Bag closures compared: which closure fits?
Ziplock and slider closures can be opened and closed repeatedly. The adhesion seal is an adhesive flap that sticks again and again. Drawstring bags are pulled shut, while clip bands and U-clips fix bags once. Which closure fits depends on the contents and how often the bag is opened.
As of: 19.10.2026 · Reviewed by: Editorial team Elke Plastic GmbH · Information provided without guarantee.
The closure types at a glance
| Closure | How it works | Reusable | Typical use | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ziplock closure (zip) | Two profile strips are pressed together | yes | Food, small parts, spare parts | Ziplock Bags (35 × 55 mm to 500 × 800 mm) |
| Slider closure | A plastic slider closes the profile strips | yes | Travel, food, frequent opening | Ziplock bags (170 × 120 mm to 480 × 640 mm) |
| Adhesion seal | Reversible adhesive flap sticks to the bag | yes, to a limited extent | Textiles, clothing, shipping | Adhesion Seal Bags (125 × 170 mm to 500 × 600 mm) |
| Drawstring | A cord in the hem is pulled shut | yes | Shoes, textiles, accessories | Drawstring Bags (100 × 120 mm to 400 × 570 mm) |
| Clip band and U-clip | A plastic clip holds the rolled-up bag neck | limited | Baked goods, confectionery in flat bags and cone bags | U-clips & clip bands |
| Sealed seam | The bag is closed by heat sealing | no | Freshness, vacuum, coffee | Sealed edge bags, OPP flat bag with sealed seam |
Ziplock or slider closure?
- Ziplock closure: the most common solution, inexpensive, available in many sizes, with write-on panel or euro hole.
- Slider closure: the slider can be operated with one hand and closes evenly. Worthwhile if the bag is opened often.
More on this: Ziplock Bags with Write-On Panel and Ziplock Bags with Euro Hole. A comparison is also in Ziplock and slider closure.
Adhesion seal: adhesive flap instead of zip
With an adhesion seal bag, a flap sticks to the bag. It can be peeled off again and pressed back on. In our range they are available with and without an air hole, with flaps of 30 to 50 mm, and made of LDPE, PP or recycled material. They are popular for clothing and textiles: Adhesion Seal Bags for Clothing. Bags with an air hole are called Adhesion Seal Bags With Air Hole.
Note: plastic bags are not for children, even with an air hole.
When a one-time closure is better
Sealed seams and clips are used when the bag is opened only once or the contents must be packed securely. Vacuum bags and coffee bags are sealed. With a flat bag, a clip or a label is often enough. You need a reclosable closure if you put leftovers back, for example coffee or tea in stand-up pouches with a zip.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a ziplock closure and a slider closure?
With a ziplock closure you press the profile strips together with your fingers; with a slider closure, a slider closes them. Both are reusable.
What is an adhesion seal bag?
A bag with an adhesive flap that sticks again and again. It can be closed without a zip and is often used for textiles and clothing.
Which closure is suitable for food?
Ziplock and slider closures are also available as food-safe items. What matters is the labelling of the specific item, see the data sheet.
Which bags have a drawstring?
Drawstring bags made of LDPE for shoes, textiles and accessories. The cord is pulled shut in the hem.
Do I need a reclosable closure for coffee?
A reclosable closure keeps coffee fresher after opening. That is why stand-up pouches with a zip are also available with an aroma valve.