Custom Mylar Bags vs. Regular Plastic Bags: What’s the Difference?

There is a multitude of industries and businesses that require to pack or seal food products, dietary supplements, make-up products and even cannabis. It is important to consider factors like branding, longevity, user experience, and environmental impact while selecting the packaging. Consider two options, custom mylar bags and regular plastic bags. They both serve quasi the same purpose, but differences can be identified.

In this guide, we will help you understand these two options in more detail, so that you can make efficient and effective decisions catered to your products and brand. It does not matter if you are scaling your business or launching your first SKU, the advantages and disadvantages of each material need to be understood before taken into conclsusion.

Plastic bags can be classified into two categories based on their material. These are LDPE and HDPE. An example includes grocery or zip-top bags. They are extremely cheap, light in weight and flexible. However, they are only useful for storing items during a short period of time.

Pros:

Low cost
Easily sourced
Manufacturing needs are minimal

Cons:

Weak barrier to oxygen and water vapor
Easily punctured or torn
Limited marketing potential
Short life expectancy for shelf-stable perishable goods

What Are Mylar Bags?

Mylar bags are produced using BoPET (biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate) film which can be coated with other substances such as aluminum foil or polyethylene to improve its tear strength and barrier properties. They are made to protect against light, air, moisture, and odors which allows for the long term storage of sensitive materials.

Choosing custom printed Mylar bags provides you with control over the visual elements of your brand, product details, and the overall quality of the packaging.

Advantages

Outstanding barriers for oxygen, moisture, and UV rays.
Resistant to tearing and puncturing.
These can be resealed and heat sealed.
These have an extended shelf life.
Offers a premium branding surface.

Disadvantages:

It is slightly more expensive.
It can not be mono-material or marked recyclable to be recyclable.

Differences of Custom Mylar Bags to Plastic Bags

Custom mylar bags are made from Multi-layer (BoPET + foil/PE) while regular plastic bags are made from Single-layer (PE or LDPE).

Customized mylar bags have high durability where they are puncture and tear resistan while regular plastic bags have low durability as they are easy to rip or puncture.

Custom mylar bags have excelent barrier protection compared to regular plastic bags which have poor to moderate barrier protection.

Mylar bags offer long term storage while plastic bags offer short term use.

Custom mylar bags have high-quality print on full surface branding and plastic bags have basic labelling or no branding at all.

Mylar bags offer numerous resealable options whereas plastic bags usually offer none besides a basic zip-top.

Moderate is the cost for mylar bags while it is low for plastic bags.

Plastic bags have limited eco options while mylar bags packaging offer available eco options such as PCR and recyclable mono-material.

Why Custom Mylar Bags are Preferred by Brands

Custom Mylar bags offered at wholesale prices are ideal for brands seeking premium positioning due to their flexibility and performance. These bags help in enhancing the product value that is perceived by the customer while selling at stores, online or during events.

They can also assist brands in:

Conveying a brands narrative visually.
Enhancing product safety with tamper-evident seals.
Enhancing the unboxing experience.

If the packaging works as hard as the product does, brands can explore custom printed mylar bags that blend design with durability.

When to Use Regular Plastic Bags

There is still an application suited for plastic bags; primarily, they are used when cost is the main factor. Use plastic bags if:

Your product has a short shelf life
Barrier protection is not critical
Youre packing bulk items for internal use, not for end customer sale

However, if the product goes to consumers or is sold in retail, Mylar bags are a better option.

Cost consideration: protection, preservation, and branding value. Is Mylar worth it?

Although Mylar bags are more expensive at first, they are more cost-effective in the long run through:

Reducing product spoilage
Eliminating secondary packaging like boxes or labels
Boosting brand value leading to higher perceived pricing

Moreover, purchasing custom Mylar bags wholesale makes the unit price far more economical even for small businesses and startups.

Looking to switch? Check out tailored Mylar bags wholesale options for your product type and budget.

Final Thoughts

The decision to use standard plastic bags or custom Mylar bags hinges on what matters most. If the desire is for the packaging to protect the product, promote the brand, and elevate the customer experience, then Mylar would be the undisputed choice.

Despite their lower price point, plastic bags do not offer the style, strength, or longevity needed in todays competitive landscape. On the other hand, custom Mylar bags enhance durability and protect your product. So, purchasing them is investing in your brands future.