Choosing the right packaging method protects your products and strengthens your brand.
ArcWorks in Rochester, NY offers both poly bagging and shrink wrapping under one roof. Our team helps manufacturers, brands, and eCommerce sellers match each project to the right solution.
What is Poly Bagging?
Poly bagging uses flexible polyethylene bags to protect and organize products. It is a simple, versatile option that works well for many packaging programs.
Poly bagging process at ArcWorks
In a typical workflow, your item or kit is placed into a clear poly bag.
The open end is sealed with an impulse sealer or heat sealer to create a clean closure.
We can add labels, barcodes, and inserts as part of the same operation.
Benefits of poly bagging
- Protects products from dust, moisture, and handling.
- Provides a professional, retail ready appearance.
- Supports tamper resistance when bags are heat sealed.
- Works well for small parts, literature, and flexible items.
- Cost effective, especially at higher volumes.
When poly bagging makes sense
Poly bagging is ideal when you do not need a tight, form fitting package.
It works well for soft goods, flexible components, and loose hardware.
Many projects use poly bags to bundle components before boxing or other secondary packaging.
Poly sleeves are also useful when you want a reusable package, such as for vinyl records or printed materials.
If you need poly bagging as part of a larger program, explore our contract packaging services.
What is Shrink Wrapping?
Shrink wrapping uses a heat sensitive film that tightens around the product.
The result is a crisp, secure package that holds items firmly in place.
Shrink wrapping process at ArcWorks
Products are wrapped in a shrink film or placed into a shrink bag.
The film is sealed and then passed through a heat tunnel or applied heat.
The film shrinks tightly around the product, creating a secure, tamper evident wrap.
Benefits of shrink wrapping
- Creates a tight, conforming fit around each item or bundle.
- Protects against dust, moisture, and scuffing during transit.
- Can help screen items from UV exposure depending on film type.
- Holds multiple items together to prevent shifting and damage.
- Delivers a clean, high end appearance on the shelf.
Learn more about our dedicated shrink-wrapping services.
When shrink wrapping is ideal
Shrink wrapping is a strong choice for books, tools, and boxed items.
It is also effective for multi packs, such as bottled products or retail kits.
If you need a more tamper evident package, shrink wrapping often outperforms a standard poly bag.
Shrink wrapping is frequently used in combination with cartons and other primary and secondary packaging solutions.
Poly Bagging vs Shrink Wrapping: How to Choose
Both methods can deliver a professional, brand consistent result. The right choice depends on your goals, budget, and handling environment.
For a secure, conforming fit
Choose shrink wrapping when you want film that tightens around the product.
It keeps items from moving inside the package and helps reduce damage in transit.
For a basic, reusable bag
Choose poly bagging when you want simple protection with more flexibility.
Poly bags can be reopened and reused, which some customers prefer for long term storage.
When bundling multiple items
Shrink wrapping is excellent for multi packs and promotional bundles.
It keeps bottles, boxes, or components locked together as a single retail or industrial unit.
For a professional appearance
Both methods can look professional on the shelf.
Shrink wrapping usually creates a cleaner, tighter finish with squared edges and great visibility.
Poly bagging works well when you want clarity and protection without the form fitting look.
How ArcWorks Integrates Packaging with Your Supply Chain
ArcWorks does more than just bag or wrap your items. We design packaging workflows that support your full supply chain.
Our Amazon FBA prep services combine poly bagging, shrink wrapping, labeling, and bundling to meet current FBA standards.
For manufacturers, we integrate poly bagging and shrink wrapping with kitting, assembly, and contract packaging so finished goods move smoothly into distribution.
Because we offer primary, secondary, and fulfillment packaging support, you can centralize more work with one partner. That reduces handoffs, errors, and freight touches.
Why Partner with ArcWorks
ArcWorks is an ISO 9001:2015 registered contract manufacturer with decades of packaging experience.
Our team supports industrial, medical, consumer, and eCommerce customers nationwide.
When you work with ArcWorks, you also support meaningful employment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
You get reliable packaging capacity and contribute to a mission driven organization at the same time.
Ready to Discuss a Poly Bagging or Shrink Wrapping Project?
If you are unsure which method is right for a new product or bundle, our team can help.
Share your item dimensions, volumes, channels, and packaging goals.
We will recommend a poly bagging or shrink wrapping solution that protects your products, meets retailer or Amazon requirements, and keeps your packaging costs under control.
Use our online form to request a quote today, or contact the ArcWorks team to discuss your next project.