PFS 2025 Catalog - Flipbook - Page 139
CAN LINER GUIDE
Why Gauge Isn't Always Important
Film thickness is no longer a satisfactory standard for judging
overall strength. The development of improved LLDPE resin in
the liner industry has changed the standard method for selecting
can liners. Manufacturers can produce thinner, lighter trash
bags that are stronger and more durable than the thicker bags
previously made from low density resin. This is why gauge is no
longer an effective way to determine liner strength. Instead of
stating actual thickness, many liners are now simply described
as "Light", "Medium", "Heavy", and "Extra Heavy".
General Industry
Strength Rating
Regular
Medium
Heavy
Heavy Plus
Extra Heavy
Linear Low Density
Mil Thickness Range
.35
.45
.60
.74
.90
to
to
to
to
to
.50
.75
1.0
1.3
1.5
Old Low Density
Strength Rating
1.25
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
Each manufacturer has its own blend formulations, so the
proportions of the materials used vary from one producer to
another. The best way to determine the correct liner is to test
some suggested samples.
Types of Bag Seals
Advantages of High Density Can Liners
Star Seal
(or X-Seal)
Flat
Seal
Gusseted
Seal
This unique design
eliminates gaps
along the seal where
leaks can occur.
These bags are
generally leakproof, but are very
clumsy to handle.
A flat style bag
with both sides
tucked in to form
gussets.
1. HMW/HD liners are about 3x stronger and more durable than
ordinary polyethylene liners of the same thickness
2. They can be made about one-third the thickness of ordinary
low density polyethylene liners, so they require only about onethird the ordinary shipping, storage and warehousing cost
3. Substantial cost savings per liner
4. When they are properly made, HMW/HD liners will rarely
"zipper" if punctured
5. Extremely wide range of temperature resistance from
-40° to 212°F
6. USDA and FDA approved (natural-colored liners)
Definitions
Suggested applications:
Resin - The basic raw material from which can liners are made.
There are 3 types of resins: Low Density, Linear Low Density
and High Density Polyethylene.
•
•
•
•
Linear Low Density Polyethylene - This resin is highly puncture
and tear resistant. These properties make this the best choice
for applications where additional strength and stretch are
required. Works well for waste with sharp or jagged edges.
•
•
•
•
Cans without rough edges
Paper
Disposable dinnerware
Food
Dirt or grass
Rags/cloth items
Smooth heavy object
Office waste baskets
Advantages of Linear
Low Density Can Liners
Low Density Polyethylene - An older resin still used mainly in
lower end utility liners. It has largely been replaced by Linear
Low Density Polyethylene.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Post Consumer and Post-Industrial Polyethylene - This is made
from recycled post-consumer plastics such as milk jugs and
industrial scraps. These are reprocessed and blended with other
types of resins to produce new high quality liners.
Gauge - A term used to describe the thickness of a liner. Low
density liners are measured in mils, while High Density liners are
generally measured in microns.
Mil - Measurement based on one hundred thousandths of an
inch (.000). For example, a .55 mil bag would be 55 thousandths
of an inch thick. Common low density liners range from .37 to
1.8 mil in thickness.
Micron - Based on thousandth of a Millimeter (.000000). High
Density liners usually range from 6 to 22 microns in thickness.
Maximum puncture and stretch resistance
Multi-purpose applications
Most prevalent type of film used in the industry today
Manufactured in a wide variety of colors
Compared to traditional low density film, linear low
can be run at a lighter gauge with equal strength
JANITORIAL
High Density Polyethylene - Liners made from this resin are
generally available in lower gauges, and are more temperature
resistant.
Suggested applications:
• Stick & rough yard
trimmings, small rocks
• Metal w/sharp edges
• Nails & bolts
• Objects w/rough corners
or protrusions
• Disposable flatware
• Abusive transport
conditions
• Food w/rough edges
(like crab legs)
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