Plastic bags: HDPE, LDPE and vacuum

Under the name plastic bag sit products that have nothing in common. A vest carrier bag for taking shopping home, a clear bag for packing fruit and a vacuum bag for meat share the same base material, polyethylene, but differ in thickness, stiffness, transparency and barrier. Choosing well starts by separating the three families we work with.

The HDPE bag, made from high-density polyethylene, is the lightest and strongest for its thickness. It is the material of vest carrier bags with die-cut handles, supplied in packs by size, such as 30x40 or 40x50 cm. It rustles to the touch, feels solid and holds weight well, so it is the usual choice for carrying and selling in shops, greengrocers and markets.

The LDPE bag, made from low-density polyethylene, is more flexible and transparent. It lets the product be seen, is waterproof and resists impacts, puncture and tearing, even with pieces that have sharp edges. It can be hermetically sealed and is used for packing fruit, vegetables, dry or frozen products and industrial parts, whether by hand or with semi-automatic or automatic packing. It is made in different thicknesses and sizes, standard or made to measure.

The vacuum bag is in a different league. It is designed for vacuum packers, whether professional, industrial or chamber machines, and provides a barrier against oxygen and moisture to prevent oxidation and dehydration. It extends the shelf life of meat, fish, cheese, processed vegetables and prepared foods, and reduces waste. If your product needs to breathe rather than be kept sealed, what you are looking for is not a bag, but net or macro-perforated film. And if you prefer plastic-free packaging, there are kraft paper bags.

At Fontanet Group, from Fraga (Huesca) and with a team of more than 30 years in the sector, we advise you on choosing material, format and thickness for your product and your machine. Sizes, available thicknesses, printing and minimum quantities are confirmed with our sales team.