Introducing LDPE Bags: Common Uses, Recycling, and Cleanroom Applications

Polyethylene is one of the most commonly used types of plastic known for its extensive applications in plastic bag and bottle manufacturing, as well as industrial parts and components production. It’s available in various density levels suitable for different uses; while high-density plastic is useful for making pipes and tanks, low-density plastic is a preferred choice in shopping bags, LDPE cleanroom bags, water bottles, and similar.

Polyethylene is further categorized as low-density, linear low-density, and high-density polyethylene. Different types of polyethylene are used for a broad range of applications, depending on the industry’s requirements. This article will focus on LDPE bags, their features, and their most common uses.

What is a Poly Bag?

The ethylene polymerization delivers long linear chains of hydrocarbons that bifurcate in various directions. As a result, polyethylene is available in multiple density levels suitable for different purposes – from polyethylene bags to pipes and tanks.

The three basic types of poly plastic bags are:

• Low-density polyethylene (LDPE): LDPE bags are characterized by flexibility, tensile strength, and waterproof abilities. They are commonly used for food packaging and cleanroom applications due to their clarity, enhanced flexibility, and supple feel.
• Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE): LLDPE is characterized by incredible strength, durability, and puncture resistance. You can use it to accommodate sensitive products, especially since they offer higher tensile strength and durability than LDPE.
• High-density polyethylene (HDPE): HDPE features densely packed molecules delivering rigid, robust, and durable bag structure. For that reason, HDPE is used for storing large volumes of weight. Additionally, HDPE bags are opaque, water-, and heat-resistant, meaning that they’re safe for transporting food and sensitive cleanroom applications.

A regular poly bag is any bag made of plastic, and it’s commonly used for packaging and shipping. Poly bags are lightweight, multipurpose, and made from recyclable materials, which limits their environmental impact.

While poly bags are convenient for various industrial and domestic uses, certain customization options are available, as well. You can have a poly bag in different colors and printed logos, which you can use for commercial purposes. Moreover, poly bags are a popular choice for food packaging, but, in that case, they must comply with FDA regulations. Another popular form of poly bags refers to gusseted poly bags, suitable for storing bulky goods and greater quantities than classic, flat bags.

LDPE vs. HDPE Bags

Although HDPE and LDPE bags share some similarities, certain characteristics make a huge difference between them. The main reason for that is the branching of polymer chains, which, in the case of HDPE, have a more crystalline structure.

Benefits of LDPE Bags

Low-density polyethylene bag has a lot of advantages that can help different industries provide the best product quality.

Other benefits worth mentioning include recyclability, cost-effectiveness, decent durability, and chemical resistance.

Who Shouldn’t Use LDPE Bags?

Although low-density polyethylene bags provide plenty of benefits to different industries and their specific needs, they aren’t suitable for every application. To prevent unnecessary costs and potential product damage, avoid LDPE bags for the following uses:

LDPE Poly Bags: Cleanroom Uses

Besides different industrial uses, LDPE bags are pretty common in cleanroom applications. Low-density polyethylene provides the utmost protection from contaminants to items susceptible to airborne particles and viruses. LDPE clear poly bags offer safe storage for handling items inside a cleanroom environment. Their ultra-clean high-barrier properties provide exceptional protection against particulate contamination or chemical leakage.

Pristine Clean Bags® is a leading cleanroom packaging supplier that offers ISO Class 5 certified LDPE poly bags for various cleanroom purposes. Our LDPE bags are manufactured from barefoot resin, which makes them clear and translucent. Additionally, they feature great strength, moisture barrier, and next-level protection from aerosol particles and contaminants that could damage sensitive items.

Pristine LDPE poly bags are ISO-certified and FDA-approved, which makes them suitable for various applications – semiconductor uses, medical devices, pharmaceutical products and other items requiring a certain level of particulate cleanliness. Our poly bag supplies are regularly tested for leaks and other potential flaws, preventing any inconvenience that might affect your business operations.

Pristine LDPE bags are certified clean to IEST-STD 1246D and meet the standards and regulations set by the leading institutions in this field. Components of animal origin, Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC), Bisphenol A, natural rubber, natural latex, Phthalates, Fluorotelomers, Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFC) are not knowingly added to any of our products.

The chart below shows the test results performed on 1mil thick LDPE film:

Pristine Clean Bags® offers different LDPE bag forms for your unique industry needs. Regardless of your choice, you get to enjoy complete contaminant protection that ensures your products remain at the maximum cleanliness levels even when they leave the cleanroom.

LDPE Easy Tear Bags

The Easy Tear formulation allows technicians to open the bag with gloved hands, reducing the risk of potential damages resulting from knives, blades, or scissors. This convenient addition makes it easier to open the bag, allowing you to do your business tasks smoothly and more efficiently.

Easy Tear LDPE bags are available in multiple thicknesses, with or without re-closable zippers. While they are an excellent choice for gamma-irradiated products, LDPE Easy Tear bags should not be used in extreme temperatures. They are ISO-certified and FDA-approved.

Consult the chart below to get an insight into the physical properties and values of the product.

Cleanroom LDPE Zip Lock Bags

Our cleanroom LDPE zip lock bags are produced in an ISO-certified controlled environment, featuring only virgin resins and never reused materials. Therefore, they mitigate the risk of contamination, meeting the highest FDA and EU standards. Our zip-lock LDPE bags offer exceptional water and vapor transmission protection while preventing friction tears in transit. Additionally, they are an excellent alternative to sealing or other closure options for your bags.

Cleanroom Nylon/PE Bags

Nylon/LDPE features a laminated structure that consists of a biaxially oriented nylon layer and an LDPE product contact layer. Nylon/LDPE is characterized by transparency, scuff- and puncture resistance, and incredible strength that makes it suitable for plenty of cleanroom uses. Besides, the film offers an increased oxygen and moisture barrier, a feature convenient for reducing tears and scuffing resulting from friction rubbing.

Nylon/LDPE bags perform well in vacuum applications and stay stable during and after the gamma irradiation process. Thanks to the special Easy Tear formulation, technicians can easily open the bag with gloved hands and without sharp blades. Rest assured that our Nylon/PE bags are ISO-certified and FDA-approved. Heat seal conditions for this material are 250°F-375°F/ 0.5-3.5sec/ 30-70PSI.

Consult the chart below for more helpful information.

Cleanroom Poly Tubing

Cleanroom Poly Tubing is suitable for applications when individually cut cleanroom poly bags cannot help you complete your tasks. Besides, you can count on them whenever you’re dealing with items longer in length or when packing the same product continuously.

Our cleanroom poly tubing is manufactured from virgin resins, cruelty-free materials, and surfactant-free substances to ensure utmost protection and cleanliness. It’s FDA- and ISO-certified and available in various sizes to match your specific requirements.