Have you ever encountered those mysterious metallic bags used for food storage? Perhaps you’ve seen them in packaging or stumbled upon them online, wondering what exactly they are and how they work. Those shiny things are known as mylar bags. But! There’s a problem. Are they simply fancy food pouches, or do they offer something more?
These bags are much more than meets the eye. They’re a storage solution that utilizes advanced technology to protect your belongings.
In this guide, we’ll delve into learning about what is a mylar bag, explaining what they’re made of, how they work, and the many surprising ways they can be used to keep your items safe and secure.
The term “Mylar” is actually a brand name for a type of polyester film called biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate (BoPET). Don’t worry, you won’t need to remember that long name! Mylar itself is clear and plastic-like, but it often gets its characteristic metallic sheen from a metalized layer applied during manufacturing. This metalized layer is what gives mylar bags their unique properties.
These bags provide various protective properties when it comes to safeguarding contents. What makes them so effective is an important discussion. Let’s have a look at some of the major properties of these bags.
Mylar bags excel at blocking air, including oxygen and moisture. This airtight quality makes them ideal for long-term food storage, as it prevents spoilage caused by oxygen exposure and moisture buildup.
Light can degrade certain items over time. Mylar bags are opaque to light, shielding your contents from light damage. This is crucial for preserving light-sensitive materials like medications or artwork.
Mylar bags provide dual resistive options when it comes to odors. They effectively keep strong smells from escaping the bag, which is great for storing pungent foods. They also prevent external odors from seeping in, keeping your stored items fresh.
Mylar is a tough material, offering excellent puncture resistance. This protects your stored items from physical damage caused by sharp objects or rough handling.
Now that you’re familiar with the impressive capabilities of mylar bags, you might be eager to put them to use. But before you dive in, there are a few key factors to consider to ensure you choose the perfect mylar bag for your needs:
Mylar bags come in a symphony of sizes, ranging from palm-sized pouches ideal for storing spices or small electronics to bucket liners that can accommodate larger quantities of food or emergency supplies.
Selecting the right size is crucial. Bags that are too large will leave excess air trapped inside, potentially compromising the effectiveness of the seal. Conversely, bags that are too small can create difficulty when filling and sealing.
Here’s a helpful tip: When choosing the size of your mylar ziplock bag, consider the amount of space your item will occupy after removing air. It’s because extra space at the top of the bag is required to create a proper seal.
Mylar bag thickness is measured in mils, which are equal to one-thousandth of an inch. The thicker the mil, the more puncture resistant the bag will be. Here’s a breakdown to help you choose:
Mylar bags offer two main sealing options depending on the use case.
These bags feature a zip-lock closure, making them convenient for items you might need to access frequently. However, resealable closures may not create an entirely airtight seal.
These bags require a special heat sealer or a clothing iron to create a permanent, airtight seal. This is the preferred option for long-term storage applications where a complete barrier against air, moisture, and light is crucial.
You’ll need your mylar bag, oxygen absorbers (for long-term food storage), a clean cloth or sheet of parchment paper, and a clothing iron.
Fill your bag with your chosen items, leaving a few inches of space at the top. Add oxygen absorbers if applicable.
Fold the top of the bag down several times to create a clean fold line. Use the iron (set to a low, dry heat setting) on a clean cloth or parchment paper to pre-seal the folded edge. This creates a preliminary seal and helps prevent the mylar from melting during the final seal.
Place the iron directly on the folded edge, holding it firmly for a few seconds. Move the iron slowly along the entire length of the fold, ensuring a complete and even seal.
Made from a special type of polyester film, mylar bags offer exceptional protection for a variety of items. Their airtight seal, light proof barrier, puncture resistance, and odor control make them ideal for long-term food storage, safeguarding medications, and protecting electronics.
When choosing them, consider the size needed for your items, the mil thickness for puncture resistance, and the type of seal (resealable or heat-sealable) that best suits your application. With their adaptability and protective qualities, these bags are a valuable asset in your storage solutions.
Tired of packaging that just doesn’t cut it, leaving your product vulnerable or out of line with regulations? Team up with Custom Packaging Lane and uncover our Mylar bag solutions that will safeguard your items. Plus, snag a free sample to see exactly what you’re getting before you make a decision. We also send a free sample to help you visualize the final product before committing.
Feel free to discuss your needs in detail. We work closely to meet your exact specifications!
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