subject: The Rise of Mylar Bags in Modern Product Packaging [print this page]
In the last 20 years packaging materials have changed significantly and very few innovations have had the same practical impact as Mylar bags. The material was first applied to industrial and aerospace packaging due to its outstanding barrier performance, and then to food storage and retail packaging, which are specialty areas of packaging. By grasping the reasons behind this change, much can be learnt about what today's consumers and businesses truly value in packaging. What Makes Mylar Different From Standard Plastic? Mylar is a metallized polyester film usually made with a thin aluminum coating to serve as a barrier and a polyethylene coating on the inside to facilitate easy heat sealing. This laminated construction prevents oxygen, water and light from penetrating it much more effectively than single layer plastics.
That difference is very important, particularly for perishable products. Oxidation is also enhanced by oxygen, resulting in losses of flavor, potency and product quality with time. That is why Mylar is used by manufacturers all over the food and supplement industry. That is why more and more manufacturers are choosing to use Mylar as it means less product loss during shipping and storage and fewer customer complaints due to reduced oxidation. Why Are Wholesale Mylar Bags Becoming the Standard for Growing Businesses? Small businesses may begin with a low volume order but as the production volume increases, the economics change significantly. The per-unit cost benefits of wholesale mylar bags are significant because the manufacturer can use the material more efficiently and set up the machines more efficiently over a larger production batch. Wholesale ordering also makes it easier to be consistent. Larger production runs mean that there is less variation in seal strength, film thickness, and colour of the print between batches, whereas this is likely to be more prevalent in smaller orders. When brands package their products inconsistently as they ship them, it gets noticed by the customer, and it comes through in their reviews. How Does a Custom Mylar Bag Support Brand Identity? While functional performance is important, there's also the factor of brand recognition. A custom mylar bag allows a company to control the finish, color, windows and closure of the bag, which can then be used to reinforce the company's brand at the point of sale. Consumer behavior studies show that a product with a unique packaging design will be remembered by consumers and will be re-purchased when people see it again, as a visual consistency will create familiarity with the product over repeated exposure.
Customizing is not all about looks, either. Brands often ask for attributes such as tear notches, resale zippers, or matte and gloss finish depending on how the end customer will use the product. A different zipper mechanism can be used for a bag that is designed to be used every day, as compared to a single-use bag. Are Mylar Packaging Bags Suitable for Every Product Type? The level of barrier protection required for a product is not always the same and the choice of packaging format should be carefully considered based on the storage and shelf-life requirements of the product. Mylar packaging bags are highly effective for products that are light, moisture and oxidation sensitive such as dried foods, supplements, coffee and specialty botanicals. Products not sensitive to these issues may not need to be as well protected with a barrier and selecting a lighter material would help avoid unnecessary packaging costs.
However, even if a product isn't freshness sensitive, Mylar can add value during transit. The material is more puncture and tear-resistant than other thinner plastic materials, minimizing damage-related returns, a cost that can rapidly mount up for enterprise shipping at scale. What Should Buyers Check Before Choosing a Mylar Bag Supplier? Not all Mylar film is created equal, and even similar products from different suppliers can be different thicknesses in mils. To prevent production mistakes, buyers should request material specifications prior to production and ask about the seal testing method and minimum quantity before ordering a production run. If packaging fails during shipping or handling, the cost-saving benefits of getting it from a cheaper supplier are rendered moot. Final Thoughts The uses of Mylar bags have expanded from just industrial applications to being a useful and popular packaging solution for a wide range of consumer products. This is because it offers robust barrier properties alongside flexible customisation and scalable wholesale costs, compared to traditional plastic options. Companies that invest in grasping the material requirements and the quality of suppliers can reap the maximum benefits this packaging format has to offer
