Granules are the form of plastic raw material as small, uniform beads. Polyethylene usually reaches the bag producer as granules in bags or large sacks. This form makes the material easier to transport, store and feed to the machine in measured amounts.
Film production begins with granules being poured into the extruder. Main raw material granules can be mixed with masterbatch and additive granules in set ratios. It is important that the granules are dry, clean and free from foreign matter; moisture and contamination can cause bubbles, holes or spots in the film. Granules made from recycled material are called regranulate in the industry.