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Glossary of Commonly Used Packaging Terms

Antiblock

Routinely added to film and bags to keep the sheets from sticking together.

Anti-Stat

Contains an anti-static additive that dissipates static electrical charges. Good for short-term storage.

ASTM D6400 Certification

This specification covers plastics and products made from plastics that are designed to be composted in municipal and industrial aerobic composting facilities. The properties in this specification are those required to determine if plastics and products made from plastics will compost satisfactorily, including biodegrading at a rate comparable to known compostable materials. The purpose of this specification is to establish standards for identifying products and materials that will compost satisfactorily in commercial and municipal composting facilities.

ASTM D6868 Certification

This specification establishes the requirements for labeling of materials and products (including packaging), wherein a biodegradable plastic film or coating is attached (either through lamination or extrusion directly onto the paper) to compostable substrates and the entire product or package is designed to be composted in municipal and industrial aerobic composting facilities. This specification, however, does not describe the contents of the product or their performance with regards to compostability or biodegradability. In order to compost satisfactorily, the product must demonstrate each of the three characteristics as follows: (1) proper disintegration during composting; (2) adequate level of inherent biodegradation; and (3) no adverse impacts on the ability of composts to support plant growth.

Bagasse

A biodegradable and compostable material that is made from sugarcane fiber leftover after juice extraction. This fiber is made into disposable products normally made from plastic or virgin paper.

Bags on a Roll

Continuous roll of tubing perforated under bottom seal. Bags must be torn off to open.

Barrier Film

Specially formulated film typically used to extend the shelf life of food products. Prevents transmission of moisture and gases.

Biodegradable

A material that is capable of undergoing decomposition into simple compounds such as carbon dioxide, methane, water, inorganic compounds and biomass. The predominant mechanism for decomposition is the enzymatic action of micro-organisms. There are no requirements regarding residues or time to breakdown.

BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute)

the U.S. standard in compostability. The BPI Logo Program is designed to certify and identify plastic products that will biodegrade and compost satisfactorily in actively managed compost facilities. The BPI and US Composting Council (USCC) use American Society for Testing and Materials Specifications (ASTM) to approve products for their “Compostable Logo” effort. These specifications are the result of 8 years of intensive work by researchers, product manufacturers, composters, and resin producers to identify plastic and paper products, which disintegrate and biodegrade completely and safely when composted in a municipal or commercial facility, like kraft paper, yard trimmings and food scraps. In order to be BPI certified, products must meet ASTM D6400 or D6868 standards based on testing in approved independent laboratories.

Bioplastics

(also called organic plastics) are a form of plastics derived from renewable biomass (living and recently dead biological material) sources, such as vegetable oil, cornstarch, or pea starch, rather than fossil fuel plastics which are derived from petroleum.

Black Conductive Film

An anti-static film made with a carbon black additive. A humidity-independent, corrosion-resistant, non-contaminating film with a long shelf life.

Bleached White Kraft

Common paper bag. Bleaching is done by a chemical process.

Blown Film

The most common method of producing film and bags. Resin is melted in the extrusion process and blown vertically into a bubble to cool.

Bottom Seal Bags

Individually cut bags from seamless tubing, sealed on the bottom. Flat or side gusseted bags with

a seal – usually have a tail.

Cast Film

Extruded in sheet form through a slotted die.

CFC's

(Chlorofluorocarbons) are a mixed group of chemical compounds composed of carbon, fluorine, chlorine and hydrogen alkanes. They are nontoxic and nonflammable and can be readily converted from a liquid to a gas and vice versa. Their commercial and industrial value notwithstanding, CFCs have been found to pose a threat to the environment through ozone depletion.

Clarity

Transparency of the film based upon surface gloss and haze.

Coated

Clay or other material coating on paper to make it smoother and less absorbent to ink. Produces a smooth finish and better print, but can rub off and crack on folds taking the ink with it.

Compostable

Capable of undergoing biological decomposition in a compost site as part of an available program, such that the material is not visually distinguishable from other compost and breaks down into carbon dioxide, water, inorganic compounds, and biomass, at a rate consistent with known compostable materials (usually 90 days). These compostable materials leave no toxic residue.

Degradable

A material that undergoes a significant change in its chemical structure under specific environmental conditions resulting in a loss of some physical properties. (Micro-organisms do not need to be involved).

Doorknob Bags

Side-weld bag, staple-packed with perforated lip and hole just below the top of the bag.

Electrically Conductive

Carbon-impregnated polyethylene bags providing exterior protection from static charges.

EVA

Ethylene Vinyl Acetate. Additive that strengthens and improves sealability. Appropriate for use in cold-temperature applications.

Faraday Cage

Provides both interior and exterior protection from static and other charges.

Flap Lock

Bag has lip folded back with side seals. Commonly known as a sandwich bag.

Flat Bags

Two-dimensional bag (width x length) with bottom or side seals.

Flexographic Print

Print that is solid colored - also known as line art. Each color requires a separate plate to print a solid color.

Fractional Melt

A resin additive used to increase the tensile strength, impact strength, abrasion resistance, and tear properties of poly bags and films.

Gauge

The thickness of material. The higher the gauge, the thicker the material.

GMO

(Genetically Modified Organism) is an organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. DNA molecules from different sources are combined into one molecule to create a new set of genes. This DNA is then transferred into an organism, which creates a protein. The protein material is harvested and converted into a material that is used as an alternative to plastic.

Gusseted Bags

Flat style bag with both sides or bottom tucked in to form gussets. Designated with three dimensions;

Side Gusset (width x depth x length) or Bottom Gusset (width x length + gusset).

Header Bags

Side-weld bag with continuous seal along top, 2"-3" below fold. Bag is loaded and sealed from the bottom and typically has a hang hole.

High Density Polyethylene

Thinner, yet stronger than low density polyethylene. Moisture and vapor barrier, non-porous.

Hot Stamp Printing

Thermal bonding process that results in the permanent adhesion of the print to the bag.

Linear Low Density Polyethylene

Stronger than low density. Resistant to punctures and tears, non-porous, and stretchable.

Lip

One side of the bag is longer than the other; allows bag to open easily.

Low Density Polyethylene

Porous and somewhat stretchable. Good clarity.

Machine Finished (MF)

A process of mechanically polishing paper between cylinders.

Machine Glazed (MG)

Usually on kraft paper, it’s smoother than machine finished.

Metallocene

Thinner and stronger than low density polyethylene. Puncture resistant.

Mil

Thickness of material. The higher the mil, the stronger the material. (1/1000 inch = 1 mil)

Natural Kraft

Unbleached paper in its natural form - brown in color.

OK Compost and DIN CERTCO EN 13432 Certifications

These two types of compost certifications are standard in Europe and are very similar to ASTM D6400 and D6868. They test to ensure that at least 90% of the organic material is converted into carbon dioxide. Similar to ASTM D6400, these testing specifications require that no more than 10% residue remains after three months and the resultant compost does not negatively affect plant growth. Although these certifications are the standard in Europe and other regions of the world, we recommend attaining BPI certification if you are using compostable products in the U.S.

Organic

Natural products that have been grown without the use of conventional pesticides and artificial fertilizers, free from contamination by human or industrial waste, and processed without ionizing radiation or food additives. Producers must be certified by an independent third-party certifying agency in order to use the USDA Organic label.

Oxo-Degradable

Often mistakenly called Oxo-Biodegradable, it is a plastic made from fossil fuels that has been treated with an additive that allows it to disintegrate over time through interaction with microbes. The chemical structure of the plastic is broken down with the help of oxygen and heat or sunlight, and then the smaller particles are utilized by micro-organisms as food. They do not pass ASTM 6400 regulations, however, because they do not degrade as quickly as the definition requires. They compost well and are safe for landfills.

PLA

A type of bioplastic (also known as organic plastic). Polylactic acid or polylactide (PLA) is a form of plastic derived from corn or sugar cane. Starches from the corn and sugar cane are converted into carbon and other elements that are used to make the plastic polylactide.

Plant Starch Cutlery

Made from a type of bioplastic (also known as organic plastic), plant starch material is a biodegradable, thermoplastic resin. It is composed of starch combined with several other biodegradable materials. The cornstarch is modified in order to obtain heat-resistant properties, making the plant starch material one of the few bioplastics capable of withstanding high temperatures.

Polypropylene

Stronger and more rigid than polyethylene. Preserves freshness with vapor and moisture barriers. Non-porous and excellent clarity. Ability to withstand high temperatures.

Process Print

Colors are reproduced by printing overlapping dots of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black (CMYK) inks to simulate a large number of different colors.

Random Print

A repeating print that appears in full on a bag at least once. A partial print may be visible on either side of the full print.

Reclosable Bags

Seal-top reclosable and reusable bags can be made with or without a tamper-evident adhesive seal. Also includes zipper and slider zipper bags.

Recyclable

A product or package that can be collected, separated or otherwise recovered from the solid waste stream for reuse. The term may also be applied to the manufacture or assembly of another package or product through an established recycling program. Claims of recyclability should be qualified to the extent necessary to avoid consumer deception about any limited availability of recycling programs and collection sites.

Registered Print

The print shows up in the same spot on every bag in a production run.

Renewable Resource

A natural resource that can be replenished by natural processes at a rate comparable or faster than its rate of consumption by humans or other users. Renewable resources may also mean commodities such as wood, paper, and leather.

Side Weld

Bags are sealed on the side. No bottom seal.

Slip

Additive that helps prevent bags from sticking to each other and promotes easy insertion of packaged goods.

SOS

Self-opening satchel.

Star Seal

Strongest bottom seal for liners that combines four sections in a star design. Seal maximizes carrying capacity.

Static Shielding

Four layer construction providing Faraday Cage protection. Offers greater protection than anti-static.

Tensile Strength

The force required to break through film and bags, or snap rope, cable ties, and wire by pulling on opposite ends. Determined by material thickness and width.

Tubular Bags

Bags with no side seals or slit seals that are usually bottom sealed and have a tail.

UVI

Ultra Violet Inhibitor. Additive diminishes the effect of sunlight breaking up the film and extends film life in sunlight conditions.

Wicketed Bags

Tear-off bags held in place by a metal wicket on the lip of the bag.


Please don't hesitate to call our Customer Service Department at 800-926-6100, or email: customerservice@associatedbag.com for further information.