Before you shop for Mylar products, this article will help you review the basics and answer the key questions that will jump-start your Mylar food and gear packing project. Once you answer these questions, you will be better able to select the best Mylar bags and products for you and your situation.
What is a Mylar bag?
Mylar bags, you've probably heard this term to indicate the type of bags that are used to package your products. Mylar bags are one of the most common types of barrier packaging, from trail mix to protein powder, from coffee to hemp. However, most people do not know what a Mylar is.
First, the term "Mylar" is actually one of several trade names for the polyester film known as bopp film.
For the technically sophisticated and discerning, it stands for "biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate."
Developed by DuPont in the 1950s, the film was originally used by NASA for Mylar blankets and long-term storage because it extended the shelf life of food by absorbing oxygen. Choose super strong aluminum foil.
Since then, Mylar has been widely used due to its high tensile strength and its fire, light, gas and odor properties.
Mylar is also a good insulator against electrical interference, which is why it is used to make emergency blankets.
For all these reasons and more, Mylar bags are considered the gold standard for long-term food storage.
What are the advantages of Mylar?
High tensile strength, temperature resistance, chemical stability, protection from gases, odors, and light are unique features that make Mylar number one for long-term food storage.
That’s why you see so many food products packed in metallized Mylar bags known as foil pouches because of the aluminum layer on them.
How long will food last in Mylar bags?
Food can last for decades in your Mylar pouches, but this depends largely on 3 very important factors namely:
1. Storage condition
2. Type of food
3. If the food was properly sealed.
These 3 key factors will determine the period and lifespan of your food when preserved with a Mylar bag. For most foods such as canned goods, their validity period is projected to be 10 years, while well-dried foods such as beans and grains can last for 20-30 years.
When the food is well sealed, you are in a better position to have extended duration and even more.
What kinds of Foods that should not be packaged with Mylar?
– Anything with a moisture content of 10% or less should be stored in Mylar bags. Also, ingredients with moisture content of 35% or higher can promote botulism in airless environments and therefore need to be pasteurized. It needs to be made clear that 10 minutes of breastfeeding destroys the botulinum toxin. However, if you come across a package that has poop (which means bacteria are growing inside and producing toxins) don’t eat the contents of the bag! Please note, we offer film substrates that are an excellent choice for moisture content food items. Contact us for more details.
– Fruits and vegetables can be stored but only if not frozen.
– Milk, meat, fruit and leather will turn rancid over longer periods of time.
Different types of Mylar Bags and their use
Flat-bottomed bag
There are Mylar bags that are square in shape. They have the same working and sealing mechanism, but their shape is different.
In other word, when you fill and close this Mylar bag, there is a flat square or rectangular space at the bottom. The bags are ideal for everyday use, especially those that are difficult to store in containers.
You may have seen them pack tea, herbs, and some dried cannabis products.
Stand-Up Bags
The stand-up Mylars are not much distinct from the standard flat button bags. They have the same working principle and application.
The only difference is the shape of these bags. Unlike the square bottom bags, the stand-up Mylar has no limitation. Their bottom can be circular, oval, or even square or rectangular in shape.
Child-resistant Mylar bags
Child-resistant Mylar bag is simply an upgraded version of the standard Mylar bag. These bags can be vacuum sealed, zipper lock or any other Mylar bag type, the only difference is the extra locking mechanism that ensures no spills or child access to the contents.
The new safety lock also ensures that your child cannot open the Mylar bag.
Clear front and back foil Mylar bags
If you need a Mylar bag that not only protects your product, but also lets you see what's inside, choose the window Mylar bag. This Mylar bag style has a two-layer look. The back side is completely opaque, while the front is completely or partially transparent, just like a window.
However, the transparency makes the product susceptible to light damage. Therefore, do not use these bags for long term storage purposes.
All bags except vacuum Mylar bags have zipper locks.
The End
This is the introduction of Mylar bags,hope this article is useful to you all.
Thank you for reading.
Post time: May-26-2022