What is Mylar Bag Thickness and How is it Measured?
Mylar bags are made from several layers of laminated plastic that effectively act as a barrier, preserving the quality of your product. The most attractive feature of Mylar bags is their ability to keep oxygen and moisture out, providing an airtight seal that’s perfect for food and other sensitive goods.
The thickness of Mylar bags is generally measured in mils (thousandths of an inch). For smaller bags, you’ll find 1.5-2.5 mil thickness, whereas for larger bags, the thickness increases to 4.5-6.5 mil. It’s important to choose the appropriate thickness depending on the specific requirements of your product. For long-term food storage, a thicker bag is often the better option because it provides enhanced insulation from external elements. Keep in mind, though, that Mylar maintains its barrier properties across a range of thicknesses, ensuring that your items stay well protected, no matter the choice of thickness.
How Mylar Bag Thickness Affects Protection and Handling
Yes, Mylar thickness absolutely matters—but it’s just one component of an effective bag. In addition to thickness, the material layers of the bag also come into play. For example, METPET, a material commonly used in Mylar bags, serves as an effective UV barrier, protecting against sunlight.
Another thing to consider is that aluminum in Mylar bags is not inherently heat-sealable. To enable a proper seal, it’s usually laminated with materials like PE (Polyethylene). Depending on the bag thickness, thinner materials may be more vulnerable to punctures, whereas thicker materials offer greater durability and protection.
Choosing the Right Thickness for Different Types of Products
For many items, the thickness of the Mylar bag directly influences shelf life and product stability. However, it’s essential to remember that the specific product type and intended storage length also need to be considered. Here’s a breakdown of what might work best for common food products:
- Small Bags (1 Quart or less): 4 mil bags are great for single-serving snacks, travel-sized portions of coffee, or smaller food items that don’t require extended storage.
- Larger Bags (Gallon and Above): A 4 mil thickness also works well for bulk items like flour, sugar, or salt, which may need longer-term storage.
- Popular Option (5.5 Mil Bags): This thickness is perfect for packaging foods like pasta, granola, or beef jerky that require long shelf lives and better durability.
When looking at long-term usage, a 4 mil thickness is a safe baseline that strikes a balance between convenience and longevity.
Thickness Considerations Based on Food Type
When deciding on the Mylar thickness for different food types, it’s important to factor in the storage time and external conditions, like exposure to light and temperature. For example:
- Ground Coffee: A 4 mil Mylar bag can offer sufficient protection for ground coffee. The thinner film works well if you’re not dealing with extreme conditions, but if you’re looking to store whole coffee beans, a 5 mil bag offers an added level of protection.
- Brown Sugar: 4 mil bags are ideal here, providing a durable yet cost-effective option that ensures freshness. Many food manufacturers use 4 mil bags as a standard for long-term food storage due to their reliability.
For long-term storage purposes, particularly when the product is vulnerable to air or moisture, opting for a thickness of 4 mil or above is usually recommended.
Considerations for Your Packaging Needs
If you are considering Mylar packaging for your company—whether for coffee, granola, or other perishable items—remember that proper sealant strength is a critical factor, particularly for products requiring extended shelf lives. You may want to opt for a thicker Mylar bag if you have sensitive, high-value items or products that need enhanced durability.
The key takeaway is this: when it comes to Mylar bags, thicker is generally better—but each situation will vary depending on the specifics of what you’re packaging. The goal is to preserve the freshness and quality of your goods, regardless of the size or scale of your operation.
Let Us Help You Choose the Right Packaging Solution
At Colorful Packaging, we specialize in designing custom Mylar bags that align perfectly with your product’s needs. Whether you’re packaging coffee, snacks, or another food item, we can help you execute your vision one bag at a time. Reach out today to learn more about how the right bag can boost both the presentation and preservation of your products.
About Colorfulpackaging
Colorful Packaging is a global technology-driven custom flexible packaging company committed to our mission of helping brands of all sizes grow with the highest quality stand up pouches, lay flat pouches, rollstock, and connected packaging solutions. We strive to be accretive and philanthropic in the communities we serve, while remaining ever vigilant in our role as stewards of our environment.
They say good things come in small packages. At Colorfulpackaging, we believe great things come in custom packages, whether they’re small mylar bags, large printed bags, or anything in between. With a variety of shapes, colors, materials, and sizes, we give you the tools to create something exciting on the outside, thus exciting your customers about what’s on the inside.