Leading manufacturer Polybags has a new film (developed in co-operation with the Polymer Centre at London Metropolitan University) branded PolyMax.
Basically a low density polyethylene with a few additives and different extrusion techniques it is superior both in appearance and performance to traditional low density polythene.
It has a gloss and shine that makes it more attractive to customers but its great advantage is its strength. PolyMax, 75 micron thick (300 gauge) will perform as well as 125 micron (500 gauge) standard polythene film. Polybags Ltd holds in stock five standard sizes varying from 18 x 24″ to 48 x 48″ in two film thicknesses. The 150 gauge Hercules range has the performance of 250 gauge conventional film and the 300 gauge Goliath bags are as strong as 500 gauge standard bags.
Bags can be manufactured in any size so long as they are at least 450 mm wide. Their use has been particularly succesful in the transport of ice cubes where considerable cost savings have been enjoyed by users. Nevertheless, there has been a surprising reluctance on the part of some users to try the new film despite the extra cost per kilo of the material being completely outweighed by the ability to down gauge. Presumably on the principle that if is something is too good to be true it probably is. However, once persuaded to try the new material users are enthusiastic. So far there has been only one disadvantage. Because it is stiffer, it is more difficult to close the bags by tieing the material in a knot.
