What are T-shirt bags made of? Types and sizes of plastic bags

Many customers are wondering what type of bags to choose: filling bags, T-shirts, with a die-cut or loop handle? Everything, of course, depends on the goals that the customer sets for himself. So, in order:

1. Packaging bags

They are not intended for carrying products from stores, as they do not have handles, but only for storage and transportation. You can most often find them in grocery stores. Popular manufacturing materials: PVD, HDPE, polypropylene. The minimum size is 6×6 cm. The maximum size depends on several parameters. It is possible to additionally make a closing valve (including with an adhesive strip) and an euroslot. The printing on the packages is applied by flexography. The minimum circulation is 5,000 pieces.

2. T-shirt bags

Most often, it makes sense to order them for stores that sell inexpensive and, at the same time, heavy or bulky goods. For example, grocery stores, hypermarkets, auto parts stores. These bags are cheap, roomy and durable. Minimum size: 24 × 40 cm, maximum - 40 × 85 cm, load capacity - up to 25 kg. (more is risky, as it may not withstand the bottom seam). They are mainly made from HDPE (rustling polyethylene). The only downside is that they don't look as attractive as other types of plastic bags. But the advantages are quite significant, so the T-shirt packages are in considerable demand. They are printed only by flexography. The minimum circulation is 10,000 pieces.

3. Die-cut handle bags

A favorite option for most stores and companies that want to emphasize their status. Indeed, they look more attractive than "T-shirts". It is possible to manufacture from PVD, HDPE, PSD or COEX (multilayer polyethylene). The handle is both reinforced and unreinforced. Often such packages are equipped with a bottom fold. Dimensions vary from 20×25 cm to 85×60 cm. Load capacity - up to 30 kg. The minimum circulation is 500 pieces. (when printing with silkscreen) and 5,000 pcs. - for flexo printing.

4. Bags with a loop handle

When visiting any store, T-shirt bags are offered to facilitate the carrying of purchases. This is the most common type of packaging products, which is used in various retail outlets. They are inexpensive, but durable and roomy, and got their name "t-shirt" for the original look of the handles.

Package types

There are two main types of packages:

• from low polyethylene (HDPE);
• made of high pressure polyethylene (LDPE).

From HDPE, usually inexpensive T-shirt bags are produced, having a thickness of up to 25 microns. Although they have a small thickness, they can withstand a lot of weight - up to 15 kg. Such packages are less stretched, so they can be used to carry heavy things. To increase the volume of packaging, side folds are used - folds.

HDPE packaging is highly resistant to stretching, but it quickly loses its shape and has low impact resistance - it can tear severely if punctured. Great for single use. The packages are opaque, usually white, black or colored, rough to the touch, rustling when touched. Most often they are used in grocery stores.

Also, T-shirt bags are made from LDPE. They look much prettier: smoother and shinier. However, they are made thicker, since their strength is much lower, because of this, the manufacturing price may increase. In order for such a package to withstand a load of up to 5 kg, the film thickness must be made at least 50 microns. To withstand a load of up to 8 kg, the thickness must be greater - up to 90 microns.

The LDPE package is less susceptible to deformation, more frost-resistant, so this package is suitable for multiple use. Such films are more durable, resistant to shock, stretching, compression, they are waterproof.

Raw materials for the production of polyethylene

The main raw material for the manufacture of film is. They are of two types: low pressure polyethylene (HDPE) and high pressure polyethylene (PVD).

PND granules are obtained from a special solution. The process takes place at a high temperature of +2500 degrees, but low pressure. After a complex transformation, polyethylene is obtained, which is steamed with water vapor, then dried. It is stored as a powder or granulated.

To obtain LDPE, a special reactor is used. First, ethylene is heated to a temperature of +1800 degrees, then it polymerizes at high pressure and a temperature of +300 degrees. Ethylene that has not undergone a chemical reaction is removed, and the resulting product is granulated, then dried and packaged.

When T-shirt bags are made, various dyes are also used, which usually make up no more than 3% of the total weight of the product.

Stages of bag manufacturing

First you need to produce. For manufacturing, special equipment is used - an extruder. Granules are poured into it, where they melt, then the molten material is pushed through heads with special holes of very small sizes - from thousandths of a millimeter.

With the help of these machines, films of various thicknesses are produced. When using extruders, granules with a diameter of 3 to 5 mm in a spherical shape are considered the best raw materials. In production, granules of other shapes are also used: cylindrical and cubic. The performance of the device depends on the shape of the granules. If cubic pellets are used instead of spherical ones, the extruder productivity is reduced by 10%. If you use cylindrical, performance may decrease even more.

When a T-shirt bag is produced on the extruder equipment, we end up with a polyethylene sleeve. Then it is sent to the cutting and soldering machine, which processes it in accordance with the specified parameters.

The sleeve is cut into blanks of the required length, then the blank is sealed. The bags, sealed on both sides, go to the punch press, which is needed to cut the handles. The press can punch various types of holes. At the "T-shirts" the "throat" is cut out. Now the T-shirt is ready.

Logos, company symbols, various advertising information can be applied to the finished package. This requires a special printing press. With it, any image is applied using quick-drying paints. As a result, it is quite inexpensive to place effective advertising on the packaging.

A bag is a type of packaging for a product, material, things or food, made of plastic (polymer). Plastic bags for packaging are used in all areas of human activity. Due to their ease of use, low cost, reliability, practicality, and versatility, they have replaced fabric, paper, glass and cardboard. What are the packages by material, form and purpose, we will consider in the article.

Types of packages according to the material of manufacture

About 85% of goods are packed in a plastic bag. Therefore, manufacturers try to make products from different materials so that they can be used under any circumstances. Types of packages for packaging by composition:

• polypropylene;
• polyethylene LDPE and HDPE;
• paper;
• PET (vacuum);
• BOPP.

Polypropylene bags (PP)

It is a commonly used, cheap and convenient package. The material is odorless, colorless, easily dyed in the desired shade with the help of pigments or dye. Able to withstand up to 7 kg of weight, as it has the strength of welds, as well as resistance to damage. It has a thickness of up to 45 microns. Available with or without valve.

Polypropylene bag with a valve (density up to 60 microns) - designed so that one side is larger than the other - for ease, ease of opening. Scope: packaging of food, electronic equipment, textile or household products.

Polypropylene bag without a valve (density up to 30 microns) - produced in the form of a package without a handle, with a fold for the bottom, an air hole. Scope: food and household goods.

Plastic bags

This is the most famous and common type of packaging and packaging. Polyethylene is resistant to stretching, damage, alkaline or acidic environments, decomposition. Retains its properties at temperatures down to -60°C. Does not pass gases and water, is not toxic.

Considering that plastic packaging melts at temperatures above 80°C, it is not recommended to store hot food in it.

According to quality indicators, plastic bags for packaging are divided into LDPE and HDPE containers.

PVD packages

PVD stands for High Density Polyethylene.

PVD packages

High-pressure PE is distinguished by its smoothness, density, and aesthetic appeal. The load capacity is up to 20 kg. This indicator is achieved through the use of a special substrate on plastic bags, called the "reiter". The dimensions of the LDPE bags and the increase in volume due to the bottom fold allow you to place a large number of items inside.

Technical characteristics: smoothness, density, transparency, high extensibility, crease resistance, elasticity, softness. Thickness - up to 100 microns.

The famous package with pimples is made from LDPE, which is designed to transport fragile items, and at the same time, calm the nerves.

HDPE packages

HDPE stands for Low Density Polyethylene.

HDPE packages

Low-pressure PE is a cheap and convenient material used for the production of plastic bags, T-shirts, and other packaging. Less stretchable than high pressure PE. Due to the absence of additional elements that strengthen the handle, the product can withstand a load of up to 7 kg. To give the container an attractive appearance, a print is applied to the plastic surface.

Wondering what plastic bags are made of? Made of thin polymer bonded to CnH2n (gaseous ethylene hydrocarbon).

Gardeners widely use bags for seedlings from black film. They protect plants and seedlings from direct sunlight, take up little space, give good results, and are easy to transport.

Despite the fact that plastic bags are the undisputed leader in the packaging materials market, the composition of a bag made from paper is more environmentally friendly. Also, the advantages include ease of disposal, processing, versatility.

Paper packaging can be of various shapes and sizes. They are usually classified as follows:

• vertical;
• horizontal;
• under the bottle.

Coated paper has an average density in the range of 170-200g/m2, which makes it easy to withstand food and clothing.

PET (vacuum) bag

It is made of cheap, stable plastic - lavsan (polyester) with a thickness of 12 microns and LDPE. It does not pass water, gas vapors, but is not resistant to oxygen. Do not store products with a shelf life of more than a week at temperatures above -15 ° C. But it keeps frozen products well for more than six months at temperatures above -15°C to -20°C.

The higher the percentage of LDPE in the composition, the greater the stability and density of the product. It will not break or puncture soon.

It is one of the most sought-after materials, characterized by resistance to elevated temperatures, reliability and flexibility. The composition of the package is non-toxic, does not interact with chemical reactions, is designed for repeated use, without damaging the surface. Scope: food, textile, printing, souvenir industry.

BOPP bags are produced with a flap and tape or with a Velcro flap and a hanger. In the first case (thickness up to 45 microns), a sticky, reusable adhesive is applied to the long side. It is used for storage of textile, household and haberdashery products. In the second case (thickness up to 45 microns), a hole is made at the bottom for a hanger, or the bottom is reinforced with a cardboard insert. It is used in stores (at stands, showcases) for the general display of promotional goods.

What are the packages in the form

Depending on the appearance and design features, the following types of plastic packaging are distinguished:

Interesting: in such a plastic package, you can strengthen the handle and, thereby, increase the load capacity up to 20 kg. Strengthening occurs by methods of hot welding, cold gluing, turning the bottom, integration;

The peculiarity of the packaging is the handles, which can be made in the form of:

• polyethylene strips;
• plastic fixtures connected to the base through additional reinforcement;
• ropes threaded through holes and tied at the ends.

The most durable are plastic ones, since additional reinforced fasteners are provided in the area where the handles are attached to the bag. This increases the resistance to stress;

• lockable bags. Plastic bags with a zip lock are convenient and practical. They are made up to 40 mm thick on the basis of LDPE. The packaging does not have handles, but there is a special lock that is difficult to open from the inside, but closes tightly from the outside. This creates a vacuum, which allows you to store liquid, bulk materials. Moisture, air, dust do not get into the contents of the plastic bag. Therefore, there you can pack food, household goods, parts and accessories from household appliances, as well as other small, valuable things. The product has gained popularity in the last ten years.

Types of plastic bags by purpose

Depending on the purpose, plastic packaging is divided into consumer (issued at retail outlets) and used for economic purposes. The main types are packaging products, for garbage and branded products.

1. Packing. Thickness - up to 20 microns. Load capacity - up to 5 kg. They are not intended for the transport of goods. Their purpose is to protect the contents of the plastic bag from moisture and dirt. The transparent plastic bag is designed for single use. Feature: low cost and compliance with hygiene standards.
2. Garbage. They are made on the basis of PVD, HDPE or a combination of two types of polyethylene with dyes. Are issued without handles, with handles, with a lingering tape. For ease of use, tightening tapes are provided at the top, which must be pulled out so that the contents do not fall out while moving to the trash cans. Products are sold in rolls, with an appropriate label indicating the volume. Facilitate the collection and transportation of household waste. Large plastic bags have been created for construction waste.
3. Branded with logo. Designed to advertise products, organizations, events. An image is applied to the plastic surface using flexographic printing. This enhances the resistance to moisture and dust.

Dimensions and thickness of bags

A wide range of sizes of PVD bags allows you to choose the plastic packaging that fits a particular product. The most optimal are sizes from 25 × 45 cm to 45 × 60 cm. Bags with a HDPE die-cut handle are found up to 100 × 130 cm. If we compare the thickness, dimensions and load capacity of the bags, then the data can be combined into one table.

Types of bags for packaging	Density, microns	Dimensions, cm
plastic bags t shirt	14-20	28 x 50 30 x 60 38 x 60
with perforated handle

Plastic bags were first introduced to consumers about 50-60 years ago. However, the specialists who are engaged in their production continue to work on improving the shape of finished products and improving the quality characteristics of the bags.

Today, representatives of the NikaPlast company will tell our readers about what types of plastic bags exist.

The main types of plastic bags

Now many manufacturers of plastic bags decorate their products with bright colors and put advertising from their partners on their surface.

Most often, consumers are offered plastic bags in 5 different options:

• "T-shirts";
• with loop handle;
• packing bags;
• With a cutting handle ("banana");
• products with logos.

Each of these species has its own characteristics.

With loop handles

Bags with die-cut (loopback) handles are made of high, medium or low pressure polyethylene. They are characterized by a density of 40 microns, have the shape of a rectangle and allow you to apply advertising logos and high quality printing on the outer surface of polyethylene.

Some manufacturers even combine several types of films with each other. The product made using this technology is highly durable, has a presentable appearance and often serves as an effective basis for applying an advertising logo. Loop handle bags are becoming a profitable option for advertisers. They belong to the fashion category, and their main feature is the handles, which are represented by 3 types:

• made of a polyethylene strip, which is fixed on the inner surface of the product using a special machine;
• molded from plastic and characterized by a special type of fastening (with additional reinforcement in the fastener area, which increases the load capacity of the package);
• rope, at the ends of which knots are tied and pulled into holes made in the upper part of the product, and then strengthened with special caps.

Banana bags with cut handle

Packages - "bananas" are made from low or high pressure polyethylene, have a rectangular shape and a cut hole in its upper part, which acts as a handle.

Depending on the specifics of production, this type of bag may have a double fold at the bottom or on the sides. The thickness of the product varies between 35-100 microns.

Banana-type plastic bag has a high density, and therefore is attractive to advertisers. Complex designs and logos can be applied to its surface using several different types of inks and flexo printing technology. The pattern on these products looks more beautiful than on the "T-shirts". "Bananas" are ideal for packaging small gifts, price lists, promotional and presentation materials. And if this type of package is equipped with side tabs, then you can even put large purchases in it.

"Mike"

For the manufacture of T-shirt bags, smooth high or low pressure polyethylene is used. Even small businesses can start the production of such products, since the process does not require large material costs. A wide selection of "T-shirts" is determined by their different colors, sizes and shapes. Many consumers prefer this type of bags because they are easy to use and inexpensive. "T-shirts" have a load capacity of 5-35 kg. The main disadvantage of this type of package is its deformation with strong fullness. If an advertising image is applied to its surface, then in a situation with deformation it will blur and become unreadable.

Packaging bags may not be very strong and durable, because their main purpose is to protect the packaged goods from dirt, dust and moisture. For the production of packaging products, low-pressure polyethylene is used (the cheapest raw material), and they are thin-walled and inexpensive in price. They are focused on the transportation of elements with low weight, and therefore have a small thickness, and a density in the range of 6-13 microns. The load capacity of packing bags varies in the range of 2-7 kg.

A little bit about how to apply the logo on the package

There are special types of polyethylene bags that not only serve as an assistant in carrying food or heavy items, but are also an effective means of advertising.

Advertising information is applied to the surface of plastic bags using a variety of techniques. The quality of the picture will depend on which method of displaying advertising is chosen. This parameter is also affected by the characteristics of the plastic bag itself.

The cheapest technology for applying images to polyethylene is line printing. However, in the field of polyethylene products, there are more advanced techniques for printing images. Such types of printing on plastic bags are very popular among manufacturers, such as:

• flexography;
• silkscreen.

Silk screen printing is suitable for the design of small batches of bags from 100 to 5000 pieces. The work is carried out using low-cost printed matrices, which, nevertheless, allow you to get a bright, saturated color and durable pattern.

Flexo printing involves the use of expensive stamps (moreover, an individual cliché is used for each type of paint). The flexo printing technique is suitable for applying images to packages that are produced in large quantities, when high costs are justified and paid off.

When ordering logo printing on plastic bags, consider the designer's opinion regarding the combination of color schemes. If the selection of shades is done correctly, then the effectiveness of products increases and becomes longer (both for the consumer, who cares about the practical properties of the package, and for the advertiser, who wants to convey his advertising to potential buyers and customers). The article was written with the support of Nika Plast.