Plastic Shopping Bag

Plastic Shopping Bag

Plastic shopping bags are offered at the point of check out for free or for a nominal fee at most retail venues, both large and small franchise. Printed plastic bags bearing the company name or logo, or a more general design are often used as a cost-effective means of advertising. Not only the print, but the color and clarity of the bag can be extremely versatile. While transparent shopping bags are available, however, most retailers and consumers alike prefer opaque bags which offer increased privacy of purchase. Paper and cloth alternatives are widely available, though plastic is often preferred for its lightweight, durability and resistance to moisture. Plastic bags are often reused as waste-liners or to store items within the home or for travel. Additionally, plastic bags may be recycled if returned to a recycling facility or a major retail outlet.

Bags used for shopping can be made out of a number of different types of plastic. Polyethylene and polypropylene bags are among the most popular, though the former is more often used. Although low-density polyethylene has better strength and tear-resistance, it is also transparent, leading many retailers to choose high-density alternatives. No matter the specific material chosen, a number of processes may be utilized in the production of plastic shopping bags. Casting, winding, sheet extrusion and blown film extrusion are commonly used to create the film needed to create the thin film that becomes the body of the bag. Blown film extrusion is the most popular and begins with heating the polymer resins until they become a viscous fluid. The fluid is forced through a die in the center of which is a hole. Cool air blown at a uniform rate through this hole stretches the film to a bubble of even thickness. At the same time, the plastic is cooling. When ready, the bubble is popped and rolled flat. At this point printing or curing processes are administered as needed before seals and seams are formed. Most shopping bags do not have seals, but do have handles. Handles are either die cut openings located at the open end of the bag or a drawstring which runs around this same edge.

Image Provided by International Plastics, Inc.

Image Provided by Multi-Pak USA,Inc