Packaging Insights for Custom Poly Bags and Flexible Packaging

Wicketed poly bags are individual bags stacked together and held on a metal wicket so they can be opened and filled one after another. They are commonly used in higher volume packaging operations where products need to move through the filling process quickly and consistently. 

Instead of separating and opening loose bags individually, wicketed bags keep the next bag positioned and ready for use. This makes them especially useful in bakery, produce, frozen food, food service, and other repetitive packaging environments. 

A wicketed poly bag has holes near the opening that allow multiple bags to be held together on a metal wicket. A common construction also includes a back lip that extends approximately two inches beyond the front of the bag. This extended section helps hold and position the bags during filling. Peace Products offers wicketed bags as one of several available poly bag types, along with flat, gusseted, zipper, heavy duty, and printed bags. 

Wicketed bags can be used in manual, semi automated, or automated packaging operations. 

In a manual process, an employee opens the bag, inserts the product, removes the bag from the wicket, and completes the sealing process. 

In more automated applications, an air blower can open the next bag while it remains positioned on the wicket. This reduces the need to manually separate and open every bag before filling. 

Bakery packaging is a good example of how wicketed bags can improve productivity. 

Instead of an employee manually picking up and opening each bag, an automatic blower can open the next bag while it remains on the wicket. The baked product can then be inserted, and additional machinery may apply the twist or tag used to close the package. 

For businesses packaging large quantities of products, reducing these repeated handling steps can help increase packaging speed. 

Wicketed bags may cost more than some simpler bag styles, but labor, production volume, and packaging efficiency should also be considered when comparing options. 

Wicketed bags are worth considering when the same packaging process is repeated many times. 

Common applications include: 

• Bread and baked goods 
• Fresh produce 
• Frozen foods 
• Food service products 
• Consumer products 
• Industrial components 

Production volume is an important factor. A bakery packaging hundreds or thousands of products may gain more value from a wicketed system than a business filling a small number of bags manually. 

The filling method also matters. If workers are repeatedly separating and opening loose bags, or if automated equipment is being used, a wicketed format may provide a more practical setup. 

Peace Products serves customers across food service, agricultural, industrial manufacturing, medical, pharmaceutical, automotive, retail, and other industries. 

The wicket is only one part of the finished bag. The complete construction needs to match the product and packaging process. 

Important specifications may include: 

• Bag width and length 
• Film type and thickness 
• Wicket placement 
• Back lip dimensions 
• Gussets 
• Venting or die cuts 
• Sealing method 
• Printing requirements 
• Packaging equipment 
• Order quantity 

The equipment being used is especially important. A bag designed for an automated bakery line may require different specifications than one being filled manually. 

Peace Products' manufacturing capabilities include wicketed bags, gusseted bags, side weld and bottom sealed bags, venting, die cuts, different film options, and custom printing. 

For printed wicketed bags, construction should be established before artwork is finalized because wicket holes, seals, gussets, and the extended lip can affect the available print area. 

Yes. Wicketed bags are frequently used for bread, produce, frozen foods, and other food related products. 

The bag still needs to be specified for its intended application. Film, thickness, temperature, sealing method, packaging equipment, and storage conditions should all be considered. 

Peace Products is audited by AIB International for food related packaging manufacturing. More information is available on its food safety audited page. 

Start by looking at how your product moves through the packaging line. 

Consider your production volume, filling method, equipment, sealing process, and bag specifications. For higher volume operations, wicketed poly bags can help keep bags positioned and ready for filling. For smaller or less repetitive applications, another bag construction may make more sense. 

Peace Products manufactures plain and custom printed poly bags in Malvern, Pennsylvania. If you are considering wicketed bags, submit a quote request with your dimensions, thickness, quantity, printing requirements, intended application, and packaging process. 

Are wicketed poly bags more expensive than standard poly bags? 

They can be, depending on the construction, material, printing, and other specifications. The total packaging decision should also consider production volume, labor, equipment, and how efficiently the bags can move through the filling process. 

Can wicketed poly bags be custom printed? 

Yes. Wicketed bags can be custom printed, but the bag construction should be established before artwork is finalized. Wicket holes, seals, gussets, and the extended back lip can affect the available print area. 

Are wicketed bags suitable for manual packaging? 

Yes. Wicketed bags can be used in manual packaging operations as well as semi automated and automated systems. The appropriate construction depends on the product, packaging process, and equipment being used