Understanding Film Gauge: Why Thickness Matters in Poly Bags

When ordering poly bags, one of the first questions you’ll get is: “What gauge do you need?” 

Gauge refers to the thickness of the film, and it can drastically impact how a bag performs. Whether you're packaging heavy items, shipping fragile parts, or wrapping food — the wrong gauge can lead to waste, breakage, or even compliance issues. 

Let’s break it down.

What Is Gauge?  

Gauge is a measure of film thickness in either mils (1 mil = 0.001 inches) or microns. For LDPE, gauge directly impacts: 

🧱 Strength — Thicker film resists punctures and tears. 

👀 Clarity — Thinner film is clearer, but weaker. 

🤲 Feel — Thicker bags feel more rigid or heavy-duty. 

🧪 Barrier properties — Slightly better with thicker film. 

At M Plastics, we can produce film ranging from light 0.75 mils up to heavy-duty 6+ mils, depending on your application. 

Choosing the Right Thickness  

• 0.75–1.25 mil → For light dust covers or food service liners 

• 1.5–2 mil → Standard poly bags or light industrial use 

• 2.5–3 mil → Medium-duty liners or parts packaging 

• 4+ mil → Heavy industrial, sharp-edged items, or box liners

How We Control Thickness  

Our blown film lines use automated gauges and extrusion controls to ensure uniform thickness across rolls. Each run is tested and recorded for consistency and performance. 

For precision needs, we can produce multi-layered film for extra strength without excess weight.

Final Thoughts  

Film gauge is not a guess — it’s a critical spec that determines how your product is protected. At M Plastics, we’ll help you select the right gauge for strength, clarity, and cost-efficiency. 

Reach out today for gauge recommendations on your next order.