Clear Plastic Bags
Clear plastic bags are extruded from polyethylene, just like most other types of plastic bag. While most plastic grocery bags are extruded from high density polyethylene (HDPE), most clear bags are made from low density polyethylene (LDPE), a material which offers more strength and tear resistance. When extruded, LDPE is usually naturally clear, while extruded HDPE usually has a frosted, translucent color, making LDPE the common choice for most types of clear plastic bags.
Extruded low density poly can be fabricated into virtually any type of plastic bag, ranging from furniture covers and plastic garment dry cleaning bags to zip lock food-grade bags and merchandise display bags. Thicker extrusions of other poly materials and acrylics are made into clear tote bags for cosmetics, and thin-film polyethylene clear gusseted plastic bags are commonly used for merchandise display items such as candy, gifts or candles. "Crystal clear plastic" is made from a certain type of polyester resin which has excellent transparent clarity and can be extruded into flexible bags or clear plastic boxes for display purposes. Other clear bag types and applications include pet fish bags, decorative retail or tradeshow bags, produce bags on a roll, archival bags and promotional bags.
While trends in plastic grocery bag use seem to be diminishing in favor of canvas, reusable and biodegradable plastic shopping bags, clear plastic bags still have a solid niche in display, promotion and food storage. As the plastic bag manufacturing industry is forced to lean towards more sustainable solutions, many plastic extruders have taken the initiative to manufacture re-usable plastic totes and bags. Some manufacturers have even begun manufacturing "biodegradable" clear bags made from plant-based materials. The next several years will determine whether the plastic bag manufacturing industry as a whole is capable of providing sustainable, waste-less solutions to increasingly problematic litter, pollution and waning natural resources.