What is a Mylar Bag? Types, Uses, & Benefits You Should Know

Mylar bags are used by many industries to increase the shelf life of their products and keep them safe during transportation. But how does this material ensure the safety and longevity of the products? The answer lies in the composition of mylar. 

Mylar bag is a type of packaging used for packing products especially those that need to be preserved and stored for a longer time. 

What is the Material of Mylar Bags?

Mylar bags are made from polyester film which is sourced from stretched (PET) polyethylene terephthalate. This material is best known for its strength. It is important to note that PET is not a metal and the metallic shine that mylar has comes from foil lamination or metallic coating. 

Some common properties of this material are:

• Water Resistant

PET acts as a strong barrier against water. This is why it’s used in mylar bags to store dry items. 

• Moisture Retainer 

Mylar bags lock and retain moistures. Skincare industries use mylar bags to pack their facemasks.

• Light-proof

Coffee can lose taste when light falls on it. Mylar bags refract light and prevent it from passing through.

• Prevents Oxidation

Mylar bags prevent oxidation by not letting the air enter the bag, as air contains 21% oxygen. 

What are Kraft Mylar Bags?

Some mylar bags are often made from kraft paper to give them an eco-friendly look. However, it is important to note that these bags are not completely eco-friendly. A thin layer of polyethylene terephthalate is attached inside the kraft mylar bags for added protection. 

Due to immense benefits, the market of polyethylene terephthalate is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.1% during the forecast period of 2023 -2030. 

Choosing the Right Mylar Bag Size

Whether you belong to the cosmetic or food industry, choosing the right size for your mylar bags is very important. There are some standard sizes that brands usually use. 

But you can always get your customized sizes as per your product’s size, shape, fragility and other important characteristics. Some standard sizes for mylar bags are: 

Small

Small size mylar bags offer different dimensions to brands. You can pack your tiny and lightweight products in these bags. 

• 2”x3”
• 3”x4”
• 4”x6”

Medium

There are variations in medium-sized mylar bags as well. These different dimensions help industries in packaging different products. 

• 5”x7”
• 6”x8”
• 7”x9”

Large

To pack more than one product or a large-sized product, you can use different variations of the large size mylar bags. These are:

• 8” x 10”
• 9” x 12”
• 10” x 14”

If these dimensions don’t go hand in hand with your product, you can always go for custom mylar bags. Customizing these bags as per your products’ size, fragility, weight and height allows you to keep them safe during transportation. 

4 Major Industries that Use Mylar Bags

Mylar bags are most commonly used for packing perishable items for long periods. However, they are used by various industries for packing different types of products. The following are a few popular industries extensively using mylar bags:

Food Industry

The use of mylar bags is extensive in the food industry. Whether you enter a grocery store or a pet shop, you will see food items packed in mylar bags. The reason lies in its properties to keep a product safe from oxygen, light, moisture, etc.

The following are some popular food items packed in mylar bags for long-term storage:

• Ketchup & Sauces
• Pet Food
• Dry Fruits
• Snacks
• Spices

Pharmaceutical Industry

Mylar bags are also used in the pharmaceutical industry to pack and preserve various medicines. Some medicines need special protection from humidity. This is the reason mylar bags are the go-to choice for various pharmaceutical industries. 

The following are some items packed in odor-proof mylar bags for maximum protection:

• Powdered Medicines
• Injections
• Cannabis
• Capsules
• Tablets

Cosmetics Industry

Cosmetics and skincare industries use mylar bags because they can be reused and protect the product from contamination. Users usually take the amount of product they need to ensure that the rest of the product remains safe inside the bag. 

Here are a few products that are mostly packed in mylar bags for extended shelf life:

• Blackhead Remover
• Liquid Face Masks
• Powdered Masks
• Cleansers
• Gels

Cleaning Agents and Toiletries

Many household products are also packed in mylar bags for long-term storage. Different items that are commonly used on a daily or weekly basis are packed in these bags to extend their shelf life. These bags prevent leakage of liquid products.

The following are some items packed in the spout mylar bags:

• Vehicle Wash & Wax
• Toilet Cleaner
• Glass Cleaner
• Dishwashers
• Detergents

5 Styles of Mylar Bags

Mylar bags can be customized in different sizes, shapes, thicknesses, and styles according to your preference. Types can be differentiated based on thickness and style. The standard thickness of mylar bag is 3 mil but for long-term use, the thickness should be 5 to 7.5 mil. 

These bags can be designed in custom dimensions other than small, medium, and large. Here are some popular styles of mylar bags:

• Vacuum Sealed Mylar Bags
• Child Resistant Mylar Bags
• Resealable Mylar Bags
• Spout Mylar Pouches
• Ziplock Mylar Bags

Customization of Mylar Bags

You can customize your mylar bags as per your brand’s needs. Most brands use customization to create a unique brand identity and better return on investment. Following are some of the ways you can standout in the market with custom mylar bags:

Trying Different Colors

While keeping your mylar bags transparent is a good idea, giving them a nice color can also do well for your brand. There are many shades and techniques that you can try. Some of these are:

• Monochrome
• Pastels
• Metallic

Pick Your Finishes

With the right kind of finishes on your mylar bags you can attract a large number of customers. You can either use these finishes alone or in combination. These are:

• Embossing
• Soft Touch 
• Hot Foil Stamping

Choose the Perfect Designs

Designs can be a game changer for your brand. If you use the right kind of design techniques in your packaging you can retain customers. Some of these are:

• Minimalism
• Maximalism
• Neobrutalism

2 Major Advantages of Mylar Bags

Mylar bags benefit various industries in more than one way. For instance, some products require higher manufacturing and processing costs therefore, the manufacturers aim to preserve such items for a longer time. 

And they prefer mylar bags to ensure the extended shelf life of their products. The following are some benefits of mylar bags you should never ignore:

• Offer Compact Storage

The mylar bags are lightweight and flexible which helps reduce shipping costs especially when you get them shipped empty. They also occupy less space in your warehouse or storage area. 

Mylar bags can also be vacuum-sealed for maximum protection. The removal of excess air from the package reduces the packed product volume. 

• Posses Odorless Properties

Mylar bags can be customized in different designs and remain odorless as the colors do not penetrate inside. Food items easily absorb the smell, therefore, they need to be packed in smell-proof packaging.

The smell-proof properties make them ideal for preserving food items. Mylar bags are also versatile, cost-effective, and durable. 

2 Disadvantages of Mylar Bags

While there are many advantages of mylar bags, there are often some disadvantages that you should know before deciding to use them as your packaging. These are:

• Mylars are Not Eco-Friendly

If you are an eco-conscious brand, using mylar bags is not a wise decision as they are not environment-friendly. They are not easy to recycle as compared to other materials like kraft, cardboard, etc. 

• Mylars Require Higher Production Cost

Mylars tend to have higher production cost as compared to other packaging materials. And when you decide to go for customization, it can cost you more than a kraft or cardboard packaging. Keep in mind your budget when opting for mylar bags. 

How Long You Should Store Food Items

Every food product has its shelf life. Here are some common food items and the recommended time for their shelf life:

• 1 month to 10 months: candy, nuts, chips, etc.
• 1 to 3 years: dry biscuits, yeast
• 3 to 5 years: herbs, powdered milk, baby milk formula
• 5 to 10 years: gluten, rye, wheat flakes
• More than 10 years: instant coffee, flour, flax, chickpeas, etc.

What Cannot be Stored in Mylar Bags?

Food items with high moisture should not be stored in mylar bags. If your products have more than a recommended 10% of moisture in them, it is best to not pack them in mylars. 

Meat, dairy products and fresh fruits should not be stored in mylar bags as the absence of air can result in bacterial growth. 

Mylar Bags Improve Shelf Life 

Mylars are made from strong materials that offer tensile strength to the packaging for preserving food or other perishable items for long-term storage. Thus, the significance of mylar bags should not be underestimated. 

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