Barrier Pouches & Bags

What thicknesses do barrier bags come in?

Barrier bags can be made as thin as 2 mil and as thick as 13 mil, but for commercial use the thickest material usually is 8 mil. Most barrier bags do not need to be anywhere near 8 mil single edge thickness. Typically 4 mil – 5 mil is sufficient for most uses.

What barrier material should I choose for my barrier bag? 

This is a question that will relate to what you are using the bag for. Is this long-term storage? Hot fill bags? Retort pouches? It really comes down to what is best for your use. For the highest barrier you’ll want an aluminum pouch. For high strength and tear resistances, add nylon. For high temperature (boil in bag) change to RCPP materials.

What is the most heavy-duty barrier bag available? 

From a strength standpoint, a multi-laminated 7 mil barrier bag made from Polyethylene terephthalate 2 with layers of Biax Nylon, Vapor Metalized Pet, and Strength PE would provide an extremely strong bag. For very extreme uses a barrier bag could be made with Scrim, foil, and poly in a range of thickness greater than 10mil. 

From a barrier standpoint (moisture and oxygen) a bag that combines Nylon, PVDC, Aluminum, and strength PE, would be best. Finally from a heat standpoint a bag that uses CPP/RCPP would withstand high temperatures well above boiling. 

Are barrier pouches made of fabric?  

No, barrier pouches are made of non-woven fibers and plastics.

How do you seal barrier pouches?  

Barrier bags are generally heat sealed using an impulse heat sealer or band sealer. Depending on the number of pieces you have to seal, an impulse hand sealer is great for small quantities, whereas a semi automatic band sealer is a good choice when you have many bags to seal. The price for barrier pouch sealers ranges from inexpensive impulse sealers, which cost $50, up to high speed gas flushing band sealers which can be north of $5,000. 

What type of matte barrier bags are available?

Many barrier materials like PET and MET are generally glossy by default. Matte barrier bags can be made using various methods. Firstly, any barrier bag with an actual aluminum foil layer can have the aluminum foil matte edge facing out, to create a matte look. Alternatively, matte barrier bags are available that use either a matte lamination such as Matte OPP, or a matte varnish which creates a matte look. Finally there are new matte coatings such as soft touch, luxefilms karess, and Ultramatte.

What configuration of barrier pouch has the best shelf life?

 From a viewpoint of barrier, the simpler the pouch the better. Think of MREs (meals ready to eat), they are usually simple flat pouches with only a tear notch. This allows the seals to be super strong, and since there is less complexity to the pouch itself you get a strong, long lasting pouch. With that said, with the advancements in bag making technology and machining, we can now even store liquids in spouted gusseted pouches. . 

What plastic barrier pouch is better: a clear pouch or an opaque barrier pouch?

Generally an opaque pouch that includes METPET or Aluminum will have the higher barrier. But many times being able to see the item inside the barrier pouches, using a clear oval or rectangular window, requires the use of a clear material. Clear pouches, when made of high barrier clear materials like KPET, can have a very strong barrier while still allowing for the viewing window. 

Are barrier pouches a good alternative to cans?

Yes, a barrier pouch can provide similar shelf life for many uses, depending on the item or supplies being packaged. The addition of aluminum foil to the barrier zipper pouch creates what is, in essence, a flexible aluminum can.