If you’re a consumer-packaged-goods (CPG) brand, you’ve likely heard the term Mylar® bag or mylar packaging when talking about flexible pouches and bags. While it is a common industry term, there is some confusion over exactly what Mylar® is. Many people refer to the term Mylar® as a style of packaging, but it is actually a brand name trademarked to one specific company. Let’s dive into Mylar® packaging.
In this post, we’ll be covering:
- Where the term “Mylar®” came from
- What exactly Mylar® packaging is
- The difference between mylar packaging and plastic film packaging.
- Why flexible pouches are a great packaging choice for brands of all sizes.
Mylar® Packaging Background and Application
Mylar® is the trademarked name of a widely-used PET film from DuPont Teijin Films. It was first introduced in 1952, and the company began production on it in Ohio in 1954.
Mylar® is BoPET (biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate) film commonly used as plastic flexible packaging across a variety of industries, including many packaged foods. And while it is a trademarked term for a specific film from DuPont, the term is widely used in the industry when referring to any plastic film.
And that’s where the confusion sets in.
Mylar® is a brand name, so technically not all plastic film is Mylar®, though a lot of people use that term to describe any and all plastic film. It’s kind of like using the term Band-Aid, or Kleenex. You hear people say Band-Aid when they really mean bandage, and Kleenex when they mean tissue. Mylar®, Band-Aid, and Kleenex are brand names commonly used in place of the general item name.
So, while you may think what you need is a custom mylar bag, what you’re really looking for is quality plastic film. Because whether it’s the branded Mylar® film or not, plastic film is one of the world’s most recognized and widely used films for packaging. It is used in a variety of applications including electronics, food packaging, beverage packaging, household items, as well as lawn and garden applications.
The reason it is so widely used is simple.
Why Plastic Film Packaging is the Best Choice for Your Brand
Quality plastic film in the form of stand up pouches, lay flat pouches or rollstock offers excellent adhesion, moisture and chemical resistance, the ability to withstand a wide variety of temperatures, and it is available in various barrier properties. Barrier packaging preserves and protects the contents of the package to maintain freshness, extend shelf life, and prevent damage to the contents. Plastic film used in packaging is also lightweight, easy to manage, and it’s strong– it won’t shatter, break, or tear. The film is also customizable to create pouches and bags in almost any size and shape.
Pouches work for just about any industry, from food to pharmaceuticals, and everything in between. And these pouches are available with a variety of closures including child-resistant, which makes the package difficult for children under five to open. Pull tab zippers and press-to-close closures, including zippers and hook & loop styles are all popular options, and each is a great choice depending on the project.
And if you’re looking for custom, strong and durable plastic film that shares all of the same properties of Mylar®, look no further. At ePac we specialize in fully custom, high-quality pouches, bags, and rollstock for your brand. We use quality films that offer the barrier properties, strength and aesthetics that you’re looking for, all with the right closure for your product. Give us a call or contact us today, and we will help you get started.
