Polypropylene Bags

Polypropylene bags are some of the most popular --and commonplace --plastic bags available. But what is a polypropylene bag? Polypropylene is a chemical resin that is a polymer of propylene.  It is a compound which may be naturally occurring in nature or a synthetic product.  When manufactured’ it is a tough, flexible, thermoplastic material.  One of its benefits is that it can easily and cheaply be produced in many forms. It is best suited for making molded articles and fabrics such as nylon.  Particular products may include bottles, pipes, fibers and plastic bags. Polypropylene is recyclable and has the number “5” as its resin identification code. 

Since polypropylene is so commonplace in our lives it is nice to know what you are using in your household. The building blocks of polypropylene are polymers of propylene.  Propylene is produced from petroleum hydrocarbons and has a chemical makeup of CH3CH:CH2.   The polymerization process is to link identical molecules of propylene to create polypropylene. The end result is a strong, lightweight, inexpensive plastic used in endless applications.

There are numerous products created from this manufacturing process. The most common product is the average plastic shopping bag found in most grocery and retail stores.  These bags are manufactured by melting the polypropylene and roIling it into a flat, strong, lightweight sheet.   It is highly versatile and can be turned into many sizes and shapes for both retail and industrial use.  A feature is the ability to create a clear bag or bags in multiple colors.  A quick survey of your household or workplace for these products will reveal the extent of its uses. 

Polypropylene bags and sheeting are especially found in the kitchen, such as zip lock bags to garbage bags.   It can be used store food, be used in the freezer and is microwavable.  It is approved by the U.S. Agricultural Department for food storage. The clear sheeting is found in the supermarket where meats, fish and some produce is shrink-wrapped with it.

 Polypropylene bags are not only used in the home environment but in industrial and professional applications as well.   Since the basic plastic sheeting can be laminated, bags can be manufactured into products with great strength.  Because of this quality, large laminated polypropylene bags can be used to store and ship items such as rice, sugar, beans, salt, flour, fertilizer, feed, sand, and cement.  In addition, they are often used to make sandbags for weather emergencies due to their durability and lightweight.

Other attractive qualities of the product,  besides its weight and strength, is its moisture absorption-- the plastic is water resistant and can also withstand a great amount of damage.  The high melting point of 160 degrees Fahrenheit means that the bags can also be used in high temperatures.  It is non-toxic, does not stain easily, is easily fabricated and can retain its stiffness and flexibility.

A newer product available is the non-woven polypropylene bag.  It is designed to promote a greener earth.  These bags are reusable, easy to clean, recyclable and often made with recycled products.   They can be quickly wiped clean and some are machine washable. 

Polypropylene bags are used for everything from tote bags to garbage bags, from industrial storage to breast implants.  It may be produced on a roll, as tubing, in small to extremely large sizes and either clear or colored.  VP Supplies offers a wide range of polypropylene bags for all types of uses. From household to industrial, you are certain to find the right plastic bags for your uses.

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John Jones is an expert on shipping supplies and related products.  He is a packaging specialist with VP Supplies, a company providing a complete line of shipping supplies using an innovative approach to serving its customers. Visit our website for a complete line of shipping supplies.