How Much Do Printed Polythene Bags Cost in the UK?

When ordering custom packaging, one of the first questions businesses ask is: “How much do printed polythene bags cost?”

There is no single answer, as prices vary depending on the bag specification. Factors such as the bag size, material, thickness, print design, and order quantity can all affect the final cost.

Understanding these factors can help businesses choose a specification that meets their requirements without paying for unnecessary features.

In this guide, we explain the main factors that affect the cost of printed polythene bags and how businesses can maximise value when ordering bespoke packaging.

Is There an Average Cost for Printed Polythene Bags?

Printed polythene bags are usually priced on a bespoke basis because every order is different. The final cost can vary depending on factors such as the bag size, material, thickness, style, print design, and order quantity.

For this reason, it is difficult to provide a single average price. While plain stock bags may cost only a few pence each, the price of a custom-printed bag can vary significantly depending on its specification.

The most accurate way to understand the likely cost of your order is to request a tailored quote based on your requirements.

Find out more on how to receive a tailored quote 

The Biggest Factors That Affect the Price

Two bags that may look alike can have very different costs. Let’s explore the reasons that affect the cost of printed polythene bags. 

Bag Size

A larger bag will inevitably increase manufacturing costs because it requires more material to produce and will likely have a larger print. 

Choosing an appropriate bag size for your company and use-case is important, as this both improves the cost-effectiveness of a potential purchase and minimises waste, improving your sustainability.

Material Thickness

Thicker bags generally cost more because they require more raw material to manufacture. However, choosing the thickest option is not always necessary.

The right thickness depends on how the bag will be used, the weight of the products it needs to carry and the level of durability required. Choosing a specification that provides sufficient strength without using unnecessary material can help control costs while reducing waste.

For example, bags designed to carry heavier or sharper products may require a thicker material, while lighter products may be suitable for a thinner gauge.

Material Types

The material used to manufacture a bag can affect its cost, strength, appearance and sustainability credentials. Pricing may vary depending on whether the material contains recycled content, the type of polythene used and how the film is constructed.

• Virgin Polythene: Newly manufactured material that has not previously been used. This can be a suitable option where specific performance or appearance requirements need to be met.

Find out more about our Polyair™ sustainable packaging

• Recycled-Content Polythene: Material that incorporates recycled plastic. The cost can vary depending on factors such as recycled material availability and the percentage of recycled content required. It can help businesses improve the sustainability credentials of their packaging while maintaining the performance needed for many applications.

Find out more about our PolyPCW packaging

• High-Density Polythene (HDPE): A lightweight material that offers good strength and is commonly used for carrier bags and other lightweight packaging applications.
• Low-Density Polythene (LDPE): A softer and more flexible material that can be used across a wide range of packaging applications.
• Co-Extruded Films: Multi-layer films designed to combine different material properties. Their more complex manufacturing process can make them more expensive than simpler monolayer films.

Number of Print Colours

The number of colours used in your design can affect the cost of printed bags. More colours generally mean a more complex printing process and additional setup requirements.

Simple designs using one or two spot colours can be a cost-effective option while still providing strong brand visibility. Full-colour printing, often produced using the CMYK process, allows for more detailed designs and a wider range of colours but may increase production costs.

When choosing a print design, it is worth considering whether additional colours will provide enough value to justify the extra cost.

Print Coverage

The amount of the bag covered by the printed design can also affect the overall cost. A small logo or simple design will generally require less ink than printing large areas of solid colour.

Heavier ink coverage can increase material usage and production requirements, which may result in higher manufacturing costs. When designing a printed bag, it is therefore worth considering whether extensive print coverage is necessary to achieve the desired visual impact.

Order Quantity

Order quantity is one of the most important factors affecting the cost per bag.

Printed bags often involve setup and production costs that remain relatively similar regardless of the size of the order. Ordering a larger quantity allows these costs to be spread across more bags, reducing the cost per unit.

However, ordering more bags is not always the most cost-effective choice if they cannot be stored or used within a reasonable timeframe. The ideal order quantity should balance the lower unit cost of a larger production run with your available storage space and expected demand.

Bag Style

The style of bag you choose has a direct impact on the overall cost. Different bag styles require different materials, manufacturing techniques, and levels of production, so prices can vary significantly.

Simple designs, such as vest carrier bags and mailing bags, are generally quicker and more efficient to produce. In contrast, styles with additional features often require extra manufacturing stages. For example, patch handle bags need reinforced handle patches, while flexi-loop handle bags require separate plastic handles to be attached during production.

As a general rule, the more complex the bag's construction, the higher the manufacturing cost. 

Additional Features

Additional features can improve the functionality, appearance, or usability of a printed bag. These may include:

• Reinforced handles for improved strength and durability.
• QR codes that direct customers to a website, product page or other online content.
• Printed warning text where relevant to the intended application.
• Gussets that provide additional capacity and allow the bag to hold larger or bulkier items.

However, additional features can also increase manufacturing costs. When specifying a bag, consider which features provide genuine value for your application and whether the benefits justify the additional investment.

Find out more about printed polythene bags

How Can Businesses Reduce the Cost of Printed Bags?

There are several ways to reduce the cost of printed polythene bags without compromising on the requirements that matter most.

Consider the Full Specification

Before ordering, review whether the bag size, thickness, material and additional features are all necessary for the intended application. Avoiding unnecessary material or features can help reduce both costs and waste.

Simplify the Print Design

Where appropriate, using fewer colours or reducing the overall print coverage can help lower production costs while still creating a distinctive branded design.

Order the Right Quantity

Larger orders can reduce the cost per bag by spreading setup costs across a greater number of units. However, it is important to balance potential savings against available storage space and expected usage.

Standardise Where Possible

Using the same bag sizes or specifications across multiple products can simplify production and help improve purchasing efficiency.

Plan Ahead

Ordering in advance can help avoid additional costs associated with urgent production or delivery requirements.

Work With an Experienced Supplier

An experienced packaging supplier can help you review your specification and identify opportunities to improve efficiency without compromising on bag performance, appearance or functionality.

Chat to us about your polythene bag needs today

Are Printed Polythene Bags Worth the Investment?

Although printed bags usually cost more than plain alternatives, they can provide value beyond their practical function.

Branded bags can:

• Improve Brand Recognition: Your branding remains visible after a customer leaves your premises.
• Create a More Professional Presentation: Bespoke packaging can provide a more considered and consistent customer experience.
• Support Brand Consistency: Colours, logos and messaging can be carried across your wider packaging and marketing materials.
• Increase the Perceived Value of a Product or Purchase: Well-designed packaging can contribute to a higher-quality overall presentation.

The cheapest option is not always the best long-term investment. A well-designed printed bag can continue promoting your business beyond the initial purchase while also providing a more distinctive customer experience.

Choosing the Right Supplier 

When comparing printed polythene bag suppliers, price should not be the only consideration. It is also important to assess factors such as bag quality, material options, print quality, lead times, consistency, and technical expertise.

Working with an experienced supplier can help you make informed decisions about your bag specification, including the most suitable material, thickness, size, and printing options for your application.

At Polythene UK, we have more than 20 years of experience supplying polythene packaging and can help businesses source bespoke printed bags to meet their specific requirements. Our team can work with you to develop a specification that balances cost, performance, appearance, and sustainability.

Contact us

FAQs

• Why are printed polythene bags more expensive than plain bags?

  Printed polythene bags generally cost more than plain bags because they require additional setup and manufacturing processes. Factors such as the number of print colours, the complexity of the design, bag size and order quantity can all affect the final price.

  Although printed bags typically have a higher upfront cost, they can also provide additional value by increasing brand visibility and creating a more professional presentation.

• How many bags do I need to order?

  The minimum order quantity for printed polythene bags depends on factors such as the bag style, size, and printing requirements. Larger orders can often reduce the cost per bag by spreading setup and production costs across a greater number of units.

  The most cost-effective quantity will depend on your expected usage, available storage space and budget. A packaging supplier can help you determine an order quantity that provides the right balance between unit cost and practicality.

• Does using recycled plastic affect the price?

  Using recycled content can affect the price of printed polythene bags, although the difference depends on factors such as material availability, market conditions and the percentage of recycled content required.

  For many applications, recycled-content polythene can provide the strength and performance needed for packaging while helping businesses meet their sustainability objectives.

• Are one-colour bags much cheaper than full-colour printing?

  In many cases, one-colour printing costs less than a full-colour design because it involves a simpler printing process and fewer setup requirements. Adding additional colours can increase production complexity and therefore the overall cost.

  However, the difference in price will depend on the design and order quantity. Larger production runs can help reduce the cost per bag, making more complex printing options more cost-effective.

• Can I order different sizes with the same design?

  Yes, it is often possible to use the same design across different bag sizes. However, each size may require its own manufacturing setup, which can affect the overall cost.

  Pricing will depend on the number of sizes required, the quantity of each and whether any artwork adjustments are needed.

  Discussing your requirements with a packaging supplier can help you identify the most cost-effective way to order multiple sizes.