Want to learn more about options for poly drum liners? Read on!

What Are Poly Drum Liners?

Poly drum liners are used to contain liquids, powders, and solids. They are often used in a wide range of industries, including the chemical processing industry, food service industry, and pharmaceutical industries. Poly drum liners can be made using a wide variety of materials based on the application/need. This list includes: polyethylene, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), and even ultraviolet inhibitors.

Common Applications for Poly Drum Liners

Poly drum liners are used in many industries, including the following.

Food & Beverage Processing and Manufacturing

Poly drum liners are perfect for keeping food safe during transport or storage. They can also be used as part of your packaging system to help ensure that your product arrives at its destination without damage or contamination.

Chemical Processing and Storage

Companies that produce chemicals use poly drums to store their products before shipping them to customers worldwide. These containers protect against rusting and corrosion while maintaining chemical purity throughout their entire lifecycle (from production through end use).

Paint & Ink

Manufacturers use poly drums to store paint, ink, and other materials used to make their products. These liners can reduce waste by preventing the contents from interacting with the open air, which can dry out the product and render it useless. 

Benefits and Disadvantages of Poly Drum Liners

Poly drum liners are a great way to protect your product from contamination or damage during storage. Poly drum liners are a cost-effective solution – no need to replace expensive drums and containers. They also eliminate the need for cleaning out each container separately, saving time and money over the long term.

The main disadvantages of using poly drum liners are that they can increase plastic waste and production time from needing to install them into each container before filling it with its contents.

Size and Customization Options for Poly Drum Liners

Poly drum liners are available in a variety of sizes and thicknesses. The size options range from 12″ x 18″ to 55″ x 120″, while thicknesses range from .75 – 6 millimeters. Some common colors include: red, yellow, green, blue, white, and black – though these can be customized to meet your needs and match your company’s brand.

Choosing the Right Poly Drum Liner

It is important to know the dimensions of your drum and how much material you want to contain. This will allow you to save money and maximize your containment. For help finding these dimensions, check out our guide on How to Measure Poly Bags. 

Knowing what type of material you are storing can help determine which plastic liner would be best for your needs. Some materials may react poorly with certain plastics, eat through the liner, and damage the container. For example, if you’re storing flammable liquids in drums, choosing one made with polyethylene may not be ideal because this type of plastic has been known to melt under extreme heat conditions.

It’s also important to consider where these containers will be stored since temperature and other climate conditions could affect their longevity. Choosing a high-quality product from a reputable manufacturer will ensure a long life span, even under harsh conditions such as hot summers and cold winters.

For High-Quality, Custom Drum Liners, Choose A-Pac. 

When it comes to poly drum liners, there are a lot of options available. They can be made out of different materials and have other properties when it comes to things like permeability, flexibility, and resistance to punctures. It’s important that you know what you’re looking for so you can make an informed decision about which liner is right for your application.

Need help? Contact our team at A-Pac Manufacturing. We’ve got you covered. 

How to Measure Your Box Liner Size: Here’s Everything You Need To Know

When shipping products, it’s crucial that you do your best to protect them on their journey. Why not invest in box liners? Box liners are lightweight, flexible, protective liners in boxes that protect their contents from dust, dirt, and moisture. 

Are you interested in investing in box liners but unsure what size you need? We’re here to help! Follow our instructions, determine your ideal box liner size, and ship your items with peace of mind. 

How to Measure for a Box Liner

No matter what container or box size you’re working with, plastic liners will keep your products safe during transportation, storage, and processing. A-Pac manufactures custom-sized box liners in a variety of materials and thicknesses to suit your exact specifications.

If you’re wondering how to measure a box liner, follow the steps below. 

1. Determine the Length and Width of Your Liner

Length and width of liner = (length of box + 2) x (width of box + 2)

• • Example: The length of your box is 50 inches, and the width of your box is 42 inches. 
    • Length and width of liner = (50 + 2) x (42 + 2)
    • Length and width of liner = (52) x (44)

• The length of your liner will be 52

• The width of your liner will be 44

2. Determine the Height of Your Liner

Height of liner = height of box + width of box + 6

• • Example: The height of your box is 40 inches and the width of your box is 42 inches. 
    • Height of liner = 40 + 42 + 6
• The height of your liner will be 88

Note: The 6 comes from 6 inches of extra space you should give yourself for the tie-off section.

3. Finalize the Dimensions of Your Liner

The dimensions of your liner include: length x width x height

• According to the example above, your liner dimensions are: 52 inches x 44 inches x 88 inches

Measure More Packaging Materials

No matter what products you’re packaging, it’s always in your best interest to choose the right box liner, container, and bag size for your product. For example, the correct size poly bag will fit your products exactly, ensuring you’re not paying for more material than you need.

Do you need to measure for more packaging materials? Use our helpful guide to determine your dimensions so you can submit an accurate quote and receive the correct bags.

Invest in the Best Box Liners on the Market

If you want to keep your business running seamlessly, box liners are essential to keep your products safe during transportation. A-Pac Manufacturing Company is proud to create top-notch liners in various materials, thicknesses, and colors to fit your exact specifications and match your brand. 

Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE):

• Tough, flexible, good clarity, moisture resistant
• Applications: Food, medical, and industrial packaging.

High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE):

• Lightweight, strong, less clarity, non-abrasive
• Applications: Metal or plastic parts (scratch protection is important in these cases)

Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE):

• Durable, high-strength, impact and puncture resistant, less clarity
• Applications: Food, medical, and industrial packaging

Metallocene 

• Thin, strong, high clarity
• Applications: Freezer bags, cold-storage bags, and bread or bakery bags

Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI):

• Moisture resistant, rust-free protection, low density
• Applications: Metal parts

Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA):

• Elastic, tacky, tough, puncture-resistant, better seals.
• Applications: Frozen foods, ice, granules, powders, and batch-inclusion or low-melt processes

Ultra Violet Inhibitor (UVI):

• UV ray protection
• Applications: Protects susceptible products from degradation or discoloration from the sun’s rays

Note: All these liners are available in any shade of red, yellow, green, blue, white, black, and more!

Order Your Box Liners Today

After you’ve determined the perfect measurements for your box liner size, give the A-Pac Manufacturing team a call. Whether your size is standard or custom, we have the capability to deliver at no minimum order requirement and in 2-3 week lead times. It doesn’t get any better than that!

What Are Wicketed Bags Used For?

Wicketed bags are used for carrying items, storing items, and protecting items. These bags are very popular because they are lightweight and easy to carry around. They can also be folded up easily and stored when not in use.

A few common applications for wicketed bags include:

Food Bags

Wicketed food bags are used when you buy fresh produce from the grocery store or farmer’s market. The food will stay fresh longer if it is kept in a wicketed bag as there won’t be as much air getting into it, which would cause bacteria growth. They are often made using low-density polyethylene for durability and moisture resistance. 

Bakery Bags

These types of bags can be used by any bakery shop that sells bread, cakes, or pastries as they will keep these items safe from damage while still being able to see what’s inside easily with their clear plastic design. Metallocene is generally used when producing these bags thanks to its high level of clarity and its ability to stay strong at thin measurements.

The wickets that hold these bags up make it easier for bakery employees to wrap and package breads. 

Product Bags

You’ll find these types of bags at many stores where you can buy products such as cleaning supplies, clothing, and car parts. They can be made using a wide variety of resin types based on the use case. For instance, VCI (vapor corrosion inhibitor) is often used for metal parts, thanks to its resistance to moisture and rust. 

How Do You Know if You Need a Wicketed Bag?

Whether you’re a produce stand, bakery, or grocery store, wicketed bags are an easy way to give your customers what they want without compromising your brand. If you sell fresh food or baked goods and need quick access to bags for goods, it may be time to invest in a wicketed bag dispenser.

If you offer small items in bulk—such as candy bars, gumballs, or even small parts like screwsand nails —a bag dispenser can streamline packaging and reduce waste by providing an efficient option for customers to grab just the amount they need. .

Wicketed bags are also highly customizable and can come in various colors: any shade of red, yellow, green, blue, white, black, and more. We can even add your company’s logo to each bag, which helps with local brand awareness. 

What Are Some Common Wicketed Bag Sizes?

Wicketed bags are available in a variety of sizes, depending on the purpose for which you’re using them. The most common sizes are:

• Small – For single-use items such as floss and dental picks. These bags typically range from 4″ x 8″ to 9″ x 12″.
• Medium – For things like dog treats, candy, and other snacks. These bags generally fall between 12″ x 14″ to 14″ x 16″.
• Large – Used primarily for bulk foods such as rice or oatmeal; this size is also commonly used by restaurants to package leftovers. These bags can get as large as 25″ x 37″.

Wicketed Bags Suit a Variety of Applications

The beauty of wicketed bags is that they don’t need to be handled quite as much as other bag styles. This means less chance of contamination and less chance of cross-contamination from other products to feel confident about the quality and safety of your purchase every time. They may not be for everyone, but if you are looking for a way to pack up a lot in little space, then wicketed bags might just fit the bill.

No matter what you need a wicketed bag for, the A-Pac Manufacturing team can deliver in whatever quantity you need. With no minimum order and custom manufacturing capabilities, we’re here to get you the wicketed poly bags that best suit your needs.

When purchasing packaging materials, purchasing managers no longer only have to consider cost and durability, but the list of requirements has expanded to now include sustainability. Luckily, advancements in poly bag manufacturing are allowing for the innovation of recyclable alternatives that still align with the cost-effectiveness and durability of traditional packaging solutions. 

One specific area where purchasing managers may look to switch to environmentally-friendly packaging solutions is at the grocery store, and more specifically, the bread aisle. Let’s explore whether bread bags are recyclable, as well as some more sustainable alternatives to traditional bread packaging. 

Are Bread Bags Recyclable?

The short answer is, it depends. What it depends on is where you’re recycling them. 

The vast majority of community recycling centers do not accept bread bags in curbside recycling bins. The reason behind this is that most facilities do not have the proper equipment or enough personnel to be able to handle smaller, thinner plastic items like bread bags. These small plastic bags would clog conveyor belts and jam the machinery, requiring the problem to be cleared by hand. This would make recycling operations very costly and inefficient. 

An alternative to curbside recycling is the recycling programs facilitated by local grocery stores. Grocery stores offer recycle bins typically near their entrances where customers can recycle plastic grocery bags, bread bags, bubble wrap, produce bags, and more. 

However, this option is not always accessible as it should be. They’re inconvenient for customers. In addition to asking customers to save their plastic bread bags separately from the rest of their recyclables, this recycling option also requires customers to remember to bring their bags back to the grocery store. This option also requires the bags to be completely clean, free of crumbs, and dry. 

Are There Recyclable Options for Bread Bags?

Now that we’ve determined that bread bags can be recycled, let’s discuss the recyclable options available when manufacturing bread bags. When considering recyclable alternatives, one of the first options that comes to mind is paper bags. However, this option is quickly determined to be an insufficient solution for housing bread. Paper bags are not durable enough to safely store and transport bread.  

If we don’t want to use plastic to store bread, but we also can’t use paper, what materials are we left with? 

While the use of plastic bags is widely frowned-upon today, plastic still provides necessary packaging solutions for the agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare industries. In order to continue meeting the demands of both customers and society as a whole, the poly bag industry continues to make improvements and drive innovation. 

Plant-based additives are driving the poly bag industry forward, providing customers with an option that contains less plastic, is made from fewer fossil fuels, and has less of a negative impact on the environment. Poly bags made with plant-based additives are also durable and cost-effective. Customers are able to access solutions that fit their budget, meet durability requirements, and address the environmentally-conscious demands of the market. Plant-based poly bags offer the best of both worlds!

A More Sustainable Option for Bread Bags

A-Pac Manufacturing is proud to offer a new sustainable packaging solution: poly bags manufactured with plant-based additive NuPlastiQ. This option allows you to enjoy the benefits of plastic bag packaging, while also building a better future for our environment. By adding up to 20% plant-based material, we are able to provide you with the durable poly bag solutions your business needs while also supporting green packaging initiatives. 

NuPlastiQ plant-based poly bags are customizable, recyclable, and utilize up to 20% less fossil fuels. You can feel confident in this plant-based solution because it’s cost-effective, provides an environmentally friendly option for conscious consumers, and meets the durability demands of product storage and transportation. 

Plant-Based Bread Bags

In the interest of providing customers with a more sustainable bread bag solution, A-Pac Manufacturing offers poly bag formulas with up to 20% plant-based additives. When looking for recyclable bread bags, this customizable solution is a great option. If you’re interested in exploring this sustainable packaging solution, for bread or truly any other packaging need you may have, contact our team. 

Food grade plastic is plastic material deemed safe for use with foods. Plastic must meet strict requirements in order to be considered food safe, and is regulated by higher standards than plastic used for other purposes. Let’s take a closer look at food grade plastic, what makes it safe for food over other types of plastic and some examples of how food grade plastic is used.

What is Food Grade Plastic?

Food grade plastic must be produced using safe materials in a safe environment. For plastic to be used in contact with food or food products, it must:

• Be protective: to act as a defense against moisture or contamination without breaking down 
• Be durable: to protect food items during manufacturing, packaging, storage, transportation
• Be chemically safe: to not contaminate food it comes in contact with. This means the plastic must have no tendency for “leeching”, or the potential for chemicals to seep into the food, where they could either affect the taste or cause adverse health effects for the consumer.

How Does Plastic Become Food Grade Plastic?

To be certified as safe and labeled food grade, the plastic must meet strict standards set by the Food & Drug Administration and other regulating organizations.

Food Grade Plastic Materials

First, the FDA must approve of the materials being used to manufacture the food grade plastic. They examine all ingredients and additives to ensure they are safe and will not affect the taste, odor, or color of the food. They will also test the materials for adverse responses to temperature changes, humidity and moisture, or the presence of other chemicals, oils, or alcohols. This verifies that the plastic will hold up for packaging, manufacturing or other uses.

Food Grade Plastic Manufacturing Facility

Secondly, the facility where the food grade plastic is manufactured must meet stringent cleanliness requirements and have good manufacturing practices in place to minimize potential risks of contamination of its products. Standards documents issued by the International Standards Organization regulate the environment of the manufacturing facility to ensure consistently high quality and clean products. ISO 9000 is the minimum standard with which most food grade plastic manufacturers must comply.

Food Grade Plastic Certifications

Lastly, once the food grade plastic has been used to make plastic film or bags to ship, store, or transport food, its quality will be checked again by the manufacturer and attributed with the correct certifications for food grade and safety. 

The Food Safety System Certification (FSSC 22000), established by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) is one example of a food safety certification for food grade plastic. With this certification, a quality management system is established for the food grade plastic product that continues throughout the product’s lifetime, from manufacturing to the end consumer, to ensure it is consistently high quality and food safe.

Uses of Food Grade Plastic

Food grade plastic is used in many applications, from the packaging and shipping of harvested crops to the supermarket, or the development and distribution of pharmaceutical products. Different types of plastic can be made food grade to handle different products or different environments. A few examples of food grade plastic include:

• Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE): plastic bottles or jars like single serving water bottles or condiment containers.
• High-density polyethylene (HDPE): milk jugs, grocery bags, squeeze-dispenser bottles
• Polyvinyl chloride: cling wrap, high clarity food storage bags
• Low-density polyethylene (LDPE): produce bags, bread bags, can rings
• Polypropylene (PP): clear wrappers, bottles for medication
• Polystyrene (PS): plastic silverware, to-go containers

All of these materials (& more) can be made food grade to provide a safe material for food packaging, storage, and consumption. They are made in a strictly controlled environment to ensure that consumer safety remains top priority.

Looking for food grade plastic bags? A-Pac Manufacturing can help. From frozen foods to bread to produce like peppers and potatoes, we offer a variety of poly bags to suit any need. With custom printing also available, we can develop a custom food-grade poly bag for any company with any need. 

What is GFSI?

GFSI, the Global Food Safety Initiative, is an independently-reviewed organization which establishes standards and certifications to regulate food safety on a global scale. GFSI delivers confidence to companies and consumers that food is grown, produced, packaged, shipped, and sold safely. 

GFSI continues to develop new ways to improve food safety and standards, ensuring unbiased reporting and accountability. This agency established the food safety certification FSSC 22000 to govern food quality in a way that is comprehensive, effective, and versatile for different industries. 

What is FSSC 22000?

FSSC 22000, or Food Safety System Certification, is a complete food safety certification which ensures the management of quality through the entire food production process – from production, to processing, to packaging, to purchase.

What About ISO 22000?

Both ISO 22000 and FSSC 22000 are international standards that regulate components of food safety. FSSC 22000 uses ISO 22000 as a building block, to be customized for food quality in your industry’s specialty. It incorporates the quality management system established in ISO 22000 with a few additions.

The main difference from ISO 22000 is that when your facility complies with the FSSC 22000 standard, you will receive approval from the Global Food Systems Initiative (GFSI). This allows you to access worldwide markets under the GFSI umbrella. 

That’s just the basics — let’s break down FSSC 22000 a bit further.

FSSC 22000 Food Safety Certification

FSSC 22000 was developed by GFSI based on ISO 22000, to provide a more focused look at standards in the food industry. The expansion of ISO 22000 includes:

• Prerequisite Program: A system of procedures that regulate operating conditions and practices in food facilities in order to ensure product quality and consistency, and consumer safety. The procedures are relevant to the activity itself — for example, food packaging vs. farming do not share the same procedure, so are governed by related but distinct methods. 
• Refined focus to food industries and the operations at each facility. 
• Additional standards for food fraud and food defense against bioterrorism.

FSSC 22000 ensures food safety by defining standards for quality at all levels of food production, managing risks that occur during the supply chain, and evaluating facilities for compliance with a clear set of procedures. It regulates food industries for safety in all stages, including processing, manufacturing, packaging, storage, transportation, handling, distribution, and retail.

The FSSC 22000 food safety certification lasts for 3 years and requires at least one unannounced audit before renewal.

Who Does FSSC Apply To?

The FSSC 22000 certification was designed to meet the needs of an international industry for a global food safety scheme. It applies to all companies in the food supply chain including farming of produce and animal products, food processing, animal feed production, food ingredients (including additives, cultures, and vitamins), and food packaging manufacturing. 

GFSI-recognized companies that are able to meet international standards may enter the international markets and be accepted by new customers and suppliers who share the quality management system. This means a seamless integration of food safety standards from source to consumer, which protects both the company and the customer.

Benefits of FSSC 22000 Certification 

The FSSC 22000 certification allows facilities to ensure that a product meets specific international standards. A FSSC certified company can assure their customers that their products have been manufactured, packaged and handled correctly and safely. 

Some other benefits of the FSSC 22000 certification are:

• A comprehensive food safety and quality management system that ensures product quality and consistency throughout the supply chain.
• Compliance with food safety legislation, regulations, and customer expectations.
• A framework that can be tailored to your industry and customer needs through activity-specific prerequisites. FSSC 22000 can be easily integrated with other management systems. 
• Innovation and continuous improvement of procedures throughout the company. The FSSC 22000 demonstrates a commitment to delivering the best possible product to the consumer.
• International recognition by GFSI, which owns and maintains the FSSC 22000 certification — something ISO 22000 can’t offer. GFSI approval offers access to top retailers worldwide.

For companies that are already ISO 22000 certified, achieving the FSSC 22000 is the logical next step. It upgrades their food safety certification and grants them access to a broader market.

Why Do FSSC 22000 and GFSI Certifications Matter?

For consumers, working with a company that is FSSC 22000 certified, they can trust the company to maintain strict quality standards throughout their manufacturing process. The certification not only establishes trust for the consumer, but also protects the company brand and minimizes risk. The quality management system of FSSC 22000 and GFSI approval means consistently better quality products and a consistently better business.

A-Pac Manufacturing is proud to hold the FSSC 22000 certification and GFSI recognition. This means we can guarantee our product quality for food industry applications, and better serve our customers with exceptional poly bags for all their needs. For more information about our food grade products, reach out to us today.