Industry Terminology

POLYTHENE & POLYPROPYLENE

Polythene Bags - also referred to as poly bags

Grip & Zip Seal Bags - also known as mini grip bags, poly grip, self seal poly bags, self sealing polythene bags, reclosable poly bag, resealable poly bags.

400 gauge Poly Bag - refers to the thickness of the bag in gauge. To convert to micron, divide by 4

100 micron - refers to the thickness of the bag in micron. To convert to gauge, multiply by 4

General Tip on bag selection:-

100/120 gauge (light duty) - Small/light objects and components. Transit protection and dust covers
150 gauge (light/medium duty) - As 100/120 gauge but with greater tolerance and weight resistance
200/250 gauge (Medium duty) - Heavier/pointed objects. Transculent in appearance (i.e slightly milkier/cloudier)
400/500 gauge (heavy duty) - Ideal for metal components (nuts and bolts) Very milky in appearance
 

6 x 9" Self Seal bag - The bag is 6" from left to right (width) and 9" from top to bottom (i.e. depth)

Polythene Bags are usually measured in inches (i.e. imperial). Divide by 25.4 to convert to millimetres

Polypropylene Bags (Cellophane) are usually measured in millimetres (i.e. metric). Multiply by 25.4 to convert to inches

Polythene - characterised by a smooth appearance. Thicker polythene bags tend to become more translucent and cloudy in appearance.

Bottom Weld Poly Bags - where the bag has been welded at the base. Provides strength at the base for heavier contents. Most heavy weight polythene bags are bottom weld 

Side Weld Poly Bags - where the bag has been welded at the side. Used for lighter applications, where contents carry no or very little weight. Cheaper to produce that bottom weld

Watertight - Essential for the aquatic industry and in particular suppliers of retail fish. This is where the bag has a watertight seal to minimise escape of water

Polypropylene or Cellophane Bags - 'crispy' material and tend to have a higher clarity than polythene. Good for displaying product. Polypropylene bags are used in the greetings card industry and usually have an adhesive strip allowing the bag to be reused or as a 'one-time' use, dependent on a permanent or resealable adhesive.

Euroslot - Enclosure within the bag allowing it to be displayed at POS

Patch Handle Carrier Bag - Carrier bag has an internal patch covering the handle. More economical than a 'punch' handle

'Punch' Handle Carrier Bag - Carrier bag has a 'kidney' shaped handle and is usually referred to as a vari gauge carrier bag.

Builders' Bags - Known as rubble sacks or aggregate sacks, and are used to carry rubble and other building materials where ordinary black sacks cannot carry sufficient weight

ANTISTATIC PACKAGING

Shielding Bags - Metallised static shielding bags are designed for storage or shipment of electrostatic sensitive semi-conductor components and assemblies

Moisture Barrier Bags - Prevent excessive humidity exposure known to cause problems with electronic parts. Where moisture control is a critical factor, should be used in conjunction with dessicant sachets

Pink Poly Bags (Antistatic Bags) - Are used to pack non-ESD sensitive items destined for use in an EPA. They can be taken into an EPA because they do not hold an electrostatic charge. Antistatic bags offer little or no ESD protection and are therefore not used to pack ESDS

EPA - ESD protected area

ESDS - Electrostatic discharge sensitive device