How Are Mylar Bags Made?

Even if you’re not familiar with the word Mylar, if you’ve purchased cannabis from a dispensary, then you’ve most likely come in to contact with the material. Do you know those shiny foil-like gusseted bags that cradle your ganja? Well, those are mylar bags.

What Exactly is Mylar?

Mylar is a trade name for a type of plastic called BoPET (biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate), patented by the massive multinational DuPont Chemical company. Similar to the way Kleenex has come to be a stand-in for all types of facial tissue regardless of brand, Mylar is often used to refer to any and all makes of BoPET.

The “PET” in BoPET refers to the most commonly used thermoplastic polymer resin called polyethylene terephthalate, though you may know it better by the name polyester. This material accounts for over 18% of the earth’s polymer production and has a whole slew of commercial applications, including synthetic textile fabric, bottle production, and of course, cannabis packaging.

How Is Mylar Made?

Mylar is made by heating polyethylene terephthalate to molten temperatures, then stretching the film on a chill roll. The materially is then biaxially oriented through a process called “drawing.” This produces a product that is transparent.

However, at the dispensaries, you’ve likely seen bags that are shiny and foil-like or opaque. This is because some mylar goes through and an additional process called aluminization. Aluminized Mylar has been coated with a very thin layer of aluminum that has been heated and vacuum-sealed to the plastic. This makes the material stronger while still remaining flexible. It also helps to enhance the odor-blocking properties that Mylar already has, making it an excellent choice for cannabis packaging. 

Lock-in Freshness

Maintaining freshness post-harvest is essential for cannabis cultivators and distributors. In order to preserve the smell, taste, and appearance of the buds growers labored over minimizing light and oxygen exposure is vital. Opaque Mylar is a very affordable material that very efficiently does both of those things -- making sure that weed tastes the same when a retail customer opens a bag as it does when it’s packaged initially.

The food industry has been hip to Mylar for years. These flexible yet durable packages have been proven to help food stay fresher longer by creating a barrier between light and oxygen. Now the same idea is being applied to cannabis, and it’s working just as well!

Stay in State Compliance

Places like Washington State have strict laws regarding the packaging of cannabis and cannabis byproducts. That’s why we sell Mylar bags, like these 12x9 Exit Bags that are certified child-resistant to help you easily navigate complicated regulations. Make sure to stay informed on your state-specific laws, as they vary from state to state. 

Look Professional

It’s 2020, and we’re well into the green rush. Gone are the days where weed can be haphazardly thrown in a zip-lock bag or torn off piece of a grocery bag. Nowadays, it’s all about professionalism. Not only do Mylar bags keep your product your fresh, but they also keep your brand looking professional and trustworthy. Thes attractive packages can really help you stand out on a dispensary pegboard, and while the old adage goes: never judge a book by its cover, we all do, and packaging can be the reason a customer chooses your bud over a competitor’s.