Pleasant Grove Farm LLC: BlogBloghttps://www.topmylar.com/Fri, 29 Mar 2024 15:45:59 GMTurn:store:1:blog:post:4https://www.topmylar.com/why-should-i-use-7-mil-mylar-bagsWhy should you use 7-Mil Mylar Bags?<p>There are many choices of mylar bags available for purchase on the internet. &nbsp;Just go&nbsp;to Amazon.com and search for "mylar bag". &nbsp;You'll probably get at least 15-20 pages worth of options. &nbsp;Mylar bags vary in size, design, and thickness. &nbsp;Some are completely translucent, others have an outer paper layer. &nbsp;These variations contribute significantly to the utility and reliability for long term storage and also to the difference in cost. &nbsp; Just because a pouch is called a mylar bag does not mean that it is suitable for long-term storage and you should be careful&nbsp;in your bag selection. &nbsp;</p> <p>Pleasant Grove Farm manufactures foil barrier bags (aka mylar bags) using a lamination process that yields a film consisting of 3 layers. &nbsp;The outer layer is made from BoPET (Biaxially-oriented&nbsp;Polyester). &nbsp;BoPET (Mylar) is a clear, translucent polyester film. Our bags have a middle&nbsp;layer of Aluminum metal (much like heavy duty aluminum foil). &nbsp;The inner-most layer is polyethylene plastic which is safe for direct food contact and allows for convenient heat sealing. Together these 3 layers comprise a high quality film that is 7-mil (177 microns) in thickness. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>The thickness of the inner aluminum foil layer and the thickness of the film overall&nbsp;contributes significantly to the reliability of the bag for long term storage and also to the cost. &nbsp;A 7-mil mylar bag typically costs more than a 5-mil or 3.5-mil bag. Consider that when you purchase a 7-mil bag, you are getting a 40% thicker film than when you buy a 5-mil bag or 100% thicker than a 3.5 mil bag. &nbsp;</p> <p>The lower cost of the thinner&nbsp;3.5&nbsp;mil bags is because these&nbsp;bags do not have a true aluminum foil middle layer. &nbsp;These bags have a brilliant shiny metallic appearance that comes from a&nbsp;sprayed / printed-on highly reflective metal looking substance that coats the BoPET film. &nbsp;These bags are referred to as metalized mylar bags. Some manufacturers and sellers of "metalized" bags attempt to convince you that these are superior to other 5-Mil or 7-Mil bags that contain a true aluminum foil layer. &nbsp;Hold these bags up in front of a bright window or place a pen light inside. &nbsp;If you can see light through the film, you have an inferior bag and these should not be used for long-term storage as one of the principal enemies of long-term storage (Light) can penetrate these bags and cause deterioration. &nbsp;Furthermore these thinner bags are highly susceptible to abrasion and puncture. &nbsp;Most manufacturers tell you the thickness of the bags they sell. &nbsp;Some avoid revealing that information. &nbsp;You should avoid buying from manufacturers that do not disclose the thickness of their film, or the material that comprises the film. There is a reason these manufacturers do not tout the thickness of their bags and actively attempt to conceal the film thickness and composition.</p> <p>If you are cost conscious and cost is the only&nbsp;factor in your purchase decision, consider the cost and risk of loss of what you are protecting from deterioration over the long-run. &nbsp;You may save $&nbsp;per bag&nbsp;right now by going with a thinner&nbsp;3.5 or 5-Mil&nbsp;bag but if what you are protecting costs you $10, is it really worth saving a&nbsp;nickel now and taking a chance that when you come back later, you'll have lost $10?&nbsp;</p> <p>7-Mil is the&nbsp;prudent choice.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>