Glassine Bags

Glassine bags are made from densified paper created by refining wood pulp fibers until they tightly bond together. This process produces a smooth, translucent paper that is naturally air- and grease-resistant without plastic coatings or films.

Glassine bags are often chosen as a plastic-reduction solution within a broader packaging system.

They are:

• Made from paper derived from wood pulp
• Free from plastic coatings or films
• Lightweight, which helps minimize unnecessary material use

End-of-life options depend on local recycling programs and product contamination. Keeping glassine clean and dry helps improve recyclability.

Glassine is paper-based, but its dense structure means recyclability can vary by municipality. We recommend checking local recycling guidance and using glassine primarily as a plastic-reduction strategy.

Yes. Glassine is paper-based and naturally biodegradable under appropriate conditions.

No. Glassine is moisture-resistant but not waterproof. It protects against light handling, dust, and grease, not liquids.

Yes. Glassine bags are made from paper and do not contain plastic films or coatings, making them a popular plastic-free alternative to clear poly bags.

Yes. 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.

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.

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.

Glassine bags are commonly used for inner packaging, retail presentation, and product organization. Brands often use them to protect items from dust, scuffs, and light handling while still allowing the product to remain visible.

Common uses include:

• Apparel such as t-shirts, socks, and scarves
• Jewelry, pins, and small accessories
• Stationery, art prints, and paper goods
• Soaps, candles, and giftable items
• Subscription box kitting and organization

Glassine is commonly used for dry, low-moisture foods like cookies or candies. Always confirm suitability for your specific use case and local regulations.

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.

In many cases, yes. Glassine bags are a plastic-free alternative to clear poly bags, especially for inner packaging where full waterproofing is not required.

Glassine bags are:

• Paper-based and plastic-free
• Translucent rather than fully transparent
• Air- and grease-resistant

However, poly bags provide stronger moisture protection. If waterproofing is required, poly bags or other protective packaging may still be necessary.

Glassine bags are designed to be used as inner packaging, not as the primary shipping container. They help keep products clean, organized, and visible inside a shipping box or mailer.

For outer shipping protection, they are typically paired with packaging like mailers or shipping boxes.

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.

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%

We source our Vela glassine bags from Seaman Paper. Seaman Paper currently produces Vela bags in China and the US. Our current inventory includes products 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.

Glassine achieves its resistance through fiber density, not wax or coatings. Wax paper relies on a surface treatment, which can impact recyclability.

If your product requires waterproofing, high tear resistance, or long-term moisture protection, consider alternative inner packaging options.

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.

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