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Printed Punched-out Handle Plastic Bags

Strong & durable Great value Custom printed

Product details

Punched-out handle plastic carrier bags, also known as die-cut handle bags, are the industry standard plastic carrier bag.

Unlike a patch handle plastic bag which uses additional reinforcement around the handle area, punched-out handle bags can be manufactured using varigauge polythene. This makes the material thicker towards the top of the bag. This provides extra strength around the punched-out handle, where it is needed most.

Whilst print flexibility depends on order quantity, a wide range of customisation is at hand to create a unique bag tailored to your application.

They are perfect for retail stores, exhibitions, events, clothing businesses and takeaway outlets looking for a practical, cost-effective carrier bag that can be fully customised with their branding.

Our plastic carrier bags are available in a wide range of sizes.

  • Bag colour: wide range of colour options are available to complement your brand, including brown, white, black, red, silver, blue and green.
  • Handles: choose from a range of handle types and colours to match or contrast your bag.
  • Print: personalise your bag with custom printing on one or both sides, in as many print colours as you need.

Fully bespoke customisation is available on orders of 10,000 bags or more.

Order our punched-out handle plastic bags in quantities to suit the needs of your business. Minimum order quantities depend on the number of print colours:

  • 1-3 colour printing: 500 bags MOQ.
  • 4+ colour or full-colour printing: 5,000 bags MOQ.
  • Fully bespoke design: 10,000 bags MOQ (includes bespoke print coverage, tailored sizes, unique specifications and extras).

The larger the order, the lower the cost per bag, and the wider the range of customisation available.

We provide completely free delivery across the UK.

On average, it takes us around 3 weeks to manufacture, print and deliver your bags.

If you have a deadline for your bags, we recommend discussing and confirming any deadlines or priority requirements with our team before placing your order.

With one of the fastest turnaround times in the UK, we can arrange for your bags to arrive on time to meet your deadline.

Turnaround times depend on the quantity and complexity of your printed design.

Our punched-out handle plastic bags are:

  • Recyclable at plastic bag collection points.
  • Made from up to 30% recycled materials.

Punched-out handle plastic bags can also be made bespoke using 100% recycled plastic for orders over 10,000 bags.

Need help choosing a bag? Our team is here to help.
Call 01438 873840
Would you like a sample? See the quality for yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum order quantity for punched-out handle plastic bags?

Punched-out handle plastic bags start from 500 bags for printing in one to three colours. Designs with four or more colours, including full-colour print, start from 5,000 bags. Fully bespoke orders, with custom sizes, extensive print coverage and extra features, start from 10,000 bags. Our team can advise on the most suitable quantity for your requirements.

What is the estimated delivery time of printed plastic bags?

On average, our printed plastic bags take around 3 weeks to manufacture, print and deliver, with free delivery included across the UK. However, depending on quantities and requirements, we can ensure a quicker turnaround. If you’re working towards a specific deadline, speak to our team before placing your order so we can confirm the lead time and arrange the quickest suitable turnaround.

What size can I get a punched-out handle plastic bag in?

We’ve broken down plastic bag sizes into a comprehensive plastic bag size guide to make sure your bag is the perfect size for what you need. For orders over 10,000 bags, we can accept bespoke size requirements.

What is the benefit of a punched-out handle plastic bag?

Punched out handle plastic bags can be recycled at supermarkets and local recycling points, and they come in a range of sizes which makes them appropriate for any purpose. Additionally, they are easy to store, cost effective, strong and look great when printed.

What is the difference between a patch and punched-out handle plastic bag?

There are very few functional differences between these bag types. Both a patch handle and a punched-out handle bag’s handles are cut as a hole in the bag’s material itself. The difference lies in how the handle is strengthened. A patch handle uses a ‘patch’ to strengthen the plastic around the handle. A punched-out handle bag is made from a varigauge material, meaning the plastic of the bag is thicker at the top, and the handle is placed in this thicker plastic area for extra strength.

Are printed plastic bags eco-friendly?

Printed plastic bags are not automatically eco-friendly, but their environmental impact can be reduced through responsible material use, repeated reuse and correct recycling.

Can plastic bags be recycled?

Yes, most conventional polythene carrier bags can be recycled. Currently, they are not always accepted through household recycling collections, although many supermarkets provide specific flexible-plastic recycling points. From 31 March 2027, local authorities in England will be required to collect recyclable plastic film and plastic bags from households as part of the government’s 'Simpler Recycling' scheme.

Are plastic bags biodegradable?

No, conventional polythene carrier bags are not biodegradable. Rather than breaking down naturally, they should be reused for as long as possible and then recycled through an appropriate plastic recycling route. This highlights the importance of keeping these products within the cycle of use by making them strong and durable, reducing the need for single-use plastics where possible.

What does varigauge mean?

Varigauge refers to the difference in the thickness (gauge) of the plastic in different areas of the bag. The thicker the gauge the stronger the bag. It will also be more likely to resist punctures and be capable of carrying heavier, bulkier items.

What gauges (thicknesses) are available?

Our standard varigauge is 180 gauge at the bottom and 360 gauge at the top (45/90 micron) where the punched-out handle sits.

Our stronger varigauge is 250 gauge at the bottom and 500 gauge at the top (62.5/125 micron), enabling it to hold heavier items.

Can a printed plastic bag be used for food packaging?

Yes, and we’ve worked with a number of brands to produce polythene bags for food packaging. If the bag will come into direct contact with food, it needs to be manufactured from a suitable food-contact material and produced to the appropriate specification. This should be confirmed when placing your order (these bags can still be custom printed with your logo).

Are plastic bags suitable for carrying heavy items?

Yes, our printed plastic bags can be suitable for carrying heavier items, with a range of sizes and specifications available to suit different loads. The gauge of the plastic determines its thickness and plays a major role in the overall strength and durability of the bag. See our plastic bag size guide for more information.

Can you print on both sides of a plastic bag?

Yes, plastic carrier bags can be printed on one or both sides, and each side can feature a different design, message or piece of branding. Printing on both sides gives you more space to promote your brand, display additional information or use each side for a different purpose. For example, one side could feature your logo and main branding, while the reverse includes a website or promotional message.

Which products & industries should consider using punched-out handle plastic bags?

There is no product or industry which wouldn’t suit a punched-out handle polythene bag. These bags are versatile, cost effective and because they’re so thin and light, are easy to store. They’re the ideal bag for events, fashion, small businesses and even food.

Can printed plastic bags be reused?

Yes, printed plastic bags can be reused multiple times. They remain in good condition and are suitable for the weight of the items being carried. Choosing the right size, gauge and handle style can improve the durability of the bag and make it more suitable for repeated use. Reusing a carrier bag also helps extend its useful life before it is eventually recycled or disposed of.

What printing options are available to customise plastic bags?

Our custom printed plastic bags can be produced with anything from a simple single colour design to detailed multicolour branding. This makes them suitable for everything from straightforward plastic bags with a logo to more complex branded designs. Single colour printing is a cost-effective option for logos, text and simple artwork, while multi-colour printing allows several brand colours to be used within the same design. For more detailed artwork, photographs or designs with a wide range of colours, CMYK printing can be used.

Can I order a sample before placing an order?

Yes, samples can be arranged so you can assess the bag, material, size and finish before committing to a full order. Availability may vary depending on the bag type, specification and the type of print requested. As far as possible, we aim to provide samples that closely reflect the final bag you are looking to create.

Can I have my logo printed on a plastic bag?

We can produce plastic bags with your logo. You can also add your branding or custom artwork printed onto the bag. Depending on the design, this can range from a simple single colour logo to more detailed multicolour branding. Custom printed plastic bags are a practical way to turn everyday carrier bags into a visible part of your brand.

Why brands choose our plastic bags

Designed to Elevate Your BrandPremium printed bags that make every purchase feel more valuable. Fast Turnarounds, No HassleReliable production and delivery that keeps your business moving. Five-Star ServiceFriendly expert support from quote to delivery, every step of the way.

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