly bags?

Lower cost than bottom seal bags – Save money on bulk orders
Heat sealable – Secure closure for product protection
Fully customizable – Add your logo, branding, and product info
FDA approved materials – Safe for food contact
Fast turnaround – Most orders ship within one business day

Whether you're packaging retail products, promotional items, or food goods, our custom side seal poly bags deliver professional presentation at wholesale prices.

What Are Side Seal Poly Bags?

Side seal poly bags are constructed with heat-sealed seams along the sides rather than the bottom. This manufacturing method makes them more economical than bottom seal bags while still providing excellent durability for lightweight products. The side seals create a strong bond that keeps contents secure during storage and shipping.

Benefits of Custom Side Seal Poly Bags

Cost-Effective Packaging Solution

Side seal poly bags cost less to produce than bottom seal alternatives, making them ideal for businesses with tight packaging budgets. You get professional-quality bags at wholesale pricing without sacrificing appearance or functionality.

Customization Options

Transform plain poly bags into powerful marketing tools:

Custom printing – Full-color logos, product names, and branding
Multiple sizes – Standard and custom dimensions available
Thickness options – Choose the right mil thickness for your product weight
Closure types – Heat seal, zipper, or adhesive strip
Material choices – LDPE, HDPE, or specialty films

FDA Approved & Food Safe

Our side seal poly bags meet FDA requirements for direct food contact. Use them confidently for:

Bakery items and baked goods
Candies and confections
Dried fruits and nuts
Coffee and tea
Spices and seasonings
Pet treats and food supplements

Common Uses for Side Seal Poly Bags

Retail Packaging

Display products on shelves or hang from pegboards with custom-printed side seal bags. Your branding stays visible while protecting merchandise from dust and handling.

Food Packaging

Package bulk foods, snacks, and ingredients safely. Heat-sealable construction locks in freshness and prevents contamination.

E-Commerce & Shipping

Protect lightweight items during transit without adding excess weight or cost. Custom printing reinforces your brand identity when packages arrive.

Promotional & Sample Packaging

Create memorable giveaway packages for trade shows, events, or promotional campaigns. Custom side seal bags make your samples look professional and polished.

Side Seal vs. Bottom Seal Poly Bags: Which Is Right for You?

Feature	Side Seal Bags	Bottom Seal Bags
Cost	Lower price point	Higher cost
Best For	Lightweight products	Heavier items
Strength	Good for most applications	Superior bottom strength
Appearance	Professional, clean seals	Flat bottom for display

Choose side seal bags when: You need economical packaging for lightweight items and want to maximize your packaging budget.

Choose bottom seal bags when: You're packaging heavier products that require extra bottom strength or need bags to stand upright for retail display.

How to Order Custom Side Seal Poly Bags

1. Choose Your Specifications

Bag dimensions (width x length)
Material thickness (mil)
Quantity needed
Closure type (heat seal, zipper, etc.)

2. Design Your Custom Printing

Upload your logo and artwork
Select print colors
Add product information or barcodes
Review digital proof

3. Get Fast Turnaround

We understand packaging delays can disrupt your business. That's why 98% of our orders ship within one business day. For custom printed bags, typical turnaround is 2-3 weeks depending on order complexity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a side seal poly bag?

A side seal poly bag is a flat plastic bag sealed along both its left and right edges, with the top open and no seam across the bottom. Because the seal runs right at the edge of the bag, there is no wasted seal lip, which makes side seal bags less expensive per bag than bottom seal bags and gives them a clean, edge-to-edge look for retail display.

What is the difference between side seal and bottom seal poly bags?

Side seal bags are sealed on both side edges and are open at the top, while bottom seal bags have a single heat seal across the bottom. Side seal bags cost less and present cleanly on a shelf or peg, so they are the better fit for lightweight retail, promotional, and food items. Bottom seal bags put the seam under the load, so they are the better fit for heavier products that need extra bottom strength.

Are custom side seal poly bags food safe?

Yes. Our custom side seal poly bags are produced from FDA-compliant virgin resin approved for direct food contact, so they can be used for bakery goods, candy, dried fruit and nuts, coffee, spices, and pet treats. Inks used for custom printing are applied to the outside of the bag and do not contact the product.

What sizes and thicknesses do custom side seal poly bags come in?

Custom side seal bags are made to your exact width and length, and most orders run between 1 mil and 4 mil thick. Lighter gauges of 1 to 1.5 mil suit dry retail goods, apparel, and printed materials; 2 to 3 mil is the common choice for food and general-purpose packaging; 4 mil and heavier is used when the contents have sharp edges or need extra puncture resistance.

Can side seal poly bags be printed with my logo?

Yes. Side seal poly bags can be custom printed with your logo, product name, ingredient panel, barcode, or handling instructions in full color on one or both sides. You upload your artwork, choose your print colors, and approve a digital proof before the job runs. Typical turnaround on custom printed bags is 2 to 3 weeks depending on complexity.

What is the minimum order quantity for custom printed side seal bags?

Minimum order quantities vary with bag size, film thickness, and the number of print colors, since custom bags are produced as a dedicated press run. Call 1-800-569-1266 or request a quote and we will give you the exact minimum and price break for your specifications. Stock samples are available free so you can confirm size and film before committing to a custom run.

How do you seal side seal poly bags?

Seal the open top with an impulse sealer or a constant-heat sealer rated for polyethylene film. An impulse sealer works well for 1 to 4 mil bags and heats only while the jaw is closed. The result is an airtight closure that keeps out moisture and dust and helps protect shelf life. Side seal bags can also be ordered with a zipper or an adhesive lip if you need a reclosable or sealer-free option.

Are side seal poly bags recyclable?

Yes. Side seal bags made from LDPE (resin code 4) or HDPE (resin code 2) are accepted at store drop-off locations that take plastic film and grocery bags. They are generally not accepted in curbside bins, because thin film wraps around sorting equipment. Check your local program for specific guidelines.

Ready to Order Custom Side Seal Poly Bags?

Get professional, affordable packaging that showcases your brand. Our packaging experts are ready to help you choose the perfect specifications and create custom designs that make your products stand out.

📞 Call us at 1-800-569-1266 or request a free quote online.

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