With updated bag ban laws, California is making big moves to reduce single-use plastic waste. These laws are phasing out plastic carryout bags in grocery stores, retail shops, and more.
Starting January 1, 2025, pre-checkout bags must be made from recycled paper or compostable materials. By January 1, 2026, carryout bags will need to be recycled paper only.
If you’re a business owner, you might wonder how these changes will affect you. The good news? Custom bags made by A-Pac aren’t part of this ban. However, staying informed is still important to avoid confusion and ensure your business stays on the right track.
What Is the California Plastic Bag Ban?
California’s plastic bag ban is one of the most comprehensive efforts in the country to eliminate single-use plastic bags. The laws aim to reduce waste and encourage the use of environmentally friendly alternatives. Here’s what you need to know:
January 1, 2025: Pre-checkout bags (produce, deli bags, etc.) must be made from recycled paper or compostable materials.
January 1, 2026: Carryout bags must be made from recycled paper at the point of sale.
Stores can continue to sell reusable plastic bags made with recycled content or recycled paper bags until the 2026 deadline.
Bag Fees:
Stores are required to charge at least 10 cents per bag for reusable or recycled paper bags. The stores keep these fees to cover the cost of providing compliant bags.
Enforcement:
Local jurisdictions enforce the ban, including cities, counties, and the California Attorney General’s office. Violations can be reported to local district attorneys or the Attorney General’s office.
How Does The California Plastic Bag Ban Impact Businesses?
SB 270 will directly impact industries that provide bags directly to customers. Grocery, retail, food service, and liquor stores are among the most prominent sectors that must adjust their operations to meet the new requirements.
Affected businesses must phase out single-use plastic bags and transition to alternatives like:
Reusable Bags: Durable, recycled-content bags that customers can use multiple times.
Recycled Paper Bags: Fully compliant with the new laws, these will become the go-to option for pre-checkout and carryout needs.
Businesses should also educate customers about these changes, including the mandatory 10-cent bag fee and the benefits of using environmentally friendly options. Clear communication can prevent aggravation and ensure a smoother transition.
The legislation specifically targets single-use grocery and carryout bags, not industrial or custom-use plastic bags like those manufactured by A-Pac.
A-Pac’s custom-made solutions cater to specific business needs, including industrial, commercial, and specialty applications that fall outside the scope of the ban.
By understanding the law’s focus and making the necessary adjustments, businesses can stay compliant while continuing to serve their customers effectively. A-Pac is here to provide clarity and support to help you navigate these changes confidently.
Why Is It Important to Stay Updated on Bag Ban Legislation?
Plastic bag bans often make national headlines. These laws typically focus on single-use plastic grocery and carryout bags, but the news can lead to confusion about which types of plastic bags are affected.
Staying informed is crucial for businesses that rely on plastic products to avoid unnecessary concerns or operational disruptions.
The good news is that custom bags for industrial and specialized applications, like those manufactured by A-Pac, are not included in these bans.
By keeping up with the latest legislation, you can:
Avoid miscommunication with customers
Ensure your bag offerings align with local or state requirements.
Use accurate information to make strategic decisions for your business operations.
At A-Pac, we prioritize staying on top of industry regulations and sharing the latest updates with our customers. Whether you’re seeking clarity about bag bans or need expert advice on your custom bag options, we’re here to help.
Partner with A-Pac for Reliable Custom Bag Solutions
A-Pac Manufacturing specializes in creating custom-made bags for industrial, commercial, and specialized applications that fall outside the scope of plastic bag bans like California’s.
Our products are tailored to meet our clients’ unique needs, ensuring performance, reliability, and compliance with industry standards.
If you have questions about how the California plastic bag ban might affect your operations or want to explore custom bag solutions, A-Pac is here to help. Contact us today!
Understanding the materials used to produce these products can provide a significant advantage if you run a business that relies on poly bags and packaging.
One of poly bag production’s most critical components is polyethylene, a natural gas material. Since natural gas is the foundation for polyethylene production, fluctuations in natural gas prices can directly impact the cost of poly packaging materials.
Let’s look at the connection between natural gas and polyethylene, including the production process and insights into current market trends. Then, you’ll be equipped with information on how natural gas prices might affect your business’s packaging costs and bottom line.
How Natural Gas Powers the Industrial Production of Polyethylene
Natural gas plays a key role in making polyethylene, which is the material used to produce poly bags and other packaging products.
Here’s a breakdown of how it works:
Ethane Extraction: Natural gas contains ethane, which is separated from the gas to be used in polyethylene production.
Cracking Process: The ethane is heated to very high temperatures in a process called “cracking,” which turns it into ethylene. Ethylene is the basic ingredient needed to create polyethylene.
Making Polyethylene (Polymerization): The ethylene is then processed to create polyethylene through a process called polymerization. This material can then be shaped into plastic products like poly bags.
The Current State of Natural Gas Production
The United States is by far the largest natural gas producer in the world, representing almost a quarter of global production. This results from the discovery of vast natural gas reserves and advancements in extraction technologies like fracking.
Compared to oil, natural gas offers a more streamlined and cost-effective path to manufacturing polyethylene because its primary byproducts are specifically suited to plastics.
Current Market Trends: Natural Gas & Polyethylene Pricing
In October 2024, the U.S. benchmark Henry Hub natural gas spot price averaged $2.20/MMBtu, reflecting lower seasonal demand and high storage inventories.
Prices are expected to increase to an average of $2.90/MMBtu in 2025 due to higher liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports and sustained international demand.
This 33% increase could lead to higher costs for polyethylene production.
Natural Gas Production:
U.S. natural gas production remained steady throughout 2024, averaging 113 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d).
Natural gas production is forecasted to increase by 5-6% in 2025.
Natural Gas, Polyethylene & Your Business
As you can see, the connection between the availability of natural gas affects the production of polyethylene, which in turn affects the poly bags you use for your business.
Polyethylene is a vital resource for businesses that rely on poly bags and packaging. Whether you need flat poly bags, wicketed bags, or custom liners, the cost and availability of polyethylene directly influence your packaging budget.
Understanding these market dynamics can help you make smarter purchasing decisions. Here’s why:
Price Stability: If natural gas prices remain stable, the cost of polyethylene—and therefore poly bags—is less likely to see significant increases.
Global Supply Chain Considerations: With the U.S. leading in natural gas production, domestic polyethylene manufacturers are well-positioned to offer competitive pricing compared to international competitors.
Sustainability Trends: Natural gas-derived polyethylene supports efficient and eco-conscious production methods, aligning with the sustainability goals of many modern businesses.
Partner With A-Pac Manufacturing for All Your Poly Needs
At A-Pac Manufacturing, we deliver high-quality custom poly bags tailored to your needs. Whether you need flat bags, liners, or custom products, we provide cost-effective solutions and strategic support to help your business thrive.
If you’re curious about how current market conditions might affect your business, contact the experts at A-Pac Manufacturing today. We’ll explain your options and help you find the best solution for your poly bag needs. We love working with small businesses and want to be a strategic partner to help you thrive.
Contact us today or visit our website to explore our top-of-the-line poly bag and packaging offerings and request a free quote.
Recycling is becoming increasingly important to both consumers and businesses alike. As we strive to protect our environment and conserve resources, polyethylene recycling stands out as a crucial process.
Here at A-Pac Manufacturing, we’re dedicated to sustainability and have implemented robust recycling practices to make a positive impact.
Let’s explore the ins and outs of polyethylene recycling, its benefits and challenges, and how we’re doing our part to implement recycling initiatives.
LDPE is a soft, flexible plastic commonly used in products like plastic bags, film wraps, and squeeze bottles.
Recycling Process: LDPE recycling involves collecting plastic, cleaning it to remove contaminants, shredding it into smaller pieces, and then melting and reforming it into new products.
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE):
HDPE is a tougher, more rigid plastic used in items such as milk jugs, detergent bottles, and plastic piping.
Recycling Process: The recycling of HDPE follows a similar process to LDPE, involving collection, cleaning, shredding, and remelting the plastic to create new, durable products.
Construction materials, including plastic lumber and piping
Household items like containers and bins
What are the Pros of Polyethylene Recycling?
Polyethylene recycling offers numerous benefits that positively impact the environment, economy, and natural resources. Here are some of the key advantages:
Environmental Benefits
Reduces landfill waste: Recycling polyethylene helps divert significant amounts of plastic waste from landfills, reducing environmental pollution and the burden on waste management systems.
Lowers carbon footprint: Recycling plastic consumes less energy than producing new plastic from raw materials, resulting in lower greenhouse gas emissions and a reduced carbon footprint.
Economic Benefits
Cost savings on raw materials: Using recycled polyethylene as a raw material reduces the need for new plastic, leading to substantial cost savings for manufacturers.
Creates jobs in the recycling industry: The recycling process generates employment opportunities in various sectors, from collection and sorting to processing and manufacturing.
Resource Conservation
Conserves natural resources: Recycling polyethylene helps preserve valuable natural resources, such as petroleum, which is used to produce new plastic. This reduces the demand for fossil fuels and supports more sustainable resource management.
Are There Any Cons of Polyethylene Recycling?
Polyethylene recycling offers many benefits, but it also comes with some challenges. However, the benefits of environmental, economic, and resource conservation far outweigh these concerns. So, don’t be deterred from recycling and using recycled plastic products—by investing in recycling and supporting the use of recycled plastic products, we can all contribute to a more sustainable future.
Challenges in Collection and Sorting
Difficulty in collecting and sorting plastics: One of the primary challenges is efficiently collecting and sorting different types of polyethylene. However, technological advancements and increased public awareness are helping to improve collection and sorting methods.
Quality Issues
Potential degradation in material quality: Recycled polyethylene can experience some degradation in quality after multiple recycling cycles, which may affect the durability and performance of the final products. Despite this, ongoing research and innovations in recycling techniques are constantly enhancing the quality of recycled materials.
Energy Consumption
Energy-intensive processes: Recycling plastic involves energy-intensive processes, which can be a concern. Nevertheless, the energy required for recycling is still significantly lower than that needed to produce new plastic from raw materials.
A-Pac Manufacturing’s Role in Polyethylene Recycling
At A-Pac Manufacturing, we understand the critical importance of polyethylene recycling. We’re committed to doing everything we can to contribute to environmental sustainability and implement recycling programs, create innovative products, and engage with our community.
Recycling Programs
We’ve established recycling initiatives designed to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainability. We actively help individuals and local businesses recycle their plastic by allowing them to bring their “scrap” to us.
We ensure that these materials are properly processed so they can be used to manufacture products, such as chairs and other practical items, preventing them from ending up in landfills.
Community Engagement
A-Pac Manufacturing is deeply committed to fostering a culture of sustainability within our community. Through our recycling program, we aim to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable practices and how they contribute to environmental conservation.
Innovative Products
Utilizing NuPlastiQ® technology, our poly bags incorporate up to 20% plant-based materials, providing a greener alternative to traditional plastic bags without compromising strength, durability, or versatility.
Our sustainable poly bags are designed to be environmentally friendly and practical. They offer benefits such as reduced reliance on fossil fuels, increased likelihood of biodegradation, and compatibility with recycling systems. Despite being more eco-friendly, these bags maintain the same functionality as traditional plastics, offering a lightweight, cost-effective solution that is customizable in various styles, colors, and branding options.
Join the Green Movement: Partner with A-Pac Manufacturing for a More Sustainable Future
We invite you to participate in our recycling programs and help us make a positive impact on the environment. Partner with A-Pac Manufacturing for your poly bag needs and discover how our sustainable solutions can benefit your business and the planet.
Together, we can create a greener, more sustainable future. Contact A-Pac Manufacturing today to learn more about our sustainable poly bag offerings and how you can get involved in our recycling initiatives.
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!
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.
Just a quick update on resin pricing as we head out of summer and into fall.
Many major resin suppliers successfully implemented a $.03/lb increase in September, and there are already rumblings about additional increases for October and November.
As a result, we’ve heard many of our competitors are already raising prices, so we wanted to assure you our resin supply is strong and we have no intention of raising our customers’ prices in the short term. With how volatile the resin markets can be, we feel it’s always better to see how things shake out over the course of a few months before making any decisions about pricing.
If you have any questions about resin pricing or anything else at all, please email us or just give us a call at (800) 272-2634.
Thank you for your continued business, and we hope to hear from you soon.
