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A flexible container with single opening made out of paper or plastic for holding customer's purchase
Other names of Carrier bags
Carrier bags are also known as:
- retail bags
- shopping bags
- grocery bags
- carry bags or carriers
- supermarket bags
Plastic is an extract from oil.
Plastic is manufactured by the polymerization of ethylene molecules to form long chain molecules having carbon atoms linked together with hydrogen atoms attached to each side of the carbon atoms. Low-density polythene has a number of side branches where a hydrogen atom is replaced with a carbon atom to create a new chain.
Because of this side branching the main chains cannot pack as close together and thus the polymer has a density of around .922 grams per cc. High density polythene has very few side branches and thus the main chains can pack closer together giving this polymer a density around .95 grams per cc.
As HDPE has so few branches, it produces a very linear product which when extruded into film is extremely strong when pulled in the machine direction along the length of the film. However, the HDPE film will split easily along the transverse direction of the film. In order to reduce this weakness, the extrusion equipment used is designed to enable some of the long chains to be trapped in a transverse direction (across the web) as the molten polymer freezes in the manufacturing process.
Low density and linear low density films have enough side branches on their main chains to enable these branches to become entwined and give the film additional strength in the transverse direction, negating the need for a very high wine glass shaped bubble. A low density bubble is very smooth and rounded in shape and consequently is a lot more stable than a HDPE bubble.
Even though there are only six commonly used plastics there are hundreds of others, along with hundreds of combinations of different plastics used together and a wide range of different additives.
The first step is to look for a plastics identification code.
If there is none, exact identification of the plastic is not really possible without sophisticated and expensive equipment.
There are however a number of simple tests you can use:
The production of plastic film and bags starts with granules of polyethylene, (raw materials), which are placed in a hopper feeding into an extruder. The extruder consists of a long barrel mounted horizontally on a machine base that is normally 20 to 30 times as long as it’s diameter. The barrel contains an Archimedes screw turned by a large electric motor driving through a gearbox.
The extruder barrel is heated using gas or electric heaters clamped to it. The plastic raw material entering the barrel from the hopper is melted by both the heater elements and the shearing action of the screw. At the end of the barrel the molten plastic is pushed through fine stainless steel gauzes, which filter any dust out of the melt, and into a neck which turns the plastic at right angles up into the base of the die.
The die consists of an outer circular steel pipe with a matching inner steel pipe, with a 1mm gap at the exit, between the two pipes.
The plastic exits the die as a circular tube and is drawn upward by a set of nip-rollers situated on a tower, several metres above the die. This forms “a bubble” with the die centre at the bottom, the plastic forming the walls and trapped by the top nip-rollers. Air is forced into the centre of the bubble, through a hole in the die, until the bubble has the desired diameter to give the required lay-flat measurement of the film exiting the top nip-rollers.
The film is drawn down from the top nip-rollers by the bottom wind-up system that rolls the flattened tube onto a cardboard core. At this point knives can be inserted into the edges of the lay-flat tube to form either a centre-fold film or two lay-flat sheets.
Situated just above the die, is a circular air ring, surrounding the base of the bubble, through which a fan blows cooling air to freeze the plastic as quickly as possible in order to stabilize the
Plastic is the most recently introduced of the major packaging types. Polyethylene was discovered by British chemists in 1933. Low density polyethylene (LDPE) is chemically very similar to high density polyethylene (HDPE), but is more flexible and less dense. LDPE is slightly waxy and stretches well.
Common packaging uses for LDPE are as commercial films, carrier bags, protective foams, and some flexible lids and bottles. More LDPE is consumed in UK than any other resin, comprising 31% of all resins used in 2003. About 70% of LDPE consumed in UK is used for packaging purposes. About half of all LDPE consumed for packaging is used for food contact purposes.
The advantages of LDPE as a packaging material are: low cost, ease of processing, clarity, flexibility, ease of sealing, and its properties as a barrier to moisture. LDPE is classified as a semipermeable material because of its permeability to volatile chemicals (i.e. chemicals that have moderate to high vapour pressure, such as adhesives, varnishes, inks, and solvents).
Continual developments in plastic technology have seen new materials, such as linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), become more commonly used for products that were previously made from LDPE. LLDPE is commonly used for stretch films, whereas LDPE is the principal resin used for shrink film because of its heat-shrink characteristics (such as pallet wrap systems that use a heat gun for shrinking the wrap).
LDPE is produced from ethylene gas (a simple hydrocarbon) under high pressures and temperatures in a reactor containing a liquid hydrocarbon solvent in the presence of metallic catalysts (Ziegler catalysts). The resulting polymer produces slurry as it forms, which is filtered from the solvent.
Recovered LDPE packaging is capable of being recycled into new products. The majority of LDPE recycled in UK comes from commercial films. Recycling LDPE requires special grinders to handle the thin films. The films can be either washed and repelletised, or used directly to make new products. Recovered plastic is usually recycled into products that require lower quality raw materials. UK manufacturers use recovered LDPE to manufacture a variety of products including irrigation pipe, rubbish bags, black film and sheeting for the agricultural and building industries, and cable cover for the electrical industry.
Once extruded, the plastic film may be printed using either flexo-graphic or gravure printing presses. These work on a roll-to-roll basis or can be mounted inline between the extruder and the wind-up station.
In order to ensure that the ink will adhere to the plastic, the film is "treated". This consists of passing the film close to a very high frequency and high voltage electric current, which effectively oxidizes the film - roughening the surface and allowing the ink to settle on the plastic.
All plastic bag making machinery uses a heated sealing bar or heated resistance wire to melt the polythene which when combined with pressure will form a seal
There are a number of different ways to manufacture a plastic bag, some of these are:
This bag is manufactured using centrefold film, which is fed past a sharp sealing bar to the required width of the bag. The film is then stopped and the heated sealing bar pulled down to compress the film between the bar and a Teflon coated roller. The sealing bar is unprotected metal and consequently melts the plastic to such an extent that it parts on either side of the bar forming a seal on both sides. The bar lifts up and the cut off bag is drawn away from the sealing area by a belt conveyor, whilst the required length for the next bag to be formed, once again feeds the film forward.
The strength of the seal is a function of the temperature of the bar, the time the plastic is under the bar and the pressure used to compress the plastic under the bar.
This uses tubular film and has the sealing bar protected by PTFE coated tape so that the plastic is not in direct contact with the hot steel.
As with the side-welding process the film is fed out under the sealing bar for the required length and then the sealing bar closes either onto a roller or onto a heated bottom-sealing bar. The sealing bar is not as sharp as that used for a side-weld and can often be a flat surface. After the seal has been formed the plastic is cut across the web directly behind the seal either with a guillotine or some form of moving blade. The bag is then either drawn away by a belt conveyor or stacked on a packing table.
As an alternative, the film can be perforated behind the seal and wound on to a cardboard core to form what is known as "bag on the roll".
Vest type carrier bags are made by a combination of the above welding methods. The ends of the plastic tube is welded on both front and back by protected sealing bars and cut off between the two by a sharp, exposed sealing bar. When the bag is fed forward and the sealing process repeated a bag is formed which is welded on both ends, the tubing used is folded into gussets on each side so that when the "u" shaped cutting punch cuts through the bag it leaves two arms which form the handles of the bag
For more information on Carrier bags please visit www.packagingknowledge.com
An interesting 'Carrier bags' essay kicks-off with introduction on Carrier bags, how carrier bags made, types of carrier bags available, standards and important technical specifications for carrier bags. In addition essay lists common uses of Carrier bags and lists uses of used Carrier bags
Looking on the internet and finding a right supplier of carrier bags can be daunting. What we can't help is to provide you with bags but we can list a points you should consider buying a quality carrier bags at cheap prices.
It's entirely possible you'll never give carrier bags a second thought - till you have to purchase carrier bags. Until that point, you would use them to carry home your shopping and then put them in a drawer with the vague idea that you must not throw them out.
But carriers are an essential part of any business with products to sell - both in terms of practicality and as an advertising tool for your company. As a result you will need to think about the most cost-effective means of acquiring them. So where do you start?
Get a handle on what could be a vital purchase
- What do I need?
That is, questions to first ask yourself and then to find out from the manufacturers in your search for the perfect carrier.
- What size and weight of products will be going into the bag?
This is important, as you may need different sizes or thickness or particularly strong handles. It may also affect whether you can have paper or polythene carriers.
- Do I want my logo on it?
This will be more expensive but it will promote your name and image outside the business. A striking bag is an effective advertisement for the company.
- How many will I need?
You may be restricted by a minimum order or it may be that you will have a high turnover, will all your products need separate bags?
- How much of my budget can go to carriers?
This is where you weigh up the other questions. For example you need stronger bags so you might not be able to have so many colours on them. What is most important to your business?
Once you've armed yourself with some of these details it's time to find someone who will make the bags for you.
carrier bag shop ~ supermarket carrier bags ~ carrier bag companies ~Options and costs
Coloured polythene is more expensive than white. And a heavier duty bag is obviously going to cost you more than a flimsy mass-produced one. What you have to consider is the kind of image you want - and can afford to - project.
All of these carriers are available in three gauges: light, medium and heavy. Medium is recommended for general use.
- Plain white bags
Prices will vary but one manufacturer quoted from around £4 for a box of 100 bags.
- Custom printed carrier bags
If you have specific requirements for logo and colours, a manufacturer will give you a customised quote. This will be based on the number of colours (usually up to five or six) and type of bag used (eg: duffel bag, clip closed or patch handle).
Bear in mind that the first order will be the most expensive, since the manufacturer will have to make the printing plates. After this the plates will be ready to use whenever you place a new order. There will probably be a minimum order but in the interests of economy, and in the long term this makes sense for both you and the manufacturer.
- Functional carrier bags
If you anticipate a high turnover of bags, you don't have to just settle for plain white. As they are ordered in bulk (in 1000s rather than 100s) and are generally of a simpler shape they can work out to be good value. Simple vest carriers (such as are used in DIY shops, local bakers etc) might cost 15p each or looped carriers for 12p-20p.
- Mid range to luxury bags
Paper bags might not be as practical in the rain, but they look and feel more luxurious - this is an image that suits an up market food stall or gift shop. Inevitably, this is where the price starts to go up.
The design and colours may be more limited but a more elegant finish should probably be a less 'busy' design. You will also be guided by a minimum order - probably around 500. For example prices for a string twisted handle bag might range between 30p and 70p each depending on size and colour(s).
- Made in the UK?
It's good to support British industry but the sad fact is that in bag terms it will cost you more to go to a manufacturer here. Carriers made in Europe and even more so in the Far East are much cheaper, particularly when mass-produced.
For example, a top of the range luxury roped carrier might cost up to £2 to produce in the UK whereas a similar item can be made for less than 70p in the Far East.
- Why bother?
Taking into account all these decisions, costs and negotiations, you might well come to the conclusion that it isn't worth the hassle. You can buy 500 plastic bags from the cash and carry in one easy stage for very little money.
But it is worth emphasising what a good advert a bag can be - particularly if you have a shop on a high street. An eye catching carrier will remind people who have been to you before that you exist and intrigue other people as to your range of products.
biodegradable carrier bag ~ carrier bags for sale ~ small carrier bags ~Where to go - buy?
A simple selection from our recommended top suppliers or search in the yellow pages under ‘Paper and plastic bag manufacturers’ - will turn up a surprising number in your local area. And sites on the internet have nationwide options too. Some sites allow you to email manufacturers for online quotes.
Although the types of bags and ranges of colours available will not vary greatly from one manufacturer to another, it is important to shop around for quotes. A sales representative should spend some time on the phone asking about your requirements - such as what will go in the bags, size and so on.
You may not have an absolutely clear idea of what you are looking for at that time but they should talk you through your best options. Make sure you know what the minimum order is and therefore how to choose a cost-effective option that will properly represent your business.
The manufacturer should then send you a sample of the bags you have talked about. This will give you an idea of the actual feel, quality, colours and sizes of the bags you could be buying. It will also allow you to compare different manufacturers’ products.
carrier bags suppliers ~ carrier bags london ~ carrier bags ~Types of Carriers
As a consumer, you could probably live your life without needing to know there are different types of carrier bags available - after all it's just the thing that keeps your nice new purchase dry in the rain. But as a business owner you're going to need know the jargon in order to make an informed choice.
- Punched or patched handle carriers - the handle punched into the top of the bag making these bags better suited to lightweight goods. For extra strength a patch of polythene is added to reinforce it
- Flexiloop handle carrier - stronger than a punched handle but still a cost-effective option, the handle is attached separately
- Twisted string or rope handle - separate string or rope handle gives this carrier a slightly more upmarket look and raises the price too. Can be made from paper or plastic
- Duffle bag - a more modern shape bag with a big capacity, popular for making a younger, more stylish impression
- Counter bag - used for 'first contact' with food for sandwich shops, butchers, delicatessens etc, made in paper or polythene
The debate over the issue of paper versus plastic has raged on for decades now. Environmentalists aren't even united on the subject. Proponents of the paper bag claim that plastic competitors end up in landfills, on the side of the road, and in lakes and streams where they become a hazard to wildlife; some of which end up choking on the bags.
Proponents of the plastic bag counter with the amount of pollutants that paper refining puts in the air. Paper is made by heating wood chips under pressure at high temperatures in a chemical solution. These toxic chemicals contribute to air pollution. Anyone who doubts that, only need experience the unmistakable stench of a paper mill. It is also believed that these chemicals contribute to acid rain and water pollution. Since millions of gallons of paper making chemicals pour into the waterways each year; that basically ensures that the toxicity of the chemicals will remain long-term in nature as they settle into the sediments of waterways.
Statistics, in fact, indicate that paper sacks generate 70 percent more air and 50 times more water pollutants than plastic bags. (Source: "Comparison of the Effects on the Environment of Polyethylene and Paper Carrier Bags," Federal Office of the Environment, August 1988.)
Plastic proponents go on to claim that, although easier to recycle, paper bags weigh 10 times as much as plastic. They also point out that the manufacturing of paper bags not only produces more manufacturing waste, but costs more initially because they require more energy usage. The average plastic bag requires 594 BTUs of energy to produce while paper bags require 2511 BTUs.
Current research demonstrates that paper in today's landfills does not degrade or break down at a substantially faster rate than plastic does. In fact, nothing completely degrades in modern landfills because of the lack of water, light, oxygen and other important elements that are necessary for the degradation process to be completed. A paper bag takes up more space than a plastic bag in a landfill, but because paper is recycled at a higher rate, saving space in the landfill may be less of an issue.
Environmentalists, however, claim that the problem with plastic is that bags don't always go straight - - or for that matter stay - - in the landfill. According to Brian Halweil, senior researcher at The Worldwatch Institute (environmental group), "they fly around in the air, get caught on fences, trees, and other items. The sometimes clog up sewers, gutters, and even waterways."
One thing manufacturers, environmentalists and garbologists agree on is the incredibly large number of bags that are out there, in total. According to Halweil of Worldwatch, "No one knows exactly how many bags Americans throw away, but it is easily in the billions."
For some consumers and environmentalists, the solution seems so simple: Recycle. According to the Wall Street Journal, it takes 91% less energy to recycle a pound of plastic than it takes to recycle a pound of paper. In fact, it takes only 17 BTUs to recycle a plastic bag, but it takes 1444 BTUs to recycle a paper one. (Source: 1989 Plastic Recycling Directory, Society of Plastics Industry.) This is due, at least in part, to the fact that new paper bags must be made mostly from virgin pulp in order to ensure strength and durability.
But these statistics may be academic since recycling rates of either type of disposable bag remains extremely low, with only 10 to 15% of paper bags and 1 to 3% of plastic bags being recycled. While everyone agrees that efforts must continue to increase recycling numbers, it is obvious that this can't and won't be the sole solution to the problem.
A lot of people believe that the solution lies neither in paper or plastic, but in the reusable cloth bag. In fact, some stores in both the U.S. and other countries are beginning to offer discounts for people who bring in their own bags for bagging groceries and goods. Others are considering the institution of a charge for the use of either paper or plastic.
Some countries have actually gone so far as to institute a national bag policy.
In France, they recycle bag products so that they can burn 30 percent of their bags for energy, basically recapturing the value of the bags by turning them into electricity.
South Africa began requiring bags to be more durable which, of course, drove up their cost in order to discourage disposal. The result has been a 90 percent decline in disposable bag use.
In Ireland, a new 15-cent-per-bag tax has decreased the use of disposable bags by 95 percent.
A supermarket chain in the United Kingdom has introduced a degradable additive to their bags so that they break down quicker and can be used for compost.
Seven other countries, including Canada and the United Kingdom, have plans to tax plastic bags -- or ban them altogether.
Recently, city leaders in San Francisco approved a ban on certain types of plastic bags. The new law will require certain larger stores to offer customers bags made of paper that can be recycled, or a plastic that breaks easily down for compost, or a reusable cloth bag. The action was supposedly taken in order to cut down on plastic bags littering streets and choking marine life.
The 50 grocery stores expected to be most affected by the law continue to argue that the ban is unreasonable. They protest that plastic bags made of corn byproducts are too new, too expensive and a totally untested product. Several intend to only offer only paper bags.
Whatever the solution finally decided upon, one thing is certain. It, too, will likely cause debate and controversy for many years to come.
Reference: http://www.associatedcontent.com