ENGAGEMENT DRIVES RESULTS!
Custom Poly 3-Ring Binders
Durable. Withstands excessive heat and cold.
Poly binders are 3-ring binders made from rigid polyethylene plastic that resists tearing, moisture and temperature extremes — the go-to choice when a binder has to survive hard daily use. Examples of uses: laboratory and distribution manuals, employee handbooks, recipe books, warehouse reference manuals, and other heavy-use environments.
Options
- Printing: Your art design in 1, 2, 3 or more colors — including four color process (full color)!
- Sheet sizes: 8.5″ × 11″, 8.5″ × 5.5″, 9.5″ × 6″ — our standard size binders allow for an additional ½″ index tab. If your sheet size isn't listed, we can still build a binder to hold your special size.
- Pockets: Inside half pockets, business card holders, memory device holders, and label holders can be added, but the cost of sealing pockets in poly binders can get pricey. Sealing pockets on the thinner gauges will show a seal outline on the outside cover and is not recommended.
- Round, D-ring, multi-ring: We can install almost any ring metal into poly binders, including round rings and d-rings. In addition to the standard 3-ring, we offer some capacities in 2-ring, 4-ring, 6-ring, 7-ring, and more.
Poly Gauges
Gauge is the thickness of the poly material — it determines flexibility, rigidity, and available ring capacities.
| Gauge | Description | Recommended Capacities | Cover | Colors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| .023 | Thinnest gauge for making a binder; very lightweight, flexible, durable, great color selection. | ½″, ¾″, 1″ | Flexible | All 18 standard colors |
| .035 | One step up from thinnest gauge; lightweight, flexible, durable, great color selection. | ½″, ¾″, 1″, 1.5″ | Flexible | All 18 standard colors |
| .055 | Gauge where poly becomes more rigid; still lightweight compared to a vinyl binder, durable, great color selection. | ½″, ¾″, 1″, 1.5″, 2″, 2.5″, 3″ | Rigid | All 18 standard colors |
| .075 | Less common due to limited color selection; not flexible, rigid, durable. | 1″, 1.5″, 2″, 2.5″, 3″, 4″ | Rigid | Limited colors |
| .110 | Less common due to limited color selection; not flexible, rigid, durable. | 3″, 4″ | Rigid | Limited colors |
Color Options
Also available: Poly Crush Grain (Par Blue, Red, White, and Black only) and Poly Soft Matte.
Poly Binder Gallery
Ready to order poly binders?
Our sales team will be happy to discuss the options available and answer any questions you may have.
READY TO BRING YOUR PROJECT TO LIFE?
Finished artwork is not required to get started. Our product specialists are ready to help you narrow down your options.
Poly Binder Specifications & Common Questions
Specifications
| Construction | Die-cut from a single polyethylene sheet, scored hinges, riveted rings |
|---|---|
| Gauges | 0.023" – 0.055" typical; heavier gauge for larger rings |
| Colors | Solid and translucent/frosted colors |
| Ring options | Round and D-ring metals riveted directly to the poly |
| Decoration | Screen printing in matched spot colors |
| Durability | Tear-proof, waterproof surface, unaffected by cold |
| Sustainability | Single-material construction, easily recyclable |
| Made in | Charlotte, North Carolina, USA |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are poly binders durable?
Extremely — poly can't tear at the hinges, delaminate, or absorb moisture, and it shrugs off drops and cold. It's the go-to for field, shop, and classroom binders.
Can poly binders be washed or sanitized?
Yes, the surface wipes down with standard cleaners, which is why poly is popular in food service, healthcare, and manufacturing.
What printing is available on poly?
Screen printing in matched spot colors. For full-color photographic covers, consider a vinyl entrapment or litho wrap binder instead.
Are poly binders recyclable?
Yes — remove the ring metal and the rest is a single recyclable polyethylene sheet, one of the most sustainable binder constructions available.
Do poly binders come in translucent colors?
Yes — frosted translucents are a signature poly look, alongside a full range of solid colors.