PE vs PP for produce bags: which film is right?

Walk down a produce aisle and most of the bags look alike: clear plastic, a few vent holes, maybe a printed band. But the film itself is a real choice. Most produce bags are made from one of two films: PE (polyethylene) or PP (polypropylene). Each has its strengths. Here is a plain-English guide to choosing between them for wicketed produce bags.

The short answer

PE is soft, flexible and forgiving. PP is clearer, stiffer and shinier. If your produce is heavy, bulky, or handled roughly, PE is often the easier choice. If you want the product to sparkle on the shelf and look crisp in the bag, PP is worth a look. Many packers use both, for different items.

What PE is like

Polyethylene is the film most people picture when they think of a plastic bag. It feels soft in the hand and gives a little when you pull on it, instead of tearing straight away. That makes it a good fit for:

• Heavier or bulkier produce, where the bag takes some strain when it is filled, carried and stacked.
• Items with corners or stems that can poke at the film.
• Cold storage, where a flexible film is a comfortable choice.

PE can be clear or have a softer, slightly hazy look, depending on the film. It is quiet to handle and drapes around the product.

What PP is like

Polypropylene is the crisp, glassy film you see on many premium packs. It is clearer than most PE and has more shine, so colors inside look bright. It is also stiffer, so the bag holds its shape and looks neat on display. PP is a good fit for:

• Produce that sells on looks, like bright peppers, berries or herbs.
• Lighter items that do not put much strain on the bag.
• Printed bags where you want a sharp, clean look around the print.

The trade-off is that a stiffer film is less forgiving. PP crinkles more when handled. For very heavy, sharp or roughly handled produce, or for very cold storage, talk to us before you pick PP.

Side by side

• Feel: PE is soft and flexible. PP is crisp and stiff.
• Look: PE ranges from clear to softly hazy. PP is very clear and shiny.
• Handling: PE gives and stretches. PP holds its shape.
• Printing: both print well. We flexo print up to 8 colors on either film.
• Food contact: our PE and PP films are both FDA-compliant.
• On the wicket: both run as wicketed bags, stacked on a U-shaped wire through two holes in the lip.

Vents work with either film

Many fruits and vegetables do better in a bag that can breathe, so vent holes are common on produce bags. Vents can go in either PE or PP. What matters is the layout: where the holes go and how many, based on what you pack and how it is stored. Tell us your product and we will suggest a layout, or match a bag you already use. For items that do not need vents, a plain bag works fine.

Thickness matters as much as film type

A thin PE bag and a thick PE bag are very different products, and the same is true for PP. Film thickness (often called gauge) affects strength, feel and cost. Heavier or bulkier produce usually needs a thicker film, or a gusset for more room. Rather than guessing, tell us the weight and size of what goes in each bag and how it is packed, and we will recommend a gauge for the film you choose.

How to decide for your line

Ask yourself four questions:

• How heavy is a full bag, and is the product sharp or bulky? The heavier and rougher, the more PE makes sense.
• How much does the look matter? If shelf appeal is the top priority, consider PP.
• Where is it stored? For cold rooms and freezers, ask us about the right film.
• How is it packed? By hand or on a machine, fast or slow. A softer bag is often more forgiving on a busy packing line.

Still not sure? The simplest test is to run both. Send us what you pack today and we will help you compare.

Printing on produce bags

Whichever film you choose, you can put your brand on it. A common approach for produce is a printed band or panel with a clear window, so shoppers still see the freshness inside. We flexo print up to 8 colors, from a simple one-color logo to full-color graphics. See custom printed wicketed bags for what to send for artwork.

Next steps

You can read more about sizes, vents and options on our wicketed produce bags page. If you also pack baked goods, see our wicketed bread and bakery bags and our guide on how to choose the right bread bag size.

When you are ready, use the quote form below or email quote@wicketedbags.com with what you pack, the film you are leaning toward, the bag size, vents and print. Every bag is made to your spec in Brooklyn, NY, with a typical lead time of 3–4 weeks.