How Are Plastic Bags Manufactured?

Over the past few years, plastic bags have become one of the most widely-applied packaging solutions for most people. As of now, plastic bags are being used in almost all, if not all parts on the planet. Over the period of use, people have come up with several uses for these plastic bags. The most common use of plastic bags is the sole purpose of its creation, to serve as a containment package.

Among the top reasons why very many individuals prefer plastic bags to any other packaging, is that they are relatively cheap. On top of all that, they can be used in a wide range of applications. Furthermore, despite some common myths, they can be reused and recycled over and over again.

What are plastic bags fabricated from?

One question that seems to bug most people is the fabrication material used in the manufacture of paper bags. Generally, raw materials used in the manufacture of plastic bags are dominated by petrochemicals. Most plastic bag manufacturing techniques revolve around messing with the polyethylene’s structural chains.

Right now, plastic bags’ rate of manufacture is quite high. As a matter of fact, around 6% of the oil produced on a global scale is used up in the plastic manufacture and fabrication industry. Of the plastic compositions manufactured using this oil, plastic bags scoop a significant portion of around 40 to 45% of the latter.

Now, how are plastic bags manufactured?

One fact unknown to very many people is that plastic bag manufacturing is one of the simplest processes out there. The process is simple and not complicated. However, the manufacturing company must possess relevant equipment and personnel with expertise on the matter.

Overview of the plastic bag manufacture process

Raw material extraction

As mentioned earlier on, the sole raw material in the manufacture of plastic bags is polyethylene. Polyethylene is either derived from natural gas or even refined oil. Most of these hydrocarbons exist underground and thus drilling is usually used to reach them. One plastic bag manufacturer might even opt to buy these raw products instead of drilling wells to reach them.

Extrusion

After acquiring the raw material, polyethylene, the next process in plastic bag manufacturing is the extrusion process. Basically, an extruder is used to heat up and melt the polyethylene pellets. After reaching a molten state, the machine then pushes the molten state plastic through the die. The die is responsible for controlling the end product’s thickness.

Afterward, air pushes the emerging bubbles upwards as they cool. Later on, air is eliminated from the bubble. It is then passed through flattening equipment before being cut into shape then wrapped around a spindle.

Final bag creation process

After wrapping the plastic sheets around the spindle, it is then taken through a conversion compartment. Here the bags are cut into shape and sealed on the ends. After sealing it properly, the bag is then provided handles and then printed according to the specification- printing. Other special features can also be added depending on the clients’ specifications and preferences.

Summary

Surprisingly enough, this is pretty much all there is to the fabrication and manufacture of plastic bags. The process is very simple and similar to the book manufacturing process. In fact, the plastic bag manufacturing process is much simpler as compared to book manufacturing and printing processes.