Sideweld poly bags are rigorously tested to make sure that the seam is as strong as the base material. They come in a variety of colors, sizes, and thicknesses that can be customized to your unique application. These bags are a common choice for packaging frozen food, ice, plastic parts with sharp edges, and more. 

Let’s discuss the qualities of sideweld poly bags, what they’re used for, and their specifications. 

How Sideweld Poly Bags Are Made

Sideweld poly bags are made using a centerfolded film that is welded and cut, producing seals on the side of the bag. The bags are then tested to ensure that the seal is at least as strong as the base material. This makes sure the bags will not tear along the seal and are resistant to scratches, moisture, and rust. 

What Are Sideweld Bags Used For? 

Sideweld bags are manufactured from a variety of different materials, making them a versatile solution for a variety of applications. They are most commonly used for bread, meat/poultry, box liners, food bags, and parts bags.

The parts bags can be utilized by a wide range of industries, storing medical, plastic, metal, and industrial parts. The durability of sideweld bags makes them a great choice when scratch-protection, UV ray protection, and rust protection is required. They’re also a moisture-resistant option for powders, granules, frozen foods, and ice. 

Unique Features of Sideweld Bags

What makes sideweld poly bags unique is the strength of their seal. Tested using the highest quality standards to ensure they do not split, the seal is at least as strong as the base material. These bags keep items like frozen food, ice, and metal parts safe in their packaging. Whereas the seam of other packaging materials is typically a weak point, sideweld bags maintain their strength at the seam. Along with UV protection, moisture resistance, and scratch protection, they’re a secure solution that services a variety of applications across many industries. 

Sizes and Specifications of Sideweld Poly Bags

Sideweld poly bags can be manufactured in a wide range of sizes to fit your application. The smallest size is 2” x 3”, ranging up to the largest size of 52” x 52”. Available thicknesses include .75-4mil. If you’re not sure which size bag you need, check out our guide on how to measure poly bags. 

If you’re looking for poly bags in a specific color that matches your branding, we can help. Available colors include any shade of white, black, red, yellow, green, blue, and more. 

Sideweld poly bags can be manufactured from a variety of different materials, including:

• low-density polyethylene (LDPE)
• high-density polyethylene (HDPE)
• linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE)
• metallocene
• vapor corrosion inhibitor (VCI)
• ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA)
• ultraviolet inhibitor (UVI)

The various materials used to manufacture these bags are each targeted toward particular applications like food, medical, industrial, metal, and more. These materials are approved by the Food & Drug Administration, the United States Department of Agriculture, and the Food Safety System Certification 22000. 

At A-Pac Manufacturing, we can manufacture any size poly bag. If you need a custom size, contact us for a free customized quote. 

Are Sideweld Bags the Right Fit for Your Business? 

Sideweld bags are a great solution for frozen food, medical, and industrial applications. The seams are at least as strong as the base material, they are available in a wide range of colors, and the size can be customized to fit your application. 

If you think sideweld poly bags may be a good fit for your application, A-Pac Manufacturing can help. We’re able to give you the size and quantity of bags you need, within the timeline you need them. GIve us a call or contact us online to learn more.

In this article, we’ll be exploring some key considerations to help you select the best freezer bags for your small business, including:

• Food-Grade Plastic
• Material Considerations
• Shapes and Sizes to Fit Your Needs

Food-Grade Plastic

Whenever you’re storing or packaging food in plastic, it’s essential to use bags or containers that are made with food-grade plastic. This means that the plastic has been deemed safe for food use by a certifying authority.

To qualify as food-grade, both the material and the manufacturing facility need to meet stringent requirements put forth by the FDA and other regulatory organizations. Upon successfully meeting these requirements, the manufacturer is eligible to receive a food-grade certification, such as the FSSC 22000. 

A food-grade certification is an assurance that the plastic poses no contamination risk and is durable enough to properly protect food items. So, when assessing plastic freezer bags for your small business, check to make sure the plastic is food-grade certified.

Material Considerations for Freezer Applications

When it comes to food storage, LDPE (low-density polyethylene) and HDPE (high-density polyethylene) are the most common poly bag materials — each providing a unique set of advantages. Given its higher density, HDPE is stronger and more durable than LDPE, making it a better option for bulk quantities or items with rigid corners or edges. LDPE, on the other hand, is more flexible and transparent, which often makes it preferable for small quantities and consumer packaging.

While LDPE and HDPE are both suitable materials for food packaging and storage, the extreme temperature of a freezer presents an additional factor that needs to be taken into account. Freezing temperatures cause polyethylene to stiffen — and this sometimes undermines its durability (making it more susceptible to rips and cracks). For this reason, you should consider the following material alternatives when evaluating the best freezer bags for your small business:

1. Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA). When EVA is added to LDPE, this results in an even more flexible material that’s highly resilient in cold temperatures — making it a fantastic option for freezer storage bags.

1. Metallocene. This special form of LLDPE (linear low-density polyethylene) provides excellent strength/durability at low temperatures. Although it is typically more expensive than LLDPE, the enhanced strength of metallocene blends can yield a favorable cost-benefit ratio if durability is a top priority.

Now that we’ve covered material considerations, let’s discuss how to select the right bag type and size…

Shapes and Sizes Ideal for Freezer Storage

Plastic freezer bags come in many different shapes and sizes, so you’ll need to determine the best bag type and size for your specific application. Bags that are too small will be problematic because the contents won’t fit properly inside. Conversely, bags that are too large will waste material (i.e. cost) and space.

*Side note: Continuing on the notion of waste, many poly bag suppliers have minimum order requirements — and this often leads small business owners to order more bags than they actually need, wasting materials and budget. That’s why, at A-Pac Manufacturing, we’re committed to fulfilling any order quantity with no minimum order requirements.

To select the appropriate bag type and size, you’ll need to know the dimensions or volume of the items you’ll be storing. Once you have the dimensions and volume of the products, you can then choose a corresponding bag type and size for an optimal fit. To elaborate, here are three of the most common poly bag types for food storage along with a measuring guide for each:

Flat Poly Bags

Standard flat bags are one of the most popular poly bag styles. The simple rectangular shape has only two dimensions (length and width) and can be ordered in virtually any size. Sealing methods include heat seal, tie, staple, and tape.

Gusseted Poly Bags

Gusseted bags have collapsible side walls that expand to increase the bag’s volume while maintaining a fitted shape. This bag style is great for saving space. It also comes with the additional advantage of being able to stand upright when filled.

Wicketed Poly Bags

Wicketed bags are designed to increase packing speed/efficiency. The tops of the bags are held together on a thin wire (wicket) to promote quick-and-easy dispensing. You can also mount the bag stack on a blower to automate bag opening and make the packing process even faster.

Need freezer storage bags for your small business? We can help!

When deciding which poly bags to use for your small business, it’s advisable to speak with an expert. At A-Pac Manufacturing, we take pride in offering high-quality, customizable poly bags in any size, and in any quantity. Contact our team to learn more about how we can supply the perfect plastic freezer bags to fit your needs.

It’s a popular choice for use in hospitals, research labs, manufacturing, agriculture, and more — and since polyethylene is FDA approved, it’s often used in the food and beverage industry as well.

From air and chemical lines to wire jacketing and fluid handling, there are so many ways in which poly tubing is used, which is why there are different types and materials involved for different applications. Let’s take a closer look.

Polyethylene Tubing Materials

1. Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)

This type of tubing offers good clarity and moisture resistance, and is flexible as well as tough. LDPE is most often used for food, medical, and industrial packaging applications.  

2. High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

More rigid than LDPE and with less clarity, HDPE is lightweight, strong, and non-abrasive. It’s commonly used in situations where scratch protection is important, such as in plastic or metal parts packaging.  

3. Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE)

LLDPE is very flexible and very strong. It’s impermeable to gas and moisture, and extremely durable — resistant to environmental stress, impacts, punctures, and cracks. It offers less clarity than LDPE, but has similar applications for food, medical, and industrial packaging.

4. METALLOCENE

This poly tubing material is thin, yet strong and provides high clarity. Its properties make it perfect for applications such as freezer and cold-storage bags, as well as the packaging of bread or bakery goods.

5. Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI)

VCI poly tubing is low-density and moisture-resistant, offering rust-free protection. This makes it ideal for use with metal parts.

6. Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA)

Elastic, tacky, and puncture-resistant, the qualities of this poly tubing material provides excellent sealing and is most commonly used for ice and frozen foods, as well as powders, granules, batch-inclusion, and low-melt processes.

7. Ultraviolet Inhibitor (UVI)

Just as its name implies, this material provides UV-ray protection and is therefore used to

protect products susceptible to degradation or discoloration from the sun’s rays.

Producing Polyethylene Tubing to Fulfill Your Needs

The type of poly tubing you use depends on your application needs, and is most commonly made by going through an extrusion process. This method produces a continuous tube that is not only versatile in its application possibilities, but can also be customized with color, thickness, and size — yet another reason why poly tubing is an excellent packing solution.

If you are interested in the endless applications of poly tubing for your facility, reach out to our team at A-Pac Manufacturing. We can produce whatever type of poly tubing you need, gusseted or non-gusseted, cut and sealed at any length to suit multiple products. Contact us today and we’ll be happy to help determine the type, style, size, and thickness of polyethylene tubing that will work best for you.

HDPE vs. LDPE: What’s the Difference?

HDPE and LDPE are both a result of polymerization of polyethylene. This chemical process causes monomers to connect into long chains of hydrocarbons. As these chains form, strands branch off into other directions. The branching pattern determines the strength and density of the material. 

More branching strands equals a more dense material, like HDPE. 

Fewer strands equals a less dense polyethylene, or LDPE. 

Other types of polyethylene, like MDPE and LLDPE, are similarly determined by the branching pattern that results from polymerization. 

Put simply, HDPE and LDPE differ in density, which makes HDPE more suitable for applications where strength is most important, but LDPE more valuable for applications that need flexibility.

HDPE: High Density Polyethylene

High density polyethylene is much more dense than LDPE, due to the branching structure of the polymer chain. This makes HDPE more durable and more resistant to punctures or tears, but less flexible than LDPE. HDPE is commonly used for heavy-duty packaging for bulk or blunt-edged products or to make opaque plastic containers. 

Uses of HDPE Poly Bags

HDPE poly bags are ideal for irregularly shaped products, heavy products, or sharp items. They are commonly used for packaging:

• Construction materials like cement or sand
• Bulk dry goods like rice or grain
• Auto parts and tools

LDPE: Low Density Polyethylene

Low density polyethylene may not be as strong as HDPE, but that doesn’t mean it’s less useful or valuable. LDPE is less dense because of the increased space between the few branches that form during polymerization, which makes it incredibly flexible. LDPE also has better clarity than more dense polyethylene materials, so it can be used as an attractive packaging option that lets customers easily see what’s inside. And, LDPE is easy to tear, which is a strength when packaging must be easy to open.

Uses of LDPE Poly Bags

LDPE is ideal for applications that require a lightweight, attractive packaging option. A few uses for LDPE poly bags include packaging:

• Small parts
• Food items
• Pallet covers
• Grocery and produce bags

HDPE vs. LDPE Poly Bags: Which is Best for My Product Packaging?

Knowing the differences between HDPE vs. LDPE and the advantages they offer can help you decide which is the best fit for your needs. To help determine which poly bag qualities are essential for your application, consider the following questions:

• Use: How will the poly bag be used?
• Size: How big is the product that the poly bag will carry?
• Strength: How thick should it be to hold and protect your product?
• Durability: How long does it need to last?
• Branding: Will the poly bag need to support custom branding?
• Disposal: Will the poly bag need to be disposed of or recycled?

When ordering your custom poly bags, the supplier will want to know the answer to these questions to develop the ideal bag type and style for you. 

Whether you need HDPE or LDPE poly bags, A-Pac Manufacturing can help. From custom poly bags to standard orders in a low quantity, we’re here to fulfill any order on your timeline. Give our team a call for more information. 

Reducing packaging waste is not only great for the environment, but also for saving your company money. Let’s look at 5 ways you can reduce packaging waste for your business.

#1 Reduce Packaging Waste with Minimal Material

A great way to reduce packaging waste is to only use as large of a bag as you need. Choose the right size bag for your product by carefully measuring the minimum dimensions and work with your supplier to design a minimalist package. 

If you package products of different sizes, then use packaging in varied sizes as well. A box that is too large will be more expensive to ship, and generate more waste when it’s not filled to capacity.

#2 Use Recyclable Plastic for Packaging Materials

Recyclable plastic packaging is significantly lighter than plastic alternatives such as cardboard or paper; Less material can be used to produce it, which is less to go to waste. By switching to plastic packaging with poly bags, you can reduce the amount of waste your company produces for packaging and save on shipping costs — when the bags are delivered to your facility and when your packaged products are sent to your customers.

Poly bags are the most efficient packaging material thanks to their strength-to-weight ratio. If you’re looking to save on packaging costs, you simply can’t go lighter than plastic. 

#3 Protect Your Products to Limit Returns

Use protective packaging when the product quality demands it. If you cut too much packaging and your products are less protected and more likely to fail, you’ll end up spending and wasting more in the long run. Shipping your product once is less waste than having to reship it due to product failure or return.

#4 Train Employees to Reduce Packaging Waste

Training ensures your employees know how to package items correctly and with minimal waste. Employees should know which packaging materials are used for different products, and which materials are not appropriate for certain products.

Consider starting initiatives with your packaging team to make the process more efficient. Encourage employees to innovate ways to reduce packaging waste through using fewer packaging materials, reusing loose filling, or recycling damaged materials. 

#5 Offer Bulk Shipping Options

Bulk shipping is cost-effective for both you and your customers. Shipping larger amounts generates less waste than shipping small quantities more frequently. You can incentivize this by providing a slight loyalty discount for customers who purchase larger orders.

Also, try to ship orders in as few packages as possible to reduce packaging waste. If expediency is too important, offer the option to your customers to receive their package sooner (in more shipments) or to wait until it can be shipped in one, reducing packaging waste and their carbon footprint.

Work with a Custom Poly Bag Supplier

Poly bags offer a great way to reduce packaging waste. They’re lightweight, thin, and endlessly customizable to your unique product and application. If you’re looking to reduce packaging waste, poly bags might just be the option for you. Give us a call or contact us online to learn more about our custom poly bag options.

Reducing packaging waste is not only great for the environment, but also for saving your company money. Let’s look at 5 ways you can reduce packaging waste for your business.

#1 Reduce Packaging Waste with Minimal Material

A great way to reduce packaging waste is to only use as large of a bag as you need. Choose the right size bag for your product by carefully measuring the minimum dimensions and work with your supplier to design a minimalist package. 

If you package products of different sizes, then use packaging in varied sizes as well. A box that is too large will be more expensive to ship, and generate more waste when it’s not filled to capacity.

#2 Use Recyclable Plastic for Packaging Materials

Recyclable plastic packaging is significantly lighter than plastic alternatives such as cardboard or paper; Less material can be used to produce it, which is less to go to waste. By switching to plastic packaging with poly bags, you can reduce the amount of waste your company produces for packaging and save on shipping costs — when the bags are delivered to your facility and when your packaged products are sent to your customers.

Poly bags are the most efficient packaging material thanks to their strength-to-weight ratio. If you’re looking to save on packaging costs, you simply can’t go lighter than plastic. 

#3 Protect Your Products to Limit Returns

Use protective packaging when the product quality demands it. If you cut too much packaging and your products are less protected and more likely to fail, you’ll end up spending and wasting more in the long run. Shipping your product once is less waste than having to reship it due to product failure or return.

#4 Train Employees to Reduce Packaging Waste

Training ensures your employees know how to package items correctly and with minimal waste. Employees should know which packaging materials are used for different products, and which materials are not appropriate for certain products.

Consider starting initiatives with your packaging team to make the process more efficient. Encourage employees to innovate ways to reduce packaging waste through using fewer packaging materials, reusing loose filling, or recycling damaged materials. 

#5 Offer Bulk Shipping Options

Bulk shipping is cost-effective for both you and your customers. Shipping larger amounts generates less waste than shipping small quantities more frequently. You can incentivize this by providing a slight loyalty discount for customers who purchase larger orders.

Also, try to ship orders in as few packages as possible to reduce packaging waste. If expediency is too important, offer the option to your customers to receive their package sooner (in more shipments) or to wait until it can be shipped in one, reducing packaging waste and their carbon footprint.

Work with a Custom Poly Bag Supplier

Poly bags offer a great way to reduce packaging waste. They’re lightweight, thin, and endlessly customizable to your unique product and application. If you’re looking to reduce packaging waste, poly bags might just be the option for you. Give us a call or contact us online to learn more about our custom poly bag options.

What are the Benefits of Using Gusseted Poly Bags?

• Gusseted poly bags can stand upright on their own. Because they have flat bottoms, gusseted poly bags can stand upright without support when they are filled, which is great for displaying and storing without worrying about spilling. This also keeps the product in a stable position and makes packing a breeze.  
• Gusseted poly bags take up less space. Though you can fit more in them, gusseted poly bags actually take up less space on a shelf than other types of packaging, which means you can store and display (and sell) more product. 
• Gusseted poly bags are versatile. They are flexible and come in all shapes and sizes so it’s easy to find one that fits your needs.
• Gusseted poly bags are portable. Since they are made of lightweight material, and the weight of their contents is distributed evenly, gusseted poly bags are easy to carry and move from place to place — a bonus for both your business and your customer. 

5 Common Uses for Gusseted Poly Bags

With all the benefits gusseted poly bags provide, it’s no wonder businesses are opting for this type of packaging more and more. Their strength, versatility, and ability to expand make them ideal for a number of packaging needs. Here are 5 of the most common uses for gusseted poly bags: 

01. Food Packaging

One of the main uses for gusseted poly bags is the packaging of various types of food. Gusseted bags are perfect for bulk candy, nuts, coffee, meat products, baked goods like bread, bagels, rolls, and cookies, and even ice.

02. Packaging of Bulky Products

With their ability to expand and the variety of shapes and sizes they come in, gusseted poly bags offer a great packaging solution for businesses with products that are large, bulky, or oddly shaped. 

03: Packaging of Multiple Loose Items

From hardware like nuts and bolts and nails to arts and craft supplies, hospital and vet medications, or even agricultural items like grain and feed, if your business needs to package multiple loose items together, gusseted poly bags can solve your packaging needs. 

04: Protective Storage

If you need to cover products stored on pallets, gusseted poly bags have got you covered. They are more cost-effective than pallet tarps, can accommodate large sizes, and their strength offers optimum protection. You can also use them for box liners to keep products clean and safe.

05: Packaging Items on the Move

Gusseted poly bags can be used to protect things like mattresses from dirt and moisture when storing, displaying, or moving. They also make great grab-and-go “t-shirt bags” like the kind you see at grocery stores with handles that resemble sleeves on a shirt. 

Because they’re lightweight, easy to carry, and hold all shapes and sizes of products, gusseted poly bags used in this manner are the perfect packaging solution for groceries, restaurant take-out, retail clothing, and more. 

Where Can You Get Top-Quality Gusseted Poly Bags?

Gusseted poly bags have a range of applications. From small products to large or bulky ones, there’s a gusseted poly bag perfect for packaging it, and A-Pac has just what you need! We are committed to providing the best quality poly bags on the market and will help you determine what will work best for your packaging needs. From there, we can custom-manufacture the bag that’s best suited for your application. Looking for an affordable yet high-quality packaging solution? Reach out to A-Pac today to learn how we can help.