Rubber compounding companies have been using batch inclusion plastic bags for years to increase productivity and assure batch to batch uniformity. However, these particular packaging bags, also known as low melt bags, can also be counted on to reduce product loss, decrease solid waste disposal costs and most importantly minimize worker exposure to hazardous materials. As the cost of plastic resin continues to spiral upward here are 7 ways to minimize or even eliminate a price increase.

1. Consider using thinner material. Recent advances in film technology can allow you to reduce the thickness of batch inclusion plastic bags while maintaining or even increasing the strength.

2. Know the difference between nominal and full gauge film thicknesses and compare pricing. Nominal gauge means the thickness of your low melt bags will range between +/- 10%. Full gauge means it will range between +/- 3%. Full gauge is always a more expensive plastic bag.

3. Experiment with batch inclusion bags that have different melt temperatures. The lower the melt temperature the higher the cost.

4. Use colored or tinted film to designate different sizes of low melt bags. The specialized film used for these plastic bags does not print effectively nor do labels adhere well.

5. Make sure your supplier sends documentation with each shipment verifying that your particular batch inclusion plastic bags melt at the agreed upon level. The melt temperature is critical to your operation. Having these test results, known as a DSC test, is a simple way to assure the quality of these packaging bags.

6. Consider a blanket order of low melt bags with extended releases and have your supplier run and hold them. This will minimize your lead time, lock in your pricing (plastic bag pricing is volatile), and reduce your cost. By committing to a larger quantity your per piece price will be lower.

7. Combine orders if possible. Batch inclusion plastic bags are priced according to the number of pounds of plastic resin it takes to run the entire order. The more pounds you order (even if they are different sizes) the lower your overall cost.

In closing, using low melt or batch inclusion bags will help assure that all your critical ingredients make it into the mixer while compounding, among the other benefits listed above. While they are unique and specialized, their cost is easily justified by increased efficiency and overall better finished products.