Clear Carrier Bags with Punched Handles

Features & Benefits

• Clear carrier bags manufactured from 180 gauge polythene film
• Approximately 45 micron film thickness
• Reinforced patch around the punched-out handle
• Transparent finish keeps the contents clearly visible
• Integrated punched-out handle for convenient carrying
• Open-top design allows quick and efficient packing
• Selected size includes an expanding bottom gusset for additional capacity
• Flexible material accommodates products in different shapes
• Protects contents from dust, dirt and light moisture
• Clear presentation showcases products, branding and promotional materials
• Economical for everyday customer purchases
• Easy to store flat beneath or beside a sales counter
• Suitable for clothing, accessories, gifts and general merchandise
• Ideal for exhibitions, trade shows and promotional events
• Available in three practical sizes
• Supplied in packs of 100 bags
• Clean bags may suit specialist polythene-film recycling collections

Common Uses

Our clear carrier bags are ideal for carrying and presenting:

• Clothing and fashion accessories
• Jewellery and watches
• Cosmetics and beauty products
• Gifts and souvenirs
• Shoes and footwear
• Books and stationery
• Cards and craft supplies
• Printed marketing materials
• Catalogues and brochures
• Exhibition handouts
• Conference materials
• Promotional products
• Product samples
• Toys and games
• Boutique purchases
• Market-stall merchandise
• General retail products

Always choose a bag size and specification that comfortably accommodates the complete dimensions and weight of the intended contents.

180 Gauge Clear Carrier Bags with Punched-Out Handles

Our 180 gauge clear plastic carrier bags provide a practical and attractive packaging solution for retailers, boutiques, exhibition organisers, market traders and other customer-facing businesses. The transparent finish keeps the contents visible, allowing products, printed materials and promotional items to remain part of the presentation.

Manufactured from approximately 45 micron polythene film, these clear carrier bags offer a practical balance of flexibility and durability for everyday retail and promotional applications. The 180 gauge material helps protect purchases from dust, dirt and light moisture while remaining easy for staff to open, fill and store.

Each bag includes an integrated punched-out handle with a reinforcing patch around the handle area. This patch provides additional support at one of the main stress points of the bag, helping customers carry suitable purchases more comfortably.

The range includes compact, medium and large carrier bags to suit different products. The 200mm × 300mm option suits smaller purchases and accessories, while the 380mm × 500mm bag provides additional height for clothing, documents and retail merchandise. The 550mm × 457mm option also includes a 75mm bottom gusset, creating extra capacity for wider or bulkier products.

These clear polythene carrier bags store flat when not in use, helping businesses keep useful quantities close to the sales counter, exhibition stand or packing area without occupying unnecessary storage space.

Practical Clear Carrier Bags for Retail and Promotional Use

The open-top design supports fast packing in busy retail and exhibition environments. Staff can place products inside without opening adhesive strips, unfolding paper handles or assembling the bag.

Once filled, the punched-out handle provides a convenient carrying point for the customer. The reinforcing patch supports the handle area, while the 180 gauge film provides the flexibility needed for a wide range of everyday products.

The transparent material allows customers to see the contents without opening the bag. This makes clear carrier bags particularly useful for trade shows, exhibitions, conferences, product launches and promotional events where businesses want their products, catalogues or printed branding to remain visible.

The 200mm × 300mm option provides a flat carrier-bag format, while the wider 380mm x 457mm & 550mm × 457mm bags includes a 75mm bottom gusset. The gusset expands when filled, helping the larger bag accommodate boxed products and bulkier merchandise.

Their flexible polythene construction allows the bags to adapt around different product shapes. However, sharp corners and pointed objects may puncture the film, so wrap or protect these items before placing them inside.

These bags do not include a built-in adhesive closure or tamper-evident seal. If the contents require additional security, close the top with suitable tape or place the product inside separate protective packaging before inserting it into the carrier bag.

Understanding 180 Gauge Polythene Film

Gauge provides a traditional measurement of polythene-film thickness. A thickness of 180 gauge equals approximately 45 microns.

These 45 micron clear carrier bags offer more substance than many lightweight retail carriers while remaining flexible and economical for regular use. The material suits clothing, gifts, accessories, printed materials and general merchandise, provided the products remain within the capacity of the bag and handle.

Thickness alone does not determine the total carrying capacity. The product’s size, shape, weight distribution and sharpness can all affect bag performance. The handle construction, seams and bottom gusset where included also contribute to the overall suitability of the carrier.

Avoid describing the bags as suitable for a specific carrying weight unless the relevant technical specification confirms a tested load capacity.

Available Clear Plastic Carrier Bag Sizes

We offer our 180 gauge clear plastic carrier bags in the following sizes:

• 7.9 x 11.8 inch / 200mm x 300mm clear carrier bags – supplied in packs of 100
• 15 x 19.7 inch x 3inch / 380mm x 500mm x 75mm clear carrier bags – supplied in packs of 100
• 21.7 x 18 x 3 inch / 550mm x 457mm x 75mm clear carrier bags – supplied in packs of 100

For the 200mm × 300mm we show measurements as width × height.

For the 380mm x 500mm x 75mm & 550mm × 457mm × 75mm sizes, we show measurements as width × height × bottom gusset.

The imperial dimensions provide approximate conversions from the metric sizes. Please use the millimetre measurements when you require an exact fit.

The 200mm-wide option suits smaller accessories, stationery, cards, jewellery, cosmetics and compact retail purchases.

The 380mm-wide option provides additional height for clothing, books, catalogues, promotional materials and medium-sized merchandise.

The wider 550mm carrier includes a 75mm bottom gusset and suits larger garments, boxed products, exhibition materials and wider retail purchases.

How to Choose the Correct Clear Carrier Bag Size

Measure the complete width, height and depth of the product before selecting a carrier bag. Product depth will use some of the available width and height when a flat bag expands around thicker contents.

For the 200mm × 300mm and 380mm × 500mm flat carrier bags, allow additional width and height for products with significant depth. A product that matches the full stated dimensions may not fit once the material expands around it.

The 550mm × 457mm carrier includes a 75mm bottom gusset that creates additional capacity for bulkier products. However, product shape, weight and rigidity can still affect the required bag size.

Allow enough room above the contents so the customer can grip the punched-out handle without placing excessive strain on the material. A product that reaches too close to the handle opening may make the bag uncomfortable to carry or increase pressure on the polythene.

For multiple products, measure the combined dimensions rather than each item separately. Arrange products so they distribute their weight evenly and do not press sharp corners against the film.

If the contents feel tight or sit close to the stated measurements, choose the next size up. We recommend requesting a sample before placing a larger order if your products are bulky, heavy, pointed or irregularly shaped.

How to Use Punched-Out Handle Clear Carrier Bags

Open the bag fully before inserting the products. For the 380mm & 550mm-wide options, allow the 75mm bottom gusset to expand before filling the bag.

Place heavier or flatter items at the bottom, then arrange lighter products above them. Avoid forcing oversized items into the bag or pulling sharply against the seams.

Protect pointed corners, sharp edges and projecting components with tissue paper, bubble wrap or another suitable material.

Make sure the contents sit below the punched-out handle so the customer can grip the bag comfortably. When packing several items, distribute the weight evenly and avoid overloading one side.

If presentation is important, position product labels, branding, brochures or promotional messages so they face outwards through the clear film.

Although the reinforced patch supports the handle area, you should not overload the bag or use it for products that exceed the suitability of the 180 gauge film.

These carrier bags do not provide protective transit packaging and should not replace a box, mailing bag or padded bag when sending products through a parcel network.

Why Choose Our 180 Gauge Clear Carrier Bags?

Our clear plastic carrier bags combine practical handling, excellent product visibility and straightforward storage. Their transparent finish works well across retail shops, exhibitions, conferences, trade shows, market stalls and other customer-facing environments.

The 180 gauge / approximately 45 micron polythene film provides a useful balance of flexibility and durability for everyday purchases and promotional materials. It allows staff to handle and pack the bags easily while providing dependable protection for suitable contents.

The punched-out handle creates a convenient carrying point without adding separate handle components. A reinforcing patch supports the handle area, while the larger size includes a bottom gusset that expands to create more room for wider and bulkier merchandise.

With three sizes available, businesses can choose a suitable carrier for smaller accessories, medium-sized merchandise, clothing, printed materials and larger boxed products. Packs of 100 also make it easy to order quantities that suit day-to-day retail or event requirements.

Unlike opaque coloured carriers, the clear film allows products, logos and printed materials to remain visible. This makes the bags particularly useful when product presentation and brand exposure form an important part of the customer experience.

What Are Clear Carrier Bags Also Known As?

People also commonly refer to clear plastic carrier bags as:

• Clear polythene carrier bags
• Clear poly carrier bags
• Transparent carrier bags
• Clear retail bags
• Clear shopping bags
• Clear merchandise bags
• Clear boutique bags
• Clear shop bags
• Exhibition carrier bags
• Trade-show carrier bags
• Promotional carrier bags
• Conference bags
• 180 gauge carrier bags
• 45 micron carrier bags
• Punched-out handle bags
• Patched-handle carrier bags
• Reinforced handle bags
• Punch-handle carrier bags
• Die-cut handle bags
• Die-cut carrier bags
• Plastic retail carriers
• Flat clear carrier bags
• Gusseted clear carrier bags
• Bottom-gusset carrier bags
• Polythene shopping bags
• Plastic shopping carriers
• Retail checkout bags

Although people often use these terms interchangeably, clear carrier bags can differ in material, transparency, thickness, handle design, recycled content, gusset construction and carrying strength. Always check the complete product specification before ordering.

Food Contact Information

Do not use these clear carrier bags for direct contact with unpackaged food unless the specification for your chosen size confirms food-contact suitability.

You can use the bags to carry food products that already have suitable primary packaging, provided the combined size and weight remain appropriate for the carrier.

If you require confirmation for a particular food application or need a Food Safety Certificate, please email sales@expresspackaging.co.uk before ordering.

PPWR Compliance Information

Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on Packaging and Packaging Waste, commonly known as the PPWR, applies from 12 August 2026 to packaging placed on the EU market. We can provide available product specifications and supporting information to help customers complete their compliance assessments.

A 180 gauge polythene construction, transparency or potential recyclability alone does not confirm full PPWR compliance. The responsible economic operator must assess the finished packaging and its intended use against all applicable requirements, including packaging minimisation, substances of concern, recycled content, recyclability, labelling and technical documentation.

Customers intending to place these products on the EU market should email sales@expresspackaging.co.uk to request the latest available documentation and confirm suitability for their application before making a PPWR compliance claim.

Material and Responsible Disposal

These carrier bags use 180 gauge / approximately 45 micron flexible clear polythene film. Clean polythene bags may suit specialist flexible-plastic or carrier-bag recycling collections, depending on the facilities available in your area.

Many household kerbside recycling services do not accept plastic bags and flexible films. Some supermarkets, commercial waste contractors and specialist recycling facilities provide separate collection points.

Remove paper receipts, labels and other non-polythene components where practical. Bags contaminated with food, oil, chemicals or other substances may not suit recycling.

Where the bag remains clean and undamaged, consider reusing it before placing it into an appropriate recycling or waste stream. Always follow the guidance provided by your local authority or commercial waste contractor.

Recycled material content can vary according to the product specification and stock batch. Please contact our sales team if you require confirmation of the recycled content for a particular size.

Important Safety Information

Keep unused bags away from babies and young children to reduce the risk of suffocation. Do not use the bags as toys, protective clothing or bedding.

Store the bags in a clean, dry area away from direct heat, naked flames and prolonged sunlight. Polythene can melt or burn when exposed to high temperatures.

Do not overload the bags or use them for products that exceed the strength of the 180 gauge material or reinforced handle area. Support bulky or heavy items from underneath when necessary.

Protect the bag from sharp corners and pointed objects that could puncture the polythene. Check the bag and handle before use, particularly when carrying valuable or fragile products.

Sample Requests

To request a sample, please email sales@expresspackaging.co.uk or call 0121 622 2347. A small charge applies to sample bags wider than 600mm. Our sales team will confirm any applicable charge before sending the sample.

Illustration Only

Products and accessories shown in our images demonstrate potential applications only and are not included with the carrier bags.

Items vary in size, shape, depth and weight. Measure your products carefully before ordering and allow enough space for the contents and the punched-out handle to remain accessible. For the 550mm-wide option, also allow sufficient room for the bottom gusset to expand.