Poly Bags: A Glossary of Terms

Poly Bags, Plastic Bags, and Beyond

Poly bags are a common packaging tool known by many names, but no matter what you call them, it’s necessary to understand them. Knowing the key words related to poly bags can help you familiarize yourself with these versatile materials and know which types will best work for your projects or needs. Check out this helpful glossary of poly bag terms to know more.  

Can Liner 

This is a common phrase used to refer to trash and garbage bags in industrial, corporate, or healthcare settings. They are usually packaged on a roll and will tear off easily, thanks to perforations at the end of each bag. They can also be used pallet top or dust covers and are occasionally called bin liners or gaylord liners.  

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Blown Film 

A common method for creating plastic film during which the resins are melted down in a process called extrusion. After melting, the resin is blown through a vertical bubble to cool. 

Cast Film 

Created through an extrusion process during which the film is extruded as a sheet through a slotted die. 

Clarity 

Refers to how transparent a poly bag’s film is or is not. 

Color 

Poly bags come in many different colors, but the standard options include clear, black, and white. You may also frequently see red, blue, grey, or yellow plastic bags. 

Cored Roll 

Poly bags that are wound together atop a cardboard tube. May be packaged inside a box for easier dispensing.  

Coreless Roll 

Poly bags that are rolled together without a tube in the middle. These are also frequently referred to as bags on a roll.  

Anti-Static 

An additive that breaks up static electrical charges and is generally used for short-term storage or shipping. 

Dart Drop Test 

An ASTM (American Society for Testing Materials) test to determine how puncture-resistant a film is.  

Elmendorf Tear Test 

An ASTM test that measures tear resistance. 

Film Strength 

This phrase refers to the actual physical strength of your bag. Different types of plastic resin will have greater strength than others.  

Food Bags 

This type of clear poly bag is specially designed to contain small foods like bread, meat, or vegetables. Food bags are sometimes called utility bags and must be FDA approved. They are an excellent method for storing food and keeping it fresh. 

Barrier Film 

A special film that has been manufactured to help prolong the lifespan of food products by preventing moisture and gasses from entering or escaping. 

Gauge 

A measurement of how thick a plastic film is. LDPE and LLDPE poly bags are measured in mil thickness, while HMW-HDPE bags are measured by micron thickness. 

Micron 

1/1,000th of a millimeter. Microns are used to measure the thickness of HMW-HDPE poly bags.  

Mil 

1/1,000 of an inch. Mils are used to measure the thickness of LDPE and LLDPE films.  

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Resin 

Resin is the shorthand term for polyethylene (PE) resin. There are three types of resin, including LDPE, LLDPE, and HMW-HDPE. Other types of plastic resins can be vinyl, polypropylene, styrene, or nylon. Learn more about poly resins here. 

Blended Resin 

A combination of two or more resins. 

Prime Resin 

A high-quality resin that has essentially come straight from the reactor.  

Reprocessed Resin 

Resin that has been used previously. It can be either scrap or recycled, but either way, it’s capabilities will decrease with each use. 

Seal 

The closure at the bottom of a poly bag. 

Flat Seal 

A straight seal that looks similar to the stitching on a pillow case. These are strong closures, but may leak at the corners if anything wet is placed inside. 

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Gusset Seal 

The seal at the bottom of a flat bag that features both sides tucked in so that they create gussets. May leak liquids at the at the gusset points if the product inside is too heavy. 

Star Seal 

A seal with multiple layers of film that are fully gusseted and folded before being sealed shut.  

Looking for More Info on Poly Bags? 

There are tons of poly bags to choose from, which can sometimes make your purchase seem overwhelming. Sarkina is always happy to help you find exactly what you need and to assist even further, we’re offering a free chart on how to convert Microns to Mils. Fill out your information here and we’ll send it directly to your inbox! 

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