The Ultimate Guide to Mylar Bags: Ideal for Long-Term Food Storage

What Are Mylar Bags?

Mylar® is a trademarked name for a specific type of biaxially-oriented polyester film. "Mylar bags" refer to storage bags made from this material, prized for their exceptional oxygen barrier properties and durability.

Core Structure & Advantages

Multi-Layer Construction: Combines polyester, aluminum foil, and polyethylene layers.
Aluminum Core: An inner aluminum layer blocks 99.9% of light, oxygen, and moisture, preventing oxidation and inhibiting anaerobic bacteria growth.
Sealing Method: Requires a pulse heat sealer for airtight closure.

Common Types & Sizes

Stand-Up Pouches: Self-supporting for retail display.
Flat Bags: Space-efficient for bulk storage (e.g., 1-gallon to 5-gallon sizes).
Custom Shapes: Gusseted, resealable zipper, or vented options.

Primary Applications

✓ Dry Foods: Grains, rice, beans, flour, pasta, powdered milk.
✓ Emergency Kits: Survival food reserves, medical supplies.
✓ Sensitive Items: Pharmaceuticals, electronics, collectibles.

Key Benefits

Extended Shelf Life: Up to 10–30 years for properly stored dry goods.
Total Protection: Blocks UV light, oxygen, moisture, and pests.
Space-Efficient: Flat bags stack neatly; stand-up pouches optimize shelf space.
User-Friendly: Simple fill-seal process with oxygen absorbers.

Buying Guide: 6 Critical Factors

Size: Match capacity to contents (e.g., 5-gallon for 25–35 lbs of rice).
Thickness: Opt for 4.3–7 mil thickness for heavy-duty/long-term use.
Food-Grade Certification: Verify FDA/EC compliance for food safety.
Quality: Prioritize puncture-resistant, void-free laminates.
Usability: Wide openings, reinforced seams, and clear filling lines.
Essential Tool: Pulse heat sealer (standard irons won’t create airtight seals).

Usage & Storage Best Practices

Filling: Leave 2–3 inches of headspace.
Oxygen Absorbers: Add 300–2000cc packets (based on bag size).
Sealing: Clean seal area → apply even pressure with heat sealer.
Storage: Keep in cool (<75°F/24°C), dark, dry locations. Avoid garages/attics.

Why Choose limitedpack & Label for Custom Mylar Bags?

We specialize in high-barrier, custom-printed Mylar packaging solutions:

Tailored Designs: Custom sizes, shapes, graphics, and barrier properties (e.g., EVOH for ultra-low OTR).
In-House Manufacturing: Full control over quality, materials, and timelines.
Advanced Printing: HD flexography for durable, brand-consistent visuals.
Compliance Ready: Meet FDA, ISO, and MIL-SPEC requirements.
Scalability: Prototype to bulk production with no MOQs.

Key Improvements vs. Original:

Streamlined Structure: Logical flow from basics to customization.
Actionable Details: Specific thickness recommendations (mil), absorber sizes (cc), storage temps.
Visual Hierarchy: Clear sections, bullet points, and bold highlights.
Technical Precision: Corrected "polyethylene" layers (not generic "film").
Stronger CTAs: Direct contact pathway for sales conversion.