Although billions of polyethylene trash bags are used throughout the world, do you know how trash bags are made? The entire process of manufacturing trash bags start with a material called polyethylene. While other materials are available to make trash bags, polyethylene is the most common. In short the process of making trash bags includes:
Continue reading to learn more about how trash bags are made from the experts at AAA Polymer.
What Is Polyethylene?
Trash bags are made from polyethylene — a flexible, tough, light plastic that is mainly used in packaging, containers, and insulation. Polyethylene is a polymer of ethylene, which is a colorless gas used in the manufacturing of several chemicals. However, polyethylene boasts a range of admirable qualities, such as resistance to moisture, resistance to chemicals, and excellent insulating properties.
Polyethylene trash bags are undoubtedly the most common type of trash bags available on the market today. These petroleum-based products have become so popular because of their tear resistance and strength. The most common type of trash bags are manufactured from low density polyethylene (LDPE) that is airtight, flexible, soft, and waterproof; while high density polyethylene is used for other applications.
How Are Trash Bags Made from Polyethylene Resin?
To make trash bags, several small, cylindrical, hard resin pellets are poured into massive containers or hoppers that are used to move materials into an opening or a machine. Then the resin pellets are sent through an extruder. The extruder is a machine that works to heat and melt pellets at extremely high temperatures.
After the extruder properly heats and mixes the pellets, the resulting raw plastic mixture is then forced through a die, which cuts and/or shapes material by creating a ring. Air is introduced into this ring and stretches the heated resin into a large bubble.
Next, rollers will work to collapse the bubble into flat tube, which is an easy-to-manipulate film. A knife is used to cut the film into manageable pieces. Each tube of flattened film is sealed with heat on one side. Finally, the film is measured and perforated into bags.
How Are Colored Trash Bags Made?
While primarily found in clear, white, and black; trash bags are available in a full range of different colors for a variety of different purposes. And the manufacturing process of colored trash bags includes an additional step where different colors are used to make the plastic more attractive. Then, this colored plastic is converted into rolls of bags.
Contact AAA Polymer for the Best Trash Bags
At AAA Polymer, we're proud to be the leader in providing high-quality trash bags. We offer:
Our experienced team of professionals will listen to your needs and guide you to the best solution. Contact AAA Polymer today for the best trash bags.