FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions we hear most often from butchers, meat processors, cheese producers, fish smokers, and food businesses across the UK. If your question is not covered here, contact our team directly.
Ordering & Pricing
What is the minimum order quantity?
Flexipol operates as a trade supplier, so orders are sold by the box or case rather than by the individual pouch. Minimum order quantities vary by product line and are displayed on each product page. If you are evaluating the product before committing to volume, our free sample service is the right starting point.
How does volume pricing work?
Pricing is tiered: the more you order, the lower the unit cost. Price breaks are displayed transparently on each product page so you can see exactly what you will pay at each quantity level. There are no hidden handling fees or surcharges applied at checkout for standard UK mainland orders above the free delivery threshold.
Do you offer trade accounts or credit terms?
Yes. Established food businesses can apply for a trade account, which may include net-30 payment terms subject to a credit check. To apply, complete the trade account form on our website or contact our accounts team. First orders are typically fulfilled on a pro-forma basis while your application is reviewed.
Can I get a quote for a large or bespoke order?
For pallet-quantity orders, bespoke sizing, or printed/branded pouches, contact our sales team directly with your specification and anticipated volumes. As the manufacturer, Flexipol is able to quote on custom dimensions and print runs that are not listed in the standard store range. Lead times for bespoke production will be confirmed at the time of quotation.
Do you offer a subscription or auto-reorder service?
Regular-order functionality is available through your trade account. Once your account is set up, you can schedule repeat orders or contact our team to arrange a standing order at an agreed cadence. This is particularly useful for high-volume processors who require consistent stock replenishment without placing individual orders each time.
Delivery
How fast is delivery?
Orders placed before 12:00 noon on a working day are dispatched the same day for next-working-day delivery to UK mainland addresses. Orders placed after 12:00 noon, or over the weekend, are dispatched on the next available working day. You will receive a dispatch confirmation and tracking reference by email.
What is the free delivery threshold?
Free standard delivery applies to all qualifying UK mainland orders that meet the minimum spend threshold, which is displayed at checkout. Orders below that threshold incur a standard courier charge. Pallet deliveries and addresses in remote mainland postcodes may be subject to a supplementary delivery fee, which will be confirmed before your order is processed.
Do you deliver outside UK mainland?
Delivery to Northern Ireland, the Scottish Highlands and Islands, the Channel Islands, and the Republic of Ireland is available but may carry additional carriage charges and extended lead times. Please contact us before placing an order to obtain an accurate delivery cost and estimated transit time for your location.
What happens if my order arrives damaged?
If goods arrive in a damaged or unusable condition, report the issue to our customer service team within 48 hours of receipt, with supporting photographs where possible. We will arrange a replacement or credit as appropriate. Claims submitted outside this window may not be accepted, so please inspect your delivery promptly upon arrival.
Products & Compatibility
Are Flexipol pouches compatible with my machine?
Flexipol vacuum pouches are designed for use with chamber vacuum machines only. This covers the full range of commercial chamber sealers used in butchery, food processing, and catering environments, including models from Henkelman, Multivac, Orved, Webomatic, and comparable manufacturers. If you are unsure whether your machine qualifies, feel free to contact us with the make and model and we will advise.
Can I use these pouches in a domestic FoodSaver or edge sealer?
No. Flexipol pouches are not compatible with domestic FoodSaver-style appliances or external edge sealers. Those machines require embossed or channel-textured bags to draw air through the pouch before sealing. Our pouches are smooth-film, chamber-machine products and will not function correctly in an edge sealer. Attempting to use them in this way will result in failed seals.
What is the difference between 65mu, 90mu, and 130mu?
Mu (micron) refers to the thickness of the pouch wall. The 65mu pouch is our standard-duty option, suited to whole muscle cuts, cheese, and lighter food products where puncture risk is low. The 90mu is a mid-weight choice offering greater resilience for boned or jointed products. The 130mu is our heavy-duty pouch, recommended for bone-in cuts, sharp-edged products, or any application where puncture resistance is a priority. Thicker pouches also perform better under the mechanical stress of high-throughput processing.
Are your pouches food safe?
Yes. All Flexipol vacuum pouches are manufactured from food-grade materials that comply with relevant UK and EU food contact regulations. Our manufacturing site holds BRC AA certification, which independently verifies that our production processes, materials, and hygiene standards meet the highest levels required for food packaging supply. Full food contact compliance documentation is available on request for procurement and technical teams.
What does BRC AA certified mean?
BRC (Brand Reputation Compliance) Global Standard for Packaging is a widely recognised audit framework used by major retailers and food manufacturers to assess packaging suppliers. An AA rating is the highest grade achievable and reflects exceptional performance across hygiene, product safety, quality management, and traceability. Flexipol's BRC AA status means we meet the procurement criteria of some of the most demanding buyers in UK food retail, including Marks & Spencer.
Are the pouches suitable for sous vide cooking?
Yes. Our clear vacuum pouches are suitable for sous vide applications at standard water bath