This guide focuses on the practicalities of procurement, logistics, and the best industrial hubs to visit for your packaging needs.
Johannesburg is the manufacturing heartbeat of Southern Africa. If you are looking to cut out the middleman and buy direct or from major wholesalers, these are the areas to target:
Crown Mines & Selby: The go-to destination for “Cash & Carry” wholesalers. Ideal for small-to-medium businesses needing unprinted vest-type plastic bags, clear packets, and boutique carriers.
Wynberg & Marlboro: Home to several high-capacity manufacturers. This is where you go for custom-printed orders and large-scale industrial liners.
Roodekop & Alrode: Located just south of the city, these areas house heavy-duty plastic converters specializing in bulk sheeting and pallet wrap.
When ordering plastic bags in Johannesburg, you need to speak the language of “microns” to ensure your goods don’t end up on the floor.
| Bag Type | Recommended Micron | Best Use Case |
| Lightweight Flat Bags | 12 – 15 Microns | Fruit, veg, and light pharmacy items. |
| Standard Retail Carriers | 24 – 30 Microns | General grocery and retail shopping. |
| Heavy-Duty Boutique | 40 – 60 Microns | Clothing, footwear, and luxury retail. |
| Industrial Liners | 80+ Microns | Hardware, construction materials, and mining. |
For businesses looking to stand out in the busy Johannesburg market, custom-printed plastic bags are a cost-effective marketing tool.
Lead Times: Most Johannesburg manufacturers require a 2-to-4-week lead time for custom runs.
MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity): For custom printing, expect MOQs starting at 5,000 to 10,000 units.
Stock Options: If you need bags today, the wholesalers in Selby carry massive inventories of “generic” white or striped bags available for immediate pickup.
The advantage of sourcing plastic bags in Johannesburg is the density of the logistics network. Most suppliers located along the M1 or N3 corridors offer:
Same-day collection for stock items.
Free delivery within a 50km radius for orders exceeding a certain value (usually R5,000+).
Courier-ready packaging for businesses operating outside of Gauteng.
Before you place your next bulk order, ensure you have these details ready for your supplier:
Dimensions: Width x Length (and Gusset size if applicable).
Micron Thickness: As per the table above.
Handle Type: Punch-out, vest-type, or loop handle.
Weight Capacity: What is the maximum load the bag needs to carry?
Securing a consistent supply of plastic bags in Johannesburg is all about proximity and specs. By sourcing from the city’s primary industrial nodes, you can significantly reduce your overheads and ensure your packaging meets the demands of your customers.