Benefits of Net Bags for Fruit and Vegetable Packaging

Net bags provide a breathable and visible way to pack, transport and display fruit, vegetables and other suitable produce. Their open mesh construction allows air to circulate while helping keep individual items together.

Also known as leno sacks, these lightweight polypropylene bags are used by growers, wholesalers, garden centres, market traders and retailers. Different sizes, colours and mesh styles are available to suit a range of products.

Martins Mill Packaging supplies net bags and mono-net bags for commercial, agricultural and domestic use.

What Are Leno Net Bags?

Leno sacks are manufactured from woven polypropylene in an open mesh structure. Unlike a solid polythene bag, the gaps in the material allow air to move around the contents.

This makes them useful for suitable produce that benefits from ventilation during storage, handling or retail display.

The current range includes standard net bags and finer mono-net bags. Several colour and size combinations are available, allowing the packaging to be matched more closely to the product and quantity.

Improved Air Circulation

The main benefit of net packaging is ventilation. Air can circulate through the mesh rather than becoming trapped inside a sealed bag.

This can help reduce the build-up of heat and moisture around suitable fresh produce. However, the bag cannot prevent deterioration caused by unsuitable temperatures, damaged produce or poor storage conditions.

Net bags should therefore be used alongside appropriate handling and storage procedures rather than treated as a way to guarantee a particular shelf life.

Clear Product Visibility

The open mesh allows customers and warehouse employees to view much of the contents without opening the bag.

This can make it easier to:

• Identify different types of produce
• Check approximate quantity and condition
• Display products in shops and markets
• Separate varieties or grades
• Find the required stock more quickly

Coloured netting can also be used to distinguish products, batches or pack sizes. The chosen colour should still allow the contents to remain sufficiently visible for the intended application.

Suitable for a Range of Produce

Net and mono-net bags are commonly considered for:

• Potatoes
• Onions
• Garlic
• Citrus fruit
• Apples and other suitable firm fruit
• Root vegetables
• Logs and kindling
• Other products that benefit from airflow

The product should be able to tolerate contact with the mesh and the pressure created by other items in the bag. Very soft, ripe or easily bruised produce may require a tray, carton or another supportive format.

Lightweight and Flexible Packaging

Empty net bags are lightweight and can be folded into a small space before use. This can make them easier to store and distribute than rigid produce containers.

The flexible material also adapts to the shape of the contents. It does not, however, provide the crushing resistance of a cardboard or plastic crate.

Filled bags should be stacked carefully, particularly where the produce could be bruised or damaged by excessive weight.

Smooth Coated Interior

The current product specification describes a smooth plastic-coated interior designed to reduce snagging on the contents.

This may be helpful when packing produce with delicate skins, although employees should still load and handle the bags carefully. Rough filling, overpacking and dragging can damage both the produce and the mesh.

Any broken, sharp or protruding products should be removed before filling because they may catch on or tear the material.

Net Bags vs Mono-Net Bags

Both formats provide airflow and product visibility, but their mesh construction differs.

Bag Type	General Characteristics
Standard net bag	More open mesh for clear visibility and airflow
Mono-net bag	Finer mesh that may suit smaller products

The best option depends on the size of the produce and whether smaller items could push through a more open mesh.

Measure the individual products as well as the total quantity being packed before selecting a style.

Choosing the Correct Bag Size

The bag should hold the intended quantity without being stretched excessively or filled beyond a manageable weight.

Before ordering, consider:

• The dimensions of each item
• The quantity required in each pack
• The approximate filled weight
• How the bag will be carried
• How the produce will be displayed or stacked
• The amount of material needed to close the opening

A bag that is too small may put unnecessary pressure on the mesh and closure. An oversized bag may allow the contents to move around or create an untidy retail pack.

No universal carrying capacity should be assumed. The appropriate filled weight depends on the bag size, contents and handling process.

How Are Net Bags Closed?

Depending on the selected style, net bags may be supplied with drawstring pull ties. Other suitable closing methods can include cable ties, wire ties or carefully applied staples.

The closure should:

• Keep the contents securely inside
• Leave enough room to avoid crushing the produce
• Remain secure during ordinary handling
• Avoid creating a sharp edge or snagging point

The cable and wire tie range includes several sizes that may suit different bag openings.

Are Net Bags Reusable?

The current product listing describes the bags as reusable. A bag should only be used again when it remains clean, undamaged and appropriate for its next contents.

Before reuse, inspect:

• The mesh for tears and stretched openings
• The stitched seams for damage
• The closure and drawstring
• The material for dirt or contamination
• Any areas weakened by dragging or rough handling

Food-handling businesses should follow their own hygiene and traceability procedures. A bag that cannot be cleaned appropriately or has held unsuitable contents should not be reused for fresh produce.

What Net Bags Do Not Provide

Net bags are designed for airflow rather than protection from water, dust or fine contamination. They are not waterproof, airtight or suitable for liquids and fine powders.

The open mesh also offers limited protection against:

• Crushing and impacts
• Extreme temperatures
• Pests and insects
• Prolonged outdoor exposure
• Contamination from surrounding products

Where these risks are significant, another packaging format or additional outer container may be necessary.

Choose Net Packaging for the Produce

Net and leno bags offer a practical combination of airflow, visibility and lightweight handling for fruit, vegetables and other suitable products.

The correct bag should be chosen according to the size, weight and sensitivity of the contents. Businesses should also consider how the finished pack will be closed, carried, displayed and stored.

Browse the wider polypropylene bag range, or contact Martins Mill Packaging with details of the produce, required pack weight and preferred dimensions for help choosing a suitable net bag.