Net sleeving is manufactured from low density polyethylene (LDPE) in a tubular form, available in diameters from 5mm to 300mm. LDPE is resistant to acids and solvents and unaffected by oils and grease — making it particularly well suited to engineering and manufacturing environments where machined or polished metal parts need surface protection.

The mesh structure stretches and expands to conform around irregularly shaped items, gripping the product tightly without the need for tape or additional fixings. Unlike rigid packaging, net sleeving can be applied quickly by hand and cut to any length to suit the product being protected.

What is Net Sleeving Used For?

Net sleeving is used across a wide range of industries wherever surface protection is needed during manufacture, storage, or transit:

Engineering and Manufacturing Metal components, machined parts, polished chrome fittings, and precision-engineered items are easily scratched and scuffed during handling. LDPE net sleeving is resistant to oils and grease, making it ideal for protecting engineering components on the production line and in transit. Our blue (NS020) and red (NS100) sizes are particularly popular in engineering environments.

Bottle and Glassware Protection Our 75–150mm orange net sleeving (NS150) is the ideal size for wine, spirit, and champagne bottles. It provides surface protection during storage and transit and is fully reusable — making it popular with wine merchants, gift hamper companies, and drinks distributors. The same size works well for glass vases, ceramic items, and other cylindrical glassware.

Ceramics and Fragile Items The stretch and grip of net sleeving makes it excellent for protecting ceramics, pottery, and other fragile items that can't easily be wrapped in conventional materials. Applied by hand in seconds, it cushions against knocks and scuffs without adding significant weight or bulk.

Window and Door Furniture Handles, hinges, brackets, and other window and door furniture are commonly protected with net sleeving during transit to prevent surface damage to polished or coated finishes.

Furniture Legs and Profiles Our larger sizes (NS100 and NS150) are used to protect furniture legs, aluminium profiles, and other elongated items from scratching during storage and distribution.

Net Sleeving Size Guide

Our net sleeving is colour coded by size for fast identification on the packing line. Each size stretches to accommodate a range of diameters — choose the size closest to your product's smallest diameter for the snuggest fit:

Not sure which size you need? As a general rule, choose a size where the flat diameter of the sleeving (when not stretched) is roughly half the diameter of the item you want to protect. The mesh will stretch to fit — if in doubt, go one size up. Contact our team on 02476 611234 if you need help selecting the right size.

Technical Specification

• Material: Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
• Recyclable: Yes — LDPE is a class 4 recyclable plastic, accepted at most kerbside plastic recycling schemes in the UK
• Temperature range: Remains flexible from -40°C to +85°C
• Chemical resistance: Resistant to acids, solvents, oils and grease
• Reusable: Yes — net sleeving can be removed and reused multiple times
• Cut to length: All sizes available cut to custom lengths (minimum order quantities apply)
• Colour coding: Each size supplied in a distinct colour for easy identification

Key Benefits of Net Sleeving

• Resistant to acids, solvents, oils, and greases — ideal for protecting machined and engineered metal parts, plated or powder-coated components, and items handled in manufacturing environments
• Reusable — unlike most single-use protective packaging, net sleeving can be removed and reused multiple times, reducing packaging waste and ongoing cost
• Colour coded by size — fast identification on the packing line reduces errors and speeds up packing
• Moulds to irregular shapes — the LDPE mesh stretches to conform to round, square, and irregular profiles without wrinkles or gaps
• No adhesive or tape needed — the rhomboidal mesh bonds to itself when compressed, holding securely without additional fixings
• Breathable — the open mesh structure prevents moisture build-up, protecting against rust and corrosion on metal components
• Easy to apply — simply push over the item by hand; no tools, machines, or training required

Common Applications for Net Sleeving

• Machined and engineered parts — protecting plated, polished, and powder-coated surfaces from scratches and abrasion in transit and storage
• Bottles and glassware — preventing bottles from clinking together and causing chips or breakage in transit
• Ceramics and pottery — protecting glazed surfaces from scratches when stacking and packing
• Automotive parts — protecting chrome, polished, and painted components from damage during shipping and assembly
• Furniture legs and wooden items — protecting table and chair legs from knocks and scratches during transit and installation
• Horticultural and food produce — breathable open mesh suitable for fruit, vegetables, and plant protection

Net Sleeving vs Other Protective Packaging

For surface protection of round or cylindrical items, net sleeving is often faster to apply and more cost-effective than foam wrap or bubble wrap — particularly for high-volume production environments where speed of application is important. The reusability of net sleeving also gives it a significant cost advantage over single-use alternatives over time.

For items requiring cushioning against impact rather than surface protection, our foam packaging range or bubble wrap may be more appropriate. For corrosion protection on metal parts, our VCI corrosion protection range works alongside net sleeving to provide both surface and corrosion protection.

Call 02476 611234 for advice on the right protective packaging for your application, or browse our full protective net sleeving range below.

Buying Net Sleeving in Bulk

We supply net sleeving in bulk pallet quantities at wholesale prices. If you use net sleeving regularly in your manufacturing or packing operation, speak to our sales team about volume pricing and consignment stock arrangements — we hold your agreed stock at our Coventry warehouse and deliver on a regular call-off basis.

Get a Bulk or Trade Quote | Contact Our Team | Tel: 02476 611234

Frequently Asked Questions about Net Sleeving

What is Plastic Mesh Sleeving Made From?
Net sleeving is made from low density polyethylene (LDPE) which is a type of plastic. This material makes net sleeving stretch and expand to fit around contours and shaped products.

What is Protective Mesh Sleeving Used For?
Protective net sleeving is a plastic mesh that grips tightly around products to provide a layer of protection. It is particularly good for heavy metal items as it is strong and impact resistant. Because it is stretchy it conforms easily to contours and shaped items. Use net sleeving for quickly and easily protecting anything from metal parts and polished chrome, to wine bottles and ceramics.

Is Protective Net Sleeving Recyclable?
Yes protective net sleeving is recyclable. It is made from LDPE plastic which is a class 4 recyclable plastic and can be recycled at most kerbside plastic recycling schemes in the UK.

Can I buy Net Sleeving Cut to a Custom Length?
Yes, you can buy net sleeving cut to the custom length you need to fit the items you need to pack. All widths can be cut to your required length but keep in mind that there is a minimum order quantity depending on the length of each tube.

What temperature range does net sleeving work in?
LDPE net sleeving remains flexible and effective from -40°C to +85°C, making it suitable for use in cold storage environments as well as general manufacturing and transit applications.

Does net sleeving comply with Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT)?
Yes our net sleeving complies with the Plastic Packaging Tax by containing less than 30% recycled content. For businesses looking to reduce plastic use entirely, we also stock a range of paper-based protective packaging alternatives.

Can net sleeving be used for bottle protection during shipping?
Yes — our NS150 orange net sleeving (75–150mm diameter) is specifically suited to wine, spirit, and champagne bottle protection. It provides surface protection during transit and storage, is reusable, and can be applied by hand in seconds. For high volume bottle sleeving applications, speak to our team about cut-to-length options and bulk pricing.

Start with the customer – find out what they want and give it to them.