What Type of ice bag should I choose?
Choosing the right type of Ice Packaging is mainly one of function in how you pack them.
Manual ice bag packagers usually choose between two styles:
- Loose-packed Plain Top Ice Bags which include twist-ties for closing. Other closing options are available as an option like bag sealing tape, etc.
- Drawstring Ice Bags have a drawstring top for easy, hassle-free closing once loaded with ice. The drawstring also allows for a convenient carrying handle for the consumer.
Higher volume ice packagers use semi-automatic and high-speed automatic packaging machines that require Ice Bags on Wicket or Ice Bag Roll Stock Film:
- Wicketed Ice Bags have a lip and perforation on one side of the bag, which allows for groups of 100-250 bags on a wire or plastic wicket. One side of the ice bag is either blown open by air or manually pulled out to allow for easy filling and then torn from the lip and wicket once filled. Once filled, they can be sealed with twist ties, bag sealing tape, or heat-sealed. Wicket bags are used with bulk baggers and volumetric baggers. These are some machines that use wicketed ice bags: Matthiesen Automatic Wicket baggers, Matthiesen HSB 510, Matthiesen LV Series baggers, Matthiesen VLS Series Baggers, Matthiesen Model Bf-150 Bulk filler, Matthiesen Magic Finger system, JMC Automatic Bulk Ice Bagger Models BB 1600, and BB 1700.
- Roll Stock (for Form Fill and Seal Sheeting) is printed polyethylene film configured as a single wound or centerfold sheeting from which an automatic machine forms, fills, and seals individual ice bags. As a manufacturer, we have very aggressive pricing for Ice Bag Roll Stock. Get a quote now for custom ice film!
- Baler Bags are larger and on a wicket for loading multiple bags in for easier handling and transportation. Get a quote on Baler bags.
What are Metallocene and EVA, and why are they important? Metallocene is a LLDPE or linear low-density polyethylene resin used to make ice bags and film stronger than traditional LDPE – Low-Density Polyethylene. EVA is a copolymer resin additive that helps poly film perform better in cold temperatures. All polyethylene films become brittle at freezing temperatures, so EVA is added to soften the film and aid in puncture resistance, ripping, and tearing. EVA is safe for food contact.
What size ice bag do I need?
Packaged Ice is sold in a variety of capacities, and the bag sizes often vary based on the style and size of the ice cubes being packaged.
- 5 lb. Ice Bags: 5-pound Ice Bag cools approximately 18 cans – 5# ice bags are commonly found at convenience stores, liquor stores, beach shops, etc.
- 8 lb. Ice Bags: 8 lb. Ice Bag cools approximately 22 cans – 8# ice bags are the most common size at convenience stores, liquor stores, bait shops, etc.
- 10 lb. Ice Bags: 10 lb. Ice Bag cools approximately 27 cans – 10# ice bags are also common at grocery stores, warehouse clubs, convenience stores, liquor stores, ice house vending machines, etc.
- 20 lb Ice Bags: 20 lb. Ice Bag cools approximately 55 cans – 20# ice bags are commonly used for commercial applications, caterers, fishing charters, warehouse clubs, ice house vending machines, etc.
50 lb. Ice Bags:
- 50 lb. Ice Bag cools approximately 138 cans – 50# ice bags are commonly used for industrial and commercial applications, bulk ice sales for stadiums, sports arenas, bars, or anywhere large quantities of ice are needed.
Are our ice bags FDA/USDA approved?Yes! They meet the FDA and USDA requirements and are made of 100% virgin resins. A certificate of compliance is available at your request.
Industries that use These Bags:
Convenience Stores
Catering Companies
Amusement Parks
Fish Markets
Hotels and Motels
Produce Markets
Restaurants
Bakeries
Marinas
Camp Grounds
Concrete Companies
Grocery Stores
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