Zip Lock Bags
Zip lock bags are plastic sacks or pouches with an interlocking or slide lock closure mechanism. Such a device allows for a waterproof, airtight seal as is desired in many applications to protect further and better contain goods.
Quick links to Zip Lock Bags Information
Industries Using Zip Lock Bags
- Home
- Office
- Industrial
- Food
- Archival
- Parts
- Shipping
- Storage
Zip lock bags are manufactured and distributed by several recognizable companies as well as smaller brands providing accessible and affordable options for all plastic bag sealing needs.
Zip Lock Bag Sizes
To accommodate the many uses for zip lock or lock top bags, most manufacturers produce them in several different standardized sizes.
- Domestic Sizes
- Snack
- Sandwich
- Quart
- Gallon
Industrial bags are often much larger, while other archival baggies are often very small.
Design of Zip Lock Bags
As a secure seal is essential, some bags have two different colored seams, which are easily identified when open and become a different color when the closure is properly sealed. Not all, but most zip lock bags are made to be resealed and even reused any number of times.
Durable materials must therefore be used in the construction of both the bag and attached locking devices. Polypropylene and polyethylene are most frequently used for the film-like bag component.
- The plastic resin is melted until it becomes pliable or even to temperatures that produce a viscous fluid.
- Casting, winding, sheet, or blown film extrusion may be used.
- The seal is formed in a mold.
- Thicker, stronger plastic is used, though it may have a base material similar to that used for the film.
- A male track is fixed to one side of the bag's opening while the female track is placed parallel on the adjacent edge.
- The tracks connect like puzzle pieces when pressure is applied manually or through a plastic slider.
- The fastening capabilities vary among the many manufacturers of zip lock bags, but all require a significant tug to part the closure of a properly sealed bag.
It is important to consider the durability of a seal and the plastic material used in overall bag construction to ensure the proper unit is used.
Zip Lock Bag Alternatives
Common alternatives include the use of twist ties and heat-sealed or shrink-wrapped bags. Twist ties are useful but do not provide the durable and impermeable seal of the zipper lock. Heat-sealed or shrink-wrapped options create an effective seal, but are not reclosable or resealable bags as zip lock bags may be.
Security and Zip Lock Bags
Due to increased security threats, many public areas are increasing their security measures. One of the biggest changes that many sports arenas and other public events are making is the necessity of restricting bags brought into public arenas. Rather than allowing guests to bring in bags and purses, these companies are now requiring visitors to house their personal items in zip lock bags or other approved containers.
Bags must be clear to view the contents or small enough to fit approved size requirements. The new regulations are hoped to reduce security threats and the possibility of concealed weapons or other dangerous items. This not only deters potential terrorists from targeting public locations but also makes it easier to search personal belongings and speeds up the entrance process.
At a time when plastic bags are shunned by more and more people, this is good news for plastic bag manufacturers. Hundreds of thousands of people attend sporting events each game. This means that millions of people will be required to use zip lock bags or other clear plastic bags to house their personal items during public events. This will benefit the plastic bag industry, which has recently taken a huge hit due to environmental concerns.
With the new regulations, both the safety of public events and the plastic bag industry will benefit greatly.