Unveiling Truths and Myths: What Does Plastic Bag Recycling Really Entail?

Mar 28, 2024 | Uncategorized

There are many misconceptions about plastic bag recycling. Understanding the realities of plastic bag recycling can help you make informed decisions toward a greener future. Let’s dive into the truths behind plastic bag recycling.

The Reality of the Need for Plastic Bag Recycling

Plastic bags can have some adverse environmental impacts – their lightweight nature makes them prone to wind dispersal, leading to littering and harm to wildlife. But we can combat this with effective recycling solutions. Implementing efficient recycling systems can mitigate these issues by diverting plastic bags from landfills and promoting their reuse in eco-friendly ways.

3 Common Misconceptions About Plastic Bag Recycling

Let’s debunk some common myths surrounding plastic bag recycling and uncover the truth behind these misconceptions.

Myth #1: Plastic bags cannot be recycled

There’s a common misconception that plastic bags cannot be recycled due to their material composition. However, polybags are commonly made from low-density polyethylene (LDPE) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE), both of which are recyclable materials. Plastic bags can be recycled into new products by separating them from other recyclables and utilizing specialized processes.

Myth #2: Recycling plastic bags is not worth the effort

Some believe that the effort required to recycle plastic bags outweighs the benefits. In reality, every recycling effort, no matter how small, contributes to an eco-conscious environment. Recycling plastic bags reduces waste in landfills, conserves resources, and minimizes the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing new bags.

Myth #3: All plastic bags are the same

Contrary to popular belief, not all plastic bags are created equal. There are various types of plastic bags, including those made from recycled materials. At A-Pac Manufacturing, we offer sustainable solutions by producing bags from recycled plastics, supporting a circular economy, and reducing the environmental impact of plastic bag production.

A-Pac’s Dedication to Sustainability

At A-Pac Manufacturing, we’re dedicated to finding greener, more eco-friendly packaging solutions. Our more sustainable poly bags reflect our commitment to helping the environment while continuing to deliver the quality and reliability our clients expect.

Greener Poly Bags From A-Pac Manufacturing

Our more sustainable poly bags are designed to meet the growing demand for eco-conscious packaging. Our clients can choose poly bags with up to 20% plant-based material, thanks to our partnership with NuPlastiQ® technology.

• Why Choose More Sustainable Poly Bags?

Our sustainable poly bags are crafted from up to 20% plant-based polymer, a renewable resource that offers the same strength, durability, and affordability as traditional plastics. What sets these bags apart is their ability to biodegrade more rapidly, aligning with the principles of sustainability. 

• Sustainable Poly Bag Technology

Our innovative poly bags utilize NuPlastiQ® plant-based polymer, which can biodegrade quickly when exposed to natural microorganisms. When combined with our robust poly bag materials, this technology accelerates the biodegradation process, providing a more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional plastics.

• Answer The Demand for Eco-Friendly Packaging

A-Pac’s more sustainable poly bags not only meet the demand for eco-friendly packaging but also offer a customizable solution for our clients. Whether you need custom branding, different bag styles, or specific mil strengths, our poly bags with plant-based components can reduce your carbon footprint by up to 20%.

• Benefits of Our More Sustainable Poly Bags

Incorporating plant-based polymers reduces reliance on fossil fuels and increases the likelihood of biodegradation. Our poly bags are compatible with recycling systems, ensuring a closed-loop approach to sustainability. Additionally, they offer cost-effective packaging options without compromising on quality or performance.

Request Your Free Quote for More Sustainable Poly Bags Today!

Join us in making a positive impact on the environment while meeting your packaging needs. Take the next step towards sustainable packaging solutions by reaching out to us for a free quote on our more sustainable poly bags. Contact the A-Pac Manufacturing team today, and let’s work together to create a greener future!

Which Type of Plastic Bag is the Strongest?

Oct 9, 2020 | Uncategorized

There are many types of plastic bags (poly bags), but not all have the same strength capabilities. The type of plastic bag that is the strongest will depend on the way the plastic is made.

In fact, different types of poly bags are developed just for their strength properties. The strongest type of plastic bag is made of HDPE, or high density polyethylene. Changes to the material that determine thickness and strength occur during the polymerization process. Let’s break this down a bit further.

What Determines Plastic Bag Strength?

Plastic bag strength is established by the way the ethylene reacts during the polymerization process. To make polyethylene, small molecules of the ethylene bind together to form a chain of molecules, called a polymer. From this principal chain, branches can start to form. The more branches that form, the thinner and less dense the resulting polyethylene. To make a denser, sturdier polyethylene, fewer branches have to form.

For example, if the main polymer chain is relatively straight with few branches, it is called High Density Polyethylene. HDPE is made of tightly packed molecules that not only make it more dense, but also less flexible. It can be used to make plastic bags that are stronger and more durable than lower density plastics.

If the polymer chain has many branches that form along the main strand, it might be MDPE or LDPE. Medium density polyethylene and low density polyethylene are more flexible than HDPE and also have a lesser resistance.

How Can You Tell Which Type of Plastic Bag is the Strongest?

The strength of a plastic bag is determined by its material and thickness. We already know that the material HDPE produces the strongest plastic bags, but what about thickness? Thicker bags are typically stronger than thinner bags of the same material. To determine the thickness of a plastic bag, or its gauge, you need to find its mil score. 

Mil is a measurement used to express plastic bag thickness. A mil is equal to a thousandth of an inch. To get an idea of how bag thickness is expressed in mils, refer to these common examples of types of plastic bags:

• Common grocery store bag: ½ mil
• Bread bag: 1.5 mils
• Clothing store shopping bag: 2 mils
• Packaging for screws or nails: 4 mils
• Extreme puncture resistance for industrial parts that are sharp or heavy: 6 mils

Which Type of Plastic Bag Offers the Best Quality?

Bag strength and thickness aren’t the only determining factor of a good quality plastic bag. HDPE, MDPE, and LDPE all have useful applications as plastic bags. The application will determine which bag qualities are essential, such as durability, clarity, and ease of opening. Let’s take a closer look at these qualities to help you understand the different advantages these qualities of poly bags offer. 

Poly Bag Durability

Bag durability doesn’t just refer to the tensile strength of the plastic. The durability of a poly bag could also mean its resistance to chemical corrosion, punctures, or regular wear and tear.

Poly Bag Clarity

Bag clarity is important in many applications where product visibility is key. For example, for many food grade poly bags, customers need to be able to see the enclosed item clearly to check for quality. A translucent or opaque bag would not serve this purpose. 

Poly Bag Ease of Opening

If you’re just looking for which plastic bag is the strongest, you might not want a bag that is easy to open, but in some applications, this is a good quality to have. Bags containing small parts like screws and nails need to keep the items together, and be strong enough to not spill the items, but also need to be easy to tear to access what’s inside.

Which Type of Plastic Bag is Best for You?

When shopping for which type of plastic bag is the strongest, consider the other needs your application might have. If strength is the most important quality, then an HDPE poly bag at a high mil strength will likely be the best type of plastic bag for your needs. However, if you’re looking for a strong plastic bag with other qualities, consider other types of poly bags that may work just as well. 

If you’re still unsure which type of poly bag is right for your application, contact A-Pac Manufacturing. We manufacture the highest-quality poly bags, with no minimum order and 2-3 week lead times. Give our team a call for more information.