At Pearl Technologies, a proud member of the EDGE Industrial Technologies family, we provide everything wicketed bag manufacturers need to enhance their products. From vents, holes, and perforations to precise punching units and web handling equipment, we offer a comprehensive range of solutions designed to help manufacturers improve efficiency and product quality.
Not sure what a wicketed bag is? Let’s break it down.
What Are Wicketed Poly Bags & How Are They Used?
Wicketed poly bags are a purpose-built packaging solution designed for high-speed, high-volume production environments. Typically made from PE, LDPE, or PP, these bags are stacked and held together by a metal wire apparatus — the wicket — threaded through one or more holes punched near the top of each bag. That wicket wire is what makes them so efficient: it holds the stack in a neat, organized bundle that integrates directly with automated packaging equipment, allowing bags to be dispensed one at a time without manual separation. When not in use, they can be folded flat and stored with ease, making them practical for both retail and industrial settings.
The design pays off at the point of use. As Atlantic Poly notes, “the streamlined dispensing process minimizes handling, reducing the risk of contamination and enhancing efficiency” — a key advantage for food-contact applications where hygiene matters as much as speed.
Wicketed poly bags are highly versatile. They can be customized with printing, coatings, bottom gussets, full or butterfly vents, perforations, and more. Permanent or resealable tape closures can also be incorporated for added functionality. Their transparent construction is a particular advantage in food packaging — customers can see exactly what’s inside, while the bag itself protects contents from moisture, air exposure, and damage during handling. Commonly used across a variety of industries, wicketed bags are ideal for:
- Bread and bakery packaging
- Diapers and hygiene products
- Ice packaging
- Retail or shopping solutions
Their adaptability makes them a go-to packaging option for manufacturers who need reliable, customizable solutions across different product categories. Wicketed poly bags are prized for their durability and moisture resistance — whether you’re handling delicate baked goods or perishable produce, these bags protect contents from damage and spoilage, ensuring items reach customers in the same condition they left your line. They’re available in a wide range of sizes, too, making it easy to find the right fit for everything from small individual portions to bulk quantities. It’s that combination of protection, flexibility, and streamlined dispensing that has made wicketed poly bags a staple across supermarkets, bakeries, food processors, and beyond.
Why Choose Pearl Technologies, Backed by EDGE?
As part of the EDGE Industrial Technologies group, Pearl delivers best-in-class components to help manufacturers maximize their production efficiency. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Web Handling & Wicket Hubs and Arms: Our solutions are the best in the business and compatible with any OEM wicketed bag machine. Available in various lengths and configurations, they’re built for optimal performance and long-term reliability.
- High-Quality Wicket Punches: Designed with simplicity in mind, our punches snap in quickly without the hassle of loosening screws, making adjustments seamless and reducing downtime. Plus, our patented web clamp extends punch life for improved durability, helping you get more out of every component.
- Vent Hole Solutions: Our MPU (Multi-Punch Unit) uses one-piece design punches for lightning-fast changes, keeping your production line running smoothly and minimizing interruptions to your workflow.
- Flex Units for Additional Holes: Pearl’s Flex Units are highly versatile, with interchangeable punch and die systems that allow you to swap shapes and sizes as needed—giving you greater flexibility to meet changing production demands.
- Folding “V” Board Covers: Retrofit your existing fold boards with our durable folding “V” board covers—a significant upgrade from traditional Teflon® tape solutions that offers improved longevity and performance.
- Rotary Perf Units: Our center rotary perf unit features an upper rotary tooth blade that operates smoothly while the poly web moves through. It’s perfect for applications requiring tear features, delivering clean, consistent perforations every time.
Pearl Lightning Technology in Action: 350 Bags Per Minute
Speed matters in wicketed bag manufacturing — and Pearl’s Lightning technology proves just how fast a well-engineered line can go.
During a live demonstration, Century Tech, a Hempstead, NY-based bag machine maker, showcased a Pearl Lightning Punch with wicketing attachment running at an impressive 350 bags per minute. To put that in perspective, most bag manufacturers run at around 250 bags per minute as their standard production speed.
The high-speed demo wasn’t just about setting a record — it was about building confidence. As Louis Mastrangelo, Vice President and Owner of Century Tech, put it: “When bag makers see that, they are impressed and have no doubt that this technology will work well for them when they run 250 bags per minute, which is a more typical speed.”
At 350 bags per minute, Pearl’s wicket punch is processing nearly six bags per second — a testament to the precision and reliability built into every unit.
The technology behind this performance is Pearl’s patented Lightning “snap-and-change” punch system. Key features include:
- Tool-less installation that lets operators swap punches in seconds, not minutes
- Fast changeovers that keep downtime minimal
- Built-in safety enclosures that eliminate accidental cuts during handling, installation, and removal
The result is a punching system that doesn’t ask you to choose between speed and a safe shop floor.
Century Tech was so impressed that they placed a blanket order for Lightning Units and Punches — and now includes Pearl’s technology on every wicket machine they sell.
Partner With Pearl Technologies, Backed by EDGE, for Your Wicketed Bag Needs
As part of the EDGE Industrial Technologies family, Pearl Technologies is committed to helping manufacturers innovate and excel. Whether you need to replace outdated components or want to enhance your wicketed bags with vents, holes, or perforations, our team is ready to help you find the right solution for your production needs.
Contact us today or call 315-365-3742 to get started. Let Pearl Technologies, powered by EDGE, take your manufacturing capabilities to the next level!