Types Of Can Liners Made Today
Trash can liners are usually manufactured using:
- Linear Low Density Polyethylene
- Reprocessed (REPRO) Polyethylene
- High Density Polyethylene
- Hi/Lo Blended Technology (Colonial Bag Exclusive)
Linear Low Density
LINEAR LOW DENSITY: (Thickness designated in mils such as .80 mil or 1.1 mil, or in terms of strength rating such as light, medium, heavy or extra heavy). About 50% of the institutional trash bags sold today are made from Linear Low Density resin of which there are several popular grades: Butene, Hexene and Super.
Hexene along with Recycled Material (REPRO). Butene was the first Linear Low Density resin introduced and it dominated the market during the 1980’s until stronger Hexene resins became available. Today, most manufacturers use some variation of Hexene resin or Hexene blends and have adopted terminology such as: "Super Resin, Premium Resin, Ultra Strong," etc., to designate and differentiate their products. Colonial Bag, along with other manufacturers, have developed a line of Super Hexene liners that offer exceptional performance at reduced gauges. These Linear Low Density Hexene products feature greater tear resistance with excellent stretch and are widely accepted in all market segments.
Also in the Linear Low category are Recycled Material (REPRO) liners. Made from recycled material, these liners, although they are made thicker than their Hexene counterparts, are not always as strong as they feel.
Despite their thickness, "REPRO" bags generally perform poorly in Dart Impact and Tear tests. Since these bags are made from an ever-changing source of recycled film, their integrity is inconsistent and can vary dramatically from batch to batch.
High Density
High Density: (Thickness designated in microns, such as 16 micron) The remaining 50% of the market belongs to liners manufactured from High Density Polyethylene. High Density’s molecular structure produces greater impact strength than Linear Low Density, allowing for thinner film to be used. This down gauging results in lower cost per bag and has contributed to the continued growth of the High Density market share. High Density products feature superior puncture resistance and are surprisingly strong despite their reduced thickness.
Some drawbacks to High Density Liners are:
- Once punctured, High Density bags are prone to "zippering". Improved resin technology, however, has decreased the "zippering" effect and it is not as dramatic as it was in the past, although some end users continue to perceive it as such.
- Some customers do not like the "crinkly" feel of High Density.
- There are still skeptical customers who are not convinced that thinner gauge High Density bags will perform adequately.
Hi/Lo Blended Technology
Colonial Bag’s Hi/Lo series of can liners are made from a proprietary blend of Hexene and High Density resins. Featuring the best properties of both resins, these incredibly strong liners are a perfect substitute for reprocessed (REPRO) type bags. They are competitively priced and offer the consistent, dependable performance that REPRO style liners frequently fail to deliver, while reducing the amount of waste stream plastic.
Degrade-Away / Biodegradable* Bags
The technology utilized by Colonial Bag in the manufacturing of our Degrade-Away Liners renders the plastic bag as biodegradable, while maintaining other desired film properties. When disposed, this product is able to be metabolized into biomass by the surrounding microorganisms commonly found within our environment. The biodegradation process can take place aerobically and anaerobically. It can also take place with or without the presence of light. These factors allow for biodegradation in nearly all landfills, or wherever else the product may end up.
ADDITIONAL FACTS:
- 100% recyclable
- Completely Shelf Stable. Will not degrade under exposure to heat, light or external stresses during storage
- The liners maintain traditional performance ratings
- Meets federal testing methods, ASTM D5209 – ASTM D5338 – ASTM 5511, Certified.
*49.28% biodegradation in 900 days under non-typical conditions. No further evidence of biodegradation.
Custom Fit Can Liners
Colonial Bag's Custom Fit Can Liners are designed to perfectly fit some of the most popular containers in the industry. They are available for the Slim Jim*, 32 Gallon Brute*, 44 Gallon Brute*, 55 Gallon Square Brute*, 50 Gallon Big Wheel* and 96 Gallon containers. No more tying off the excess film at the top and no more falling into the container. Eliminate wasted film and maximize both cost savings and source reduction benefits.
* “Brute”, “Glutton”, “Big Wheel” and “Slim Jim” containers are registered trademarks of Rubbermaid Commercial Products, Inc
