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About Plastic Bags
Plastic bags remain a popular choice for packaging
because of the advantages to manufacturers and consumers, which include
flexibility, durability and insulation. The flexibility of plastic allows
plastic bag manufacturers to produce a wide range of sizes and shapes.
The structure of bags provides great durability. Plastic bags are waterproof
and chemically resistant. Plastic bags also provide ample thermal and
electrical insulation. In addition to various sizes, shapes and styles,
plastic bag features, such as color and printing, also vary. Plastic
bag manufacturers often provide clear, white, colored and multi-colored
bags in either plain or printed form. Because of their versatility, plastic
bags abound in almost every industry, providing utility in various applications
in the medical, pharmaceutical, engineering/construction, automotive,
electronic, computer and retail industries.
Plastic bag manufacturers create plastic bags from plastic resins through
polymerization, the process in which a chemical reaction links together
monomers to form a polymer. In the plastics industry, the term polymer
is synonymous with plastic. Polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP)
are two plastic resins frequently used in the production of plastic bags.
There are a few types of polyethylene, which have distinct advantages,
depending on the application. High density polyethylene (HDPE) is non-porous
and non-stretching, creates a moisture and vapor barrier and usually
is about half the cost of low density polyethylene (LDPE). HDPE is perfect
for general packaging applications and trash that doesn’t have
any sharp points, but is also non-recyclable. LDPE is porous and somewhat
stretchable, has good clarity and is great for everyday packaging needs
and all-purpose trash collection. Linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE)
is non-porous, very stretchable, puncture and tear resistant and stronger
and about 15-50% less costly than LDPE. LLDPE serves the same purposes
as LDPE. Metallocene is a new-generation polyethylene resin that is very
tough and extremely tear resistant, much more so than LDPE. Polypropylene
is very different than polyethylene. It is non-porous, super transparent,
non-stretching and typically stronger and more rigid than types of PE.
PP is utilized in food packaging and retail displays.
In choosing a plastic bag, there are several determining factors. Figure
the size of the bag with this formula: Length X Height X Diameter. Is
there a special type of material needed? Should the bag be side- or bottom-sealed?
If the bag needs a closure, decide if it should be a slider grip, zipper
or draw-string. How much weight the bag will hold determines the type
of handle desired. Is a printed logo necessary? And finally, what kind
of environment will the bag be subjected to (i.e. will it be stored in
a warehouse)?
The non-recyclable nature of plastic bags has become a major environmental
concern across the globe. Only 0.5% of consumer plastic is recycled.
In the United States, four out of five grocery bags used are plastic.
South Africa has banned grocery bags, as Americans know them, and has
replaced them with a thicker, recyclable plastic. Germany and Sweden
have taken steps to phase out the use of plastic bags by retailers, and
Australia is beginning to follow suit. A progressive company in India
has been taking plastic bags, pressing them into colorful sheets and
using those sheets to create trendy fashion accessories, such as handbags
and wallets. Other uses for the pressed plastic sheets include tablemats
and notepad covers.
Featured
Articles
http://modplas.com/search/search_article.php?searchfile=/2003/textfiles/primProcess/primProcess03012003_05.html&pub_date=1046419200
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2003/09/0902_030902_plasticbags.html#main
http://www.multipakusa.com/bagsize.htm
Types of Plastic Bags
-
contain an anti-static additive that disseminates static electrical
charges. Anti-static bags are ideal for short-term storage.
- are thin, disposable plastic bags used for storage, packing, and food preparation.
- are flat bags containing a hole at
the top of the bag for carrying. Die-cut bags are common in retail
settings and trade shows.
- contain either plastic or cotton drawstrings inserted
inside the rim of the bag. The drawstrings allow for easy closure and
provide handles with which to carry the bags.
- , which provide exterior protection
from static charges, are made from carbon-impregnated polyethylene.
- , commonly known as “sandwich” bags,
have a lip that is folded back with side seals.
- provide versatile plastic packaging for items of many shapes
and sizes that are heat-sealed on either the side or the bottom of
the bag. Bottom-sealed bags provide extra support for heavier items.
- are bags made from polyethylene resin to maintain
the freshness of the food items and are often sealed with slider grips
or
zippers. Food storage bags, which include sandwich bags, freezer bags
and produce bags, increase the life of perishable foods.
- contain folds or pleats called gussets, which allow
the bag and the bag opening to expand in order to accommodate large
or
bulky items. Gusseted bags include bottom-sealed, side-gusseted bags
and side-sealed,
bottom-gusseted bags.
- are side-weld bags that are loaded
and sealed from the bottom. Header bags have a continuous seal along
the top, which is
2-3” below
the fold, and a hang hole.
- are flat bags with a die-cut handle reinforced
by a heat-sealed patch for added strength.
- are bags derived from polyethylene or polypropylene, although
this term usually refers to polyethylene bags.
- , which include zipper bags, are top-sealed. Reclosable
bags can be made with or without a tamper-evident adhesive seal.
- include all bags used to store and carry merchandise.
- are supplied by retailers for the transportation of purchased goods. They can have handles and are usually printed with the names of retail stores.
- are sealed on the side and have no bottom seal.
- are receptacles made of thin plastic that are used to store goods.
- include all trash can liners
and bags, as well as bags used to remove hazardous waste. Waste removal
bags
are often manufactured
from high density polyethylene resin because of the strength
and cost-effectiveness of the resin, but may also be made out
of linear
low density resin
because of its stretching ability.
- are plastic bags with interlocking strips for sealing.
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