Polyethylene Bags & Film
All About Polyethylene
Types, Applications & Custom Options
What is polyethylene?
The most-used plastic in the world — and there’s a reason for that.
Polyethylene (PE) is a flexible thermoplastic polymer. It’s durable, lightweight, and moisture-resistant — ideal for packaging dry foods, liquids, medical products, and more.
At Rutan Poly, we manufacture custom polyethylene bags and film at our New Jersey facility using a variety of base materials. Whether you're in food processing, retail, medical or manufacturing, the right grade matters.
For an in-depth dive into everything you need to know about plastic bags:
Download BrochureMoisture & vapor barrier
Strong protection against humidity, water, and air ingress.
Durable, low-cost
Excellent material strength relative to price.
Temperature resistant
Holds up across hot, cold, and freezer environments.
Flexible & stretchable
Stretches, conforms, and seals depending on the format.
Two grades, many uses
Types of polyethylene and where they fit.
High-Density Polyethylene
Non-porous and non-stretching, with a frosted look and crinkle texture. The cost-effective choice when high tear resistance isn’t the top priority.
Common applications
- Liner bags
- Grocery and shopping bags
- Industrial garbage bags
- Medical-grade packaging
- Shampoo, milk, and bleach bottles
- Piping and specialty bags
Features
- Lightweight and strong
- Impact and weather resistant
- Resistant to mold, mildew, insects
- Long-lasting and easy to shape
Low-Density Polyethylene
The most commonly used material in plastic bags. Soft, stretchable, and clear — with great printability and higher tear resistance than HDPE.
Common applications
- Boutique and retail carry bags
- Compost and mulch bags
- Press seal bags
- Mailers and shipping envelopes
- Heavy-duty garbage bags
- Film and paneling
Features
- Low-temp flexibility
- Good transparency
- Tough and corrosion-resistant
- Not ideal for high heat or rigid strength needs
Built to spec
Customize every poly bag and film roll.
Whether you’re using HDPE or LDPE, we engineer a product that performs, fits your process, and reflects your brand.
Sizes & gauges
Built to your exact dimensions and thickness.
Clear or tinted color
Pick any color, or stay crystal-clear.
Custom printing
Up to 9 colors, brand-true every time.
Perforations & cuts
Hang holes, gussets, venting — spec the cut.
Additives
UV, anti-static, slip resistance — on demand.
Seal types
Bottom seal, side seal, wicketed, and more.
Made in the USA.
Manufactured in New Jersey.
Have a packaging challenge?
Tell us about your application and we’ll engineer a custom solution.
