If you're importing PE plastic bags from China, one of the most confusing things is thickness measurement. Chinese factories use "丝" (si), US buyers use "mil" or "gauge", and Europeans use "microns". Which one should you use? And what thickness do you actually need?
This guide covers everything you need to know about PE bag thickness — with a handy conversion chart and recommendations for different applications.
What is PE Bag Thickness?
PE (polyethylene) bag thickness refers to how thick the plastic film is. It directly affects the bag's strength, durability, cost, and suitability for different products. Thicker bags are stronger but more expensive. Thinner bags save money but may not protect your products adequately.
Thickness Units: The Complete Conversion Chart
Different countries use different units. Here's how they compare:
| 丝 (Si) | Micron (μm) | Mil | Gauge | mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 丝 | 10 μm | 0.39 mil | 394 gauge | 0.01mm |
| 2 丝 | 20 μm | 0.79 mil | 787 gauge | 0.02mm |
| 3 丝 | 30 μm | 1.18 mil | 1181 gauge | 0.03mm |
| 5 丝 | 50 μm | 1.97 mil | 1969 gauge | 0.05mm |
| 8 丝 | 80 μm | 3.15 mil | 3150 gauge | 0.08mm |
| 10 丝 | 100 μm | 3.94 mil | 3937 gauge | 0.10mm |
| 15 丝 | 150 μm | 5.91 mil | 5906 gauge | 0.15mm |
What Thickness Do You Need? By Application
📦 Lightweight Items (1-3 丝 / 0.01-0.03mm)
- Garment bags — 1-2 丝 for dry cleaning and apparel
- Grocery/shopping bags — 1.5-2.5 丝
- Produce bags — 1-1.5 丝 for fruits and vegetables
- General merchandise — 2-3 丝 for light products
📦 Medium Items (3-5 丝 / 0.03-0.05mm)
- Food packaging — 3-4 丝 for snacks, dry foods, frozen items
- Hardware parts — 4-5 丝 for screws, nuts, small components
- Electronics accessories — 3-4 丝 for phone cases, cables
- Sample bags — 3 丝 for product samples and promotional items
📦 Heavy Items (5-10 丝 / 0.05-0.10mm)
- Industrial parts — 6-8 丝 for heavy components
- Chemicals/ powders — 8-10 丝 for thick protection
- Shipping packaging — 5-8 丝 for mail order bags
FOB Price Reference by Thickness
Based on our factory pricing, here's what different thicknesses cost for a standard 200×250mm (8×10") PE flat bag:
| Thickness | Weight per bag | FOB Price (per bag, bulk) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 丝 (0.02mm) | 0.59g | $0.003 |
| 3 丝 (0.03mm) | 0.88g | $0.005 |
| 5 丝 (0.05mm) | 1.47g | $0.008 |
| 8 丝 (0.08mm) | 2.35g | $0.013 |
Want an exact price for your specific size and thickness? Use our Instant Price Estimator for a precise FOB quote.
Common Questions About PE Bag Thickness
Is thicker always better?
No. Thicker bags cost more and generate more plastic waste. Choose the thickness that matches your product's weight and protection needs. Over-packaging wastes money and material.
What thickness do most e-commerce businesses use?
Most e-commerce and retail packaging uses 2-4 丝 (0.02-0.04mm) PE bags. This range offers good protection at an economical price point.
How do I measure bag thickness?
Use a digital micrometer or thickness gauge. Measure the film in multiple spots and average the readings. Film thickness can vary slightly across the bag width.
Can I mix thicknesses in one order?
Yes. We can produce different thicknesses in the same order. Each size/thickness combination is treated as a separate line item. Contact us for a multi-item quote.
Need Help Choosing the Right Thickness?
Not sure what thickness you need? Send us your product details and we'll recommend the optimal bag specification — free of charge.
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