Vela™ Bag 101: Everything You Need to Know to Pilot This Innovative Plastic-Free Poly Bag Alternative

Posted By on Jul 8th 2025

published July 9, 2025 • 11 min read

Vela™ Bag 101

Everything You Need to Know to Pilot This Innovative Plastic-Free Poly Bag Alternative

The Poly Bag Problem

Virgin poly bags are everywhere. From apparel to accessories, they’re the standard for protecting products in transit and ensuring efficient fulfillment. However, while these thin plastic bags serve an essential purpose, they also contribute to a major packaging waste issue.

It’s estimated that 180 billion poly bags are created annually — less than 15% are collected for recycling.

Virtually all poly bags are made from virgin fossil fuels, and while many can be recycled through thin film collection programs, they’re rarely accepted curbside. This leads to low recycling rates and high rates of litter and pollution.

We know brands are actively seeking solutions that:

  • Reduce reliance on fossil fuels

  • Support curbside recycling

  • Maintain efficient fulfillment workflows

  • Are transparent for easy scanning and viewing throughout the supply chain

  • Protect products from dust, moisture, and damage in transit

  • Provide sufficient durability (i.e., don’t tear or puncture)

  • Are easily resealable

  • Are cost-effective

  • Deliver a premium customer experience

Replacing poly bags can be tricky. Some brands need solutions that check all of the boxes perfectly. Other brands have flexibility. They may need to meet some of the above requirements, but have the margin to experiment with others.

This piece explores the features, use cases, and unique benefits of the Vela™ Glassine Bag. This innovative, plastic-free poly bag alternative has proven to be one of the most exciting inner packaging alternatives for forward-thinking brands. Read on to discover if this alternative could fit your brand well.

Ready to Ditch the Poly Bag?

Shop Vela™ Glassine Bags—our curbside recyclable, plastic-free solution built for modern, sustainable supply chains.

Table of Contents

vela glassine bag

Source: Vela™

Inner Packaging Breakdown: Conventional vs Innovative Alternatives

While virgin poly bags dominate the market, a range of inner packaging alternatives are available. Here’s how they compare.

Virgin Polybag

Made From: Virgin Plastic

End-of-Life: Thin Film Collection Recycling

Pros: Lower cost, widely available, transparent, weatherproof, easy fulfillment

Cons: High resource footprint, made from fossil fuels, higher litter risk, not curbside recyclable

Recycled Poly Bag

Made From: Recycled Plastic

End-of-Life: Thin Film Collection Recycling

Pros: Lower resource footprint than virgin, lower cost, transparent, weatherproof, easy fulfillment

Cons: Not curbside recyclable, higher litter risk

Vela™ Glassine Bags

Made From: FSC® Certified Virgin Paper

End-of-Life: Curbside Recycling

Pros: Responsibly sourced, translucent, some water resistance, curbside recyclable, premium feel, easy fulfillment

Cons: Higher cost, not fully waterproof, not yet available in recycled fiber

Sway Polybags

Made From: Seaweed, Plants, and Compostable Polymers

End-of-Life: Home or Industrial Compost

Pros: Water resistant, sourced from regenerative materials, easy fulfillment, translucent

Cons: Higher cost, not recyclable, may not support plastic-free goals

EcoBand Product Wrap

Made From: Recycled Paper

End-of-Life: Curbside Recycling

Pros: Lower cost, curbside recyclable, reduced material footprint

Cons: Opaque, no water protection, partial coverage only, requires more complex fulfillment

Note: Typically paired with a gaylord liner to protect products in transit from factory to distribution center

Hemp Twine

Made From: Renewable Hemp Fiber

End-of-Life: Reuse, Home Compost, or Landfill

Pros: Lower cost, reduced material footprint, made from renewable resources

Cons: No product protection/coverage, requires more complex fulfillment, not recyclable

Note: Typically paired with a gaylord liner to protect products in transit from factory to distribution center

Recycled Tissue Paper

Made From: Recycled Paper

End-of-Life: Curbside Recycling

Pros: Lower cost, curbside recyclable, versatile

Cons: Opaque, no water protection, requires more complex fulfillment

Recycled Packing Paper

Made From: Recycled Paper

End-of-Life: Curbside Recycling

Pros: Curbside recyclable, versatile, lower cost

Cons: Opaque, limited water resistance, requires more complex fulfillment

Recycled Kraft Paper Bag

Made From: Recycled Paper

End-of-Life: Curbside Recycling

Pros: No fossil fuels or virgin tree fiber, curbside recyclable

Cons: Higher cost, opaque, may lack water resistance

While each brand has unique needs, we’ve found that Vela™ Glassine Bags are a strong fit for many apparel and accessories brands seeking to eliminate plastic without compromising product protection or workflow efficiency.

Here’s what separates Glassine Bags as a more sustainable replacement for the traditional virgin poly bag.

Three transparent bags with a logo in the center.

Source: Vela™

What Makes Vela™ Glassine Bags Different?

Vela™ Glassine Bags are engineered to combine premium aesthetics with responsible design.

Made from FSC® certified, responsibly sourced virgin paper, they closely replicate the look and functionality of traditional poly bags – without the plastic.

Vela™ Bags were invented in the garment district of Carpi, Italy, an area known for textile innovation. Vela means "sail" in Italian, representing their connection to nature and the oceans they help protect.

In the nuanced world of inner packaging, Vela™ Glassine Bags stand out. Here’s why.

Made From FSC® Certified Virgin Paper

Vela™ Bags are crafted from 100% FSC® certified virgin wood fibers, ensuring that every tree harvested comes from responsibly managed forests that prioritize environmental stewardship, biodiversity protection, and social responsibility.

While recycled content isn’t yet possible due to glassine’s unique construction, FSC® certification ensures that no old-growth or endangered forests are impacted. This approach balances Glassine's innovative performance needs with a commitment to forest conservation.

Fully Curbside Recyclable

Unlike plastic poly bags, Vela™ Bags do not require drop-off or collection through a dedicated thin-film recycling stream.

Instead, they can be recycled with paper and cardboard through most curbside programs, dramatically improving the likelihood of proper end-of-life disposal and long-term circularity.

Dedicated to Supporting Our Oceans Through Research

A portion of every Vela™ Bag sold is donated to ocean-friendly organizations such as Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium and One Ocean Foundation, supporting critical ocean research and conservation programs.

Premium Construction and Luxurious Feel

Unlike kraft or tissue papers, glassine is ultra-smooth and toothless, created through a unique supercalendering process that compresses paper fibers for exceptional density and durability.

The result is a bag that:

  • Feels sleek and silky to the touch

  • Protects against scuffing, dust, and light moisture exposure

  • Resists tears and abrasions better than standard paper alternatives

  • Offers a translucent, premium finish for beautiful product presentation

This helps prevent paper fibers from transferring to your products and brings a luxury feel to your unboxing.

Hidden Vents for Breathability

Vela™ Bags are designed with discreet micro-vents that promote airflow while protecting products. This ensures that garments or delicate accessories stay fresh and pristine, even after long periods in storage or transit.

Ideal for Custom Branding

Glassine’s smooth surface and clean aesthetic make it an optimal canvas for custom branding. Eco-friendly inks such as HydroSoy or Algae Ink™ print beautifully on Glassine Bags, allowing you to enhance the sustainability of your package further.

Whether printing your logo, brand story, eco-claims, or care instructions, these bags enhance your unboxing experience while communicating your commitment to the planet.

Built for Stress-Free Fulfillment

These bags integrate seamlessly into packaging workflows:

  • Easy to open, insert, and seal

  • Resealable for workflows that require additional product handling

  • FDA-compliant for direct food contact

  • Durable enough for product protection in transit

  • Translucent for barcode scanning and SKU management

  • Lightweight and stackable for efficient packing stations

We’ve seen brands successfully integrate Glassine Bags into even the most complex supply chains, including those using distribution centers of 3PL fulfillment centers.

Designed to Elevate Your Customer Experience

Vela™ Bags deliver an immediate sense of quality and care. Their sleek, translucent finish and premium feel create an unboxing experience that reinforces your brand’s commitment to thoughtful, innovative sustainability.

Designed to Elevate Your Customer Experience

Since their launch, Vela™ Glassine Bags have replaced more than 60,808 pounds of plastic, helping brands reduce their environmental footprint while enhancing their customer experience.

Brands like Everlane, Pact, Toad & Co, and Faherty have switched to Glassine Bags, and their customers are taking note.

For these forward-thinking companies, Glassine Bags aren’t just a packaging swap; they’re a clear reflection of brand values.

  • Everlane uses Vela™ Bags to align with their Radical Transparency® commitment, ensuring packaging is as thoughtfully designed as their apparel.

  • Pact leverages Glassine’s smooth, premium feel to complement their organic cotton basics, reinforcing a consistent, earth-friendly experience from the factory to the front door.

  • Toad & Co prioritizes innovative, plastic-free solutions like Vela™ Bags to advance their mission of clean manufacturing and sustainable design.

  • Faherty integrates Glassine Bags seamlessly into their fulfillment, delivering an unboxing experience that feels premium, conscious, and coastal-casual, just like their brand.

Across the board, brands adopting Vela™ Bags are finding they’re more than an operational upgrade. They’re a statement to customers that sustainability isn’t a side note — it’s woven into every part of the brand experience.

Source: Vela™

Ideal Use Cases for Vela™ Glassine Bags

Vela™ Glassine Bags are well-suited for brands prioritizing sustainability, premium presentation, and efficient fulfillment. We’ve seen them work exceptionally well for:

  • Apparel brands, especially those selling higher-end garments that benefit from a sleek, translucent presentation

  • Accessories brands, such as jewelry, scarves, or hats, seeking minimal yet protective packaging

  • Artists or art brands who need an additional layer of plastic-free protection for their products without the risk of fiber transfer or scratching

  • Outdoor brands who want to take a strong stand for the environment

  • Luxury and lifestyle brands aiming to elevate their unboxing experience with a refined, paper-based alternative

  • Brands with a strong sustainability mission, looking to eliminate plastics without compromising operational ease

  • Brands shipping from humid climates or into distribution centers, where hidden vents can help keep products fresh during storage

Glassine Bags can align seamlessly with your packaging strategy, whether you’re a direct-to-consumer brand building loyalty through packaging or a wholesale brand optimizing operational sustainability.

Source: Vela™

Are Vela™ Glassine Bags Right for My Brand?

We’ve seen brands of every shape and size launch and love Glassine Bags. They are versatile, innovative, and beautifully designed. Consider them if:

  • You want to eliminate plastic from your inner packaging and prioritize curbside recyclability

  • You need full product protection and translucent coverage (but do not require fully transparent material)

  • You are comfortable with a slightly higher cost for an eco-forward, premium solution

  • You are comfortable with the properties of paper, such as minor tears, crinkles, or scuffs, and limited resistance to water or extreme humidity

  • Your distribution and retail channels don’t specifically require LDPE poly bags, and will be comfortable with using paper Glassine Bags

  • You sell to conscious customers who will respond positively to a luxurious, paper-based, curbside recyclable solution — and your inner packaging solution will make it to the end customer

To get started, contact us or request samples to get hands-on experience with this exciting packaging solution.

Vela™ Glassine Bags may not be the right solution for brands who:

  • Sell bulky goods that require gussets or extra reinforcement

  • Ship products that include hardware or components that would easily puncture paper

  • Require 100% transparency for scanning or fulfillment processes

  • Work in extremely humid factory environments without temperature control, where Glassine Bags may absorb excess moisture

  • Do not send inner packaging directly to the end consumer, and only use poly bags in distribution or fulfillment settings

If you’re unsure whether your brand would benefit from switching to Glassine Bags, we’re here to help and answer all of your questions.

A Note On Vela™ Glassine Bags and Packaging Compliance

As legislation evolves, some brands ask us how Vela™ does or does not support compliance and EPR requirements.

Right now, the honest answer is that we don’t yet have the full picture.

We don’t know if or how Extended Producer Responsibility programs may require brands to shift from plastic poly bags to paper solutions. Our best guess is that while this change may come eventually, it is not an urgent compliance priority for most brands.

Current EPR schemes require brands to report and pay fees for both paper and plastic packaging, so switching to Glassine Bags may not immediately impact compliance.

However, we expect to see material requirements, eco-modulation incentives, and plastic reduction roadmaps become clearer and more defined. As this happens, we will continue to update our knowledge base and clarify answers to your questions about compliance.

In short, Vela™ may become a key solution specifically for brands seeking greater compliance. In the meantime, it remains a valuable way to reduce plastic waste, increase circularity, and elevate your brand’s commitment to sustainability.

Source: EcoEclose

How to Use Vela™ Bags As a Marketing Platform

Innovative packaging is more than functional – it’s a storytelling asset. Here’s how leading brands have leveraged Vela™ Bags:

Vela™ and other innovative poly bag alternatives offer a truly unique marketing platform that we are especially excited about. Customers who receive their products in Vela™ bags will have a hands-on experience as they open them to access the product. And in a sea of LDPE poly bags, Vela™ bags will absolutely stand out.

Brands who have moved to Vela™ have done a beautiful job leveraging this investment to tell their brand story, share their commitment to sustainability, and capture their customers’ attention.

If you’re considering making Vela™ a part of your packaging strategy, don’t miss out on the opportunity to strengthen your brand image and uniquely connect with customers. Stock Vela™ bags are printed with icons to share key eco-attributes with customers quickly, and custom branding is possible starting at 500 units.

To help you get inspired, here are two brands that have successfully adopted and leveraged Vela™ Glassine Bags.

Burton Case Study: Shredding Plastic, Not Mountains

The Challenge:
As a global snowboarding leader, Burton faced an industry norm: fossil-fuel-based poly bags that protect gear briefly but persist in the environment for centuries – polluting even pristine mountain snowpacks.

The Solution:
Burton partnered with Vela™ to replace traditional plastic poly bags with Glassine Bags – aligning with their mission to protect outdoor playgrounds.

The Impact:
This shift supports Burton’s aggressive science-based sustainability goals while engaging customers with packaging designed for a circular future. Their clear labeling and messaging empower riders to recycle responsibly, reinforcing Burton’s leadership in environmental innovation.

Outerknown: Protecting Oceans with Paper

The Challenge:
For Outerknown, founded by 11x World Champion Surfer Kelly Slater, eliminating plastic packaging has always been core to their ocean-focused mission. Traditional poly bags clashed with their vision of a truly circular brand.

The Solution:
After extensive research, Outerknown chose Vela™ Glassine Bags for their global supply network – combining operational performance with authentic sustainability impact.

The Impact:
By Fall 2020, Outerknown began its transition, aiming to replace 100% of plastic poly bags within a year. This move supports their broader goal of becoming a fully circular brand by 2030, positioning them as an industry pioneer in plastic-free packaging solutions.

“Partnering with Vela™ is another innovative win for Outerknown and the ocean. Outerknown is deeply committed to eliminating virgin plastic and keeping it out of our oceans.”

– Kelly Slater, Co-Founder

Source: Vela™

Ready to Learn More About Vela™ Glassine Bags? Here’s How to Get Started.

The world doesn’t need more virgin plastic bags—it needs solutions that balance performance, premium aesthetics, and environmental responsibility. Vela™ Glassine Bags offer brands a truly innovative path forward: they are plastic-free, thoughtfully constructed, and trusted by leading conscious brands around the globe.

Join the movement away from fossil-based packaging and discover how Vela™ Glassine Bags can help you reduce waste, delight customers, and build a brand that sails confidently toward a more sustainable future.

Curious whether Vela™ Bags are the right fit for your brand? Contact us at sales@ecoenclose.com to discuss your needs or order samples to experience the premium difference firsthand.

What to expect when you switch to Vela™: For small brands, making the switch is often as simple as ordering Glassine Bags and swapping them into your fulfillment immediately. For larger brands with complex or global processes, we have a tested method that makes it easy to work with international brands and overseas factories. First, we will work with you to pilot 5-10k Vela™ bags across your supply chain and ensure everything runs smoothly. Once we’ve completed this initial testing, we will help you transition your whole supply chain to Vela™ Bags.

To learn more, sign up for our upcoming webinar on plastic-free inner packaging to dive deeper into Glassine Bags and other innovative solutions.

Vela™ Glassine Bags: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the sizes, dimensions, and weights of EcoEnclose Vela glassine bags?

WIDTH x HEIGHT + FLAP

Are bulk discounts available for Vela glassine bags?

Yes - see bulk discount table below. Buy more, save more!

XS, S DISCOUNT M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL DISCOUNT

4-11 units

5%

3-8 units

5%

12-23 units

8%

9-23 units

8%

24-47 units

10%

24-47 units

10%

48+ units

15%

48+ units

15%

Can I order Vela glassine bags with custom branding?

Yes - We can custom brand our glassine bags at low minimum order quantities, starting at just 500 units.

If you’re choosing glassine over a standard virgin poly bag, tell your plastic-free story to your customers with your custom branding. Let them know why you’ve chosen paper over plastic, what this decision means to your brand, and how to dispose of the bag at the end of its useful life. Many consumers may not realize these bags are paper and curbside recyclable.

What are the differences between EcoEnclose's suite of inner packaging solutions?

Our inner packaging bags are designed to protect apparel and other soft goods from the point at which they are produced at a factory to the time they reach the retailer or end consumer. We refer to them as “inner packaging” because they aren’t intended to be used as shipping mailers and instead are for product protection during transport across their supply chain.

Historically, a virgin clear poly bag has been the primary solution for this type of inner packaging. Thankfully, many forward-thinking fashion brands are looking for more circular, value-aligned sustainable packaging.

Because supply chains are unique and complex, we recognize that no one-size-fits-all solution will work for every brand. Some need complete product protection, others need waterproof material, and others need transparency or translucency. As a result, we have developed a full line of more circular options than a standard virgin poly bag. Our Guide to Sustainable Inner Packaging provides an overview of our choices, why and how we’ve developed them, and which to choose for your specific operations.

 

Can I use Vela glassine bags to protect and ship art?

Yes - With their toothless, smooth finish and translucency, glassine bags are a polished way to provide inner protection to your art pieces. The bags are sized more for apparel than art, so you may need to size up rather than find dimensions that fit your prints to their exact size. Additionally, these bags contain a print on both sides and subtle air vents that allow air to be released when packaged at the factory. These design features are fine for most art companies.

Why are Vela glassine bags resealable?

This feature is based on direct feedback from the brands themselves. Many complicated supply chains require that bags be opened so apparel can be checked, scanned, and sorted at distribution centers or 3PL fulfillment centers. The adhesive is strong and does not readily come apart unless someone actively tries to open the bag.

Where are Vela glassine bags manufactured?

We source our Vela glassine bags from Seaman Paper. Seaman Paper currently produces Vela bags in China and the US. Our current inventory includes product produced in China (size XL) and the US (balance of sizes). Production standards and product specs are fully aligned across the globe to ensure product consistency.

Over time all EcoEnclose Vela glassine bag stock will reflect 100% US manufacture.

Are Vela glassine bags FSC® certified?

We carry FSC® certification (FSC® MIX, SCS-COC-009926) for our Glassine Bags, which are made with virgin material. By choosing FSC®-certified products, you support responsible management of the world’s forests.

Are Vela glassine bags FDA-compliant?

Our glassine bags are FDA-Compliant, meaning the product is compliant with FDA rules and regulations and is created with materials that are FDA-Approved. We recommend ordering case quantities if you plan to use these for direct food contact because our bundles are re-cased in a non-FDA compliant facility.

What if Vela™ Bags don’t work for my brand?

Whether you’ve determined that Vela™ doesn’t meet your cost or functional requirements, discovered a mismatch during your pilot run, or are simply exploring other solutions, we’re here to help you find the best fit in our poly bag alternatives. Your options include:

  • Sway Poly Bags made with regeneratively sourced seaweed

  • Sugarcane Poly Bags made with responsibly cultivated sugarcane

  • 100% Recycled LDPE Poly Bags (ideally with a Poly Take Bag program!)

And more. If you’re seeking a solution that is aligned with your unique needs, reach out to us, and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Saloni Doshi
by Saloni Doshi  • published July 9, 2025 • 11 min read
EcoEnclose packaging experts

About EcoEnclose

EcoEnclose helps forward-thinking brands deliver on their sustainability goals with innovative, research-driven packaging solutions designed for circularity.