By Joseph Coupal on 5/25/2010 10:46 AM

In cold climates, insulation alone is not enough to keep our costly heat from escaping. Given the slightest opportunity our precious heat will find its way out in an alarming way.

Once we understand the principle that warm air is attracted to cold air, and not the other way around, it should become almost a matter of pride to keep that warm air in!  Although some heat is lost by conduction through the insulation, most of the heat loss in a building is through air movement, or air infiltration, through the walls.

That's where vapor barriers come in. A vapor barrier – also known as vapor retarder – is merely a continuous sheet of impermeable material installed on the inside, i.e. the warm side of the wall, and it's designed to keep ... Read More »

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By Joseph Coupal on 5/19/2010 3:57 PM

Plastic Pocket Holders are the economical choice to hold your warranties, instruction books, job tickets, and other documents or items for easy viewing and storage. If you don't see one on our site that fits your needs, we can make custom sizes. An example of a holder is below.

Fact Tag Holders - used by retailers to hold fact tags or signs that are attached to a specific item or along a shelf with a description of that item.

By Joseph Coupal on 5/11/2010 2:35 PM

What size do I need?
First, you need to answer whether are you applying the stretch wrap by hand or with automated equipment.  If you are stretching the film by machine, you will generally use a film over 20" high and 5000 or 6000 feet long. These rolls are heavy -- about 32 lbs. Since that's a little too much to carry around a pallet, most people use 18" x .80 x 1500' rolls to stretch their pallets by hand. If your skids are not very high or if you just need to wrap the top and bottom of the loads, you could use 15" or 12".

Maybe you have seen stretch wrap used to bundle things like millwork, plastic pipe and small boxes. This is called bundling stretch wrap. It's used like tape, but it won't stick to the product or leave residue. This wrap comes in 2-6" sizes.

Can I use stretch wrap for covering my food?  NO ... Read More »

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By Joseph Coupal on 5/3/2010 2:09 PM

RECYCLING LOGOS

20 years ago an American group came up with a numbering system to make it easy to recycle. If you mix them up recycling becomes tricky.   The most useful ones for poly are:

Low density polyethylene
- used in packaging bags, grip seal, carrier bags, bin liners and heavy duty sacks.



High density polyethylene
- some carrier bags and bin liners.



Polypropylene
- used for display bags including flower bags and greetings cards.

By Joseph Coupal on 4/27/2010 12:41 PM

FILM OR BAG COLORS

If you need a colored bag or film whether to  see through (tint) or hide what’s inside (opaque), for either special use or to match your corporate colors, we can supply a range of different  colors  to suit your needs. We have a range of different colors including white, black, red, ivory.  In addition we have 5 shades of blue, 5 shades of green, 3 shades of yellow and violet. If you need something we don't have in stock then ask and we will do our best to get as close to the color you need.

By Joseph Coupal on 4/24/2010 5:10 AM

Polypropylene bags are sometimes referred to as cello or cellophane bags despite their major differences. However, polypropylene and cellophane bags are NOT the same.
 
Polypropylene Bags

• Less expensive than cellophane
• Stiffer and stronger than other wraps
• Resistant of tearing and oils
• No natural dead-fold
• FDA approved
• High temperature resi ... Read More »
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By Joseph Coupal on 4/19/2010 2:48 PM

Why is some stretch film called CAST and some BLOWN? Is this plastic or gum?

Originally, all stretch wrap was blown, a process much like blowing bubble gum. Resin is heated and passed over an opening through which air is blown. Most state-of-the-art film today is cast. It is extruded through rollers and "laid out" in sheets. This process allows the film to be made in multiple layers. The layers allow the film to be made with cling on only one side. This optional one-sided-cling film is great where you don't want one pallet to stick to the one next to it. Also, these films layers can make the film stronger by adding tough layers to the inside. Cast film is also clearer and quieter coming off the roll.

By Joseph Coupal on 4/10/2010 6:43 AM

Do I need Shrink Wrap or Stretch Wrap and what's the difference?

Most people who order stretch wrap from us call it shrink wrap ..  but the products are very different. Shrink wrap film is made from polyolefin plastic, while stretch wrap is made from polyethylene plastic. Shrink wrap is generally used to protect a single product, such as the plastic over toys at the toy store or CD's when you first buy them. Shrink wrap gets its tight seal through a heating process. The product is wrapped and heated with a hairdryer-like tool or put through a heat tunnel. Shrink wrap can also be used for bundling products together, such as bottles of soda. We supply both stretch wrap and shrink wrap.

Stretch wrap is generally used to hold boxes on a pallet for transport. Stretch wrap is pulled around the load and stretched. The plast ... Read More »

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By Joseph Coupal on 4/9/2010 3:07 PM

Plastic (Poly) Covers and Liners

Available in standard sizes from 3’ to 40’ wide, 0.002"-0.006" gauge, and 20'-100' lengths. Extra large sizes are available upon request. All panels are accordion folded every 4 to 5 feet and tightly rolled on a heavy-duty core for ease of handing and time-saving installation. Layflat roll configurations are also available. Applications include: Vapor Retarders, Silage Covers, Agricultural Covers, Wood Product Covers, Temporary Walls, Cargo Covers, Insulation Membranes, Fumigation Covers and more.

By Joseph Coupal on 3/27/2010 1:56 PM

Recycling Fact: Recycling plastic bags and wraps is important because this valuable material can be made into dozens of useful new products such as low-maintenance fencing and decking, building and construction products, shopping carts, and of course, new bags!

Make sure bags are clean and empty. Do not include used plastic food wrap, bags with food residue, or material that has been painted or glued, as other substances can contaminate the recycled material.

Reuse Fact: More than 90 percent of consumers reuse their plastic grocery bags at home for purposes ranging from waste basket liners to lunch bags to pet clean up.

Atlantic Poly uses recycled material and offers recycling.

By Joseph Coupal on 3/15/2010 7:32 PM

Are you looking for a unique custom printed plastic bag for your product? Then you've come to the right place in Atlantic Poly! We can customize a poly bag to fit your exact needs and requirements.  We can print your logo, instructions, bar-code, etc. in up to 6 colors. Just choose your size, bag style and send us your art. Start the procss now by choosing the bag style you are interested in and filling out our request for quote form.  We specialize in extrusion, printing, and converting of wholesale custom plastic bags. Printing on plastic bags is done through a process called flexography. Custom Polyethylene bags can be made in all types of sizes and styles. Let us know your requirements.
< ... Read More »

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By Joseph Coupal on 3/2/2010 6:06 PM

Resin - Resin is the basic raw material used in manufacturing trash can liners. The two basic types of resins utilized in trash can liner manufacturing are High Density and Linear Low Density.

Linear Low Density Trash Can Liners

Linear Low Density can liners are made from high quality resins that are highly resistant to puncturing and tearing. The exceptional strength and stretch properties of Linear Low Density trash can liners make them a great option for kitchen trash that may include glass or sharp, irregularly shaped objects. Various resins that comprise Linear Low Density polyethylene include butane, hexene and metallocene.

For the environmentally conscious, we also carry a line of Biodegradable Low Density Trash Can Liners, which are manufactured with at least 60% recycled post industrial scrap plus a degradable additive.
< ... Read More »

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By Joseph Coupal on 2/23/2010 10:07 AM

Atlantic Poly has an large supply of anti static ESD bags in stock and ready to ship for electronics packaging (pc board, component and module level) and cleanroom environments (hi-rel and military). We have a wide variety of ESD packaging products such as static shielding bags, conductive tubing, cushioned (bubble) bags for transport of delicate electronics, and anti-static bags. Most of our ESD bags are available in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. Choices of our static shielding and anti-static bags include open top, metal-in shielding and ziplock. Depending on your application we are sure ot have an anti-static bag ot meet your needs.

Anti-static bags reduce the threat of damage to electronic components by incedental static or electrical discharge. One of the main advantages of packaging in a plastic bag is that they are easily sealable using a heat sealer or come in ziplock form.

By Joseph Coupal on 2/15/2010 10:31 AM

The main benefits of trash can liners are twofold. Plastic liners are more flexible and durable than other materials, that provide a better moisture and chemical barrier, and offer higher resistance to tear propagation. Trash can liners are typically made from linear low density polyethylene for superior tensile strength and tear resistance. Lightweight, but strong and durable, poly trash can liners make it possible to move and store more waste than ever before. And because of their advanced resistance to tearing and leaking, these liners make it possible to handle waste and other hazardous material without any threat to the surrounding environment.

By Joseph Coupal on 2/9/2010 12:41 PM

Container Bag Liners Provide Many Different Advantages

• Quick, easy installation from either inside or outside the container
• Fast and clean dumping
• More security when transporting
• Improves leak protection
• Cleaner containers
• Aids in dust and odor control
• Increases container longevity

Read More »

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By Joseph Coupal on 2/2/2010 9:06 AM

Are you looking for a certain types of bags which are practical for almost all types of items? Do you prefer to have bags that you can reuse and recycle from time to time? You should consider the polyethylene bags, commonly known as poly bags or plastic bags . Many industries use these bags due to wide variety of types available, ease of use and efficiency. They are frequently used in industries related to fabrics, apparels, electronics, foods, and the like to protect items from dust, dirt, and moisture.

Poly bags come in many different types in order to manage the variety of functions they are needed for. Among the more common and popular types are the flat, gusseted, and re-closable poly bags.

The most popular type among all the poly bags is the flat poly bag. T ... Read More »

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By Joseph Coupal on 1/25/2010 3:59 PM

All Atlantic Poly plastic bags are printed using a method called Flexographic Printing. Flexographic printing uses flexible rubber printing plates which are adhered to a cylinder. The inked plates with a slightly raised image are rotated on the cylinder and the image is transferred to the plastic sheet or bag.  All of our inks are water based and are environmentally friendly. We can print up to 8 colors on 2 sides.

Printing on a poly bag obviously adds to the cost of the bag. We can imprint as few as 5000 bags but the cost is much higher because of the set-up. (We find that for cost optimization runs of 25,000 or more are more cost efficient)

There is an initial cost for plates but the customer maintains ownership of the plates. T ... Read More »

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By Joseph Coupal on 1/20/2010 5:16 PM

PRICING ON ITS WAY UP !!

We have been advised that our polyethylene resin suppliers have implemented their previously announced .05/lb increase which will go into affect on Feb. 1, 2010  (This brings the total resin increases implemented since January of last year to over .21/lb).  Our suppliers  are citing continued export volumes, extremely low inventories throughout the supply chain, high operating rates, and rising costs on feed stocks as the main reason for the increases. Please be assured we will continue to support our loyal customers and continue to minimize the impact that these increases have on your business. 

By Joseph Coupal on 1/15/2010 8:47 AM

See table summary below

By Joseph Coupal on 1/9/2010 7:18 AM

RECYCLED BAGS

What is a recycled bag? Blending recycled resin with virgin resin creates a recycled content bag. There are currently no guidelines in place stating what a “decent” blend would be.  Making a 100% recycled bag is not recommended because doing this would compromise the strength of the bag. Our recycled bags are normally mfg. from a 30/70 blend. (30% Recycled/70% Virgin) The recycled content can consist of one of two different types of feedstock…post industrial scrap**(See Below) or post consumer scrap.**  In theory, a “recycled bag” should cost less than a “virgin grade bag” but, because of a fluctuating market this isn’t always the case. (The scrap still has to be processed, cleaned and mfg. into a ... Read More »

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By Joseph Coupal on 1/4/2010 2:28 PM

BIOGEGRADABLE PLASTICS

Biodegradability is an issue we’ve been involved with for the past several years. We urge you to read the following paragraphs to better understand what it involves. Currently we run both types of biodegradable bags (Oxo or Hydro). There is a shelf life with these bags so we currently do not have a stocking program.  Please contact us to help implement a “Green” program for your company.

Types of Biodegradable Plastics - It is important to distinguish between the different types of biodegradable plastic, as their costs and uses are very different.  The two main types are oxo-biodegradable and hydro-biodegradable. In both cases degradation begins with a chemical process (oxidation and hydrolysis respectively), followed by a biological process. Both types emit CO2 as they degrade, but hydro-biodegradable can also emit met ... Read More »

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By Joseph Coupal on 12/28/2009 3:57 PM

As a nationwide supplier of packaging materials we’re faced with unprecedented changes.  Environmental issues have suddenly been thrust to the forefront. We’ve been pro-active on this situation since 1995 with the establishment of  Envirotech Div. (this is the Recycling Division of Atlantic Poly). 

Over the past 15 years we’ve helped remove millions of lbs of scrap from the waste stream.  We receive hundreds of calls inquiring about Recycling, Recycled Bags, Biodegradable Bags, and other environmental questions.  Our views and what we’re doing about these issues will be discussed on the following pages. We realize each of your companies’ can be faced with different environmental challenges.  What works for one company might not be viable for another. We’re here as a ... Read More »

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By Joseph Coupal on 12/28/2009 8:49 AM

Atlantic Poly would like to help in your recycling efforts and conserving our environment:

• Help your company's bottom line
• Help your environment
• Reduce your waste disposal costs
• Potential for value of materials recycled
• Possible tax benefits for recycling material

If you are disposing of any of the below materials, we have the capabilities to remove this material from your company's waste stream and turn that woul ... Read More »

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By Joseph Coupal on 12/22/2009 11:39 AM

Quotes requests for recycled poly bags are on the rise. There are positives and negatives when ordering a recycled poly bag. The pluses being we’re able to blend reprocessed resin in with virgin resin to manufacture a “recycled bag”.  The minuses are many. We cannot make a bag under .0015 thickness because reprocessed resin is not as strong as virgin grade resin. (The strength of the bag can vary from batch to batch..) There’s also a slight “haziness” to the poly because of the blend. A recycled poly bag isn’t always less expensive than a virgin grade bag. (The recycled resin market is very volatile and pricing can increase/decrease in a very short period of time) 

By Joseph Coupal on 12/19/2009 7:12 AM

What It Is
Source reduction is decreasing the amount of materials or energy used during the manufacturing or distribution of products and packages. Because it stops waste before it starts, source reduction is the top solid waste priority of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

What Source Reduction Isn't
Source reduction is not the same as recycling. Recycling is collecting already used materials and making them into another product. Recycling begins at the end of a product's life, while source reduction first takes place when the product and its packaging are being designed.
The best way to think about source reduction and recycling is as complementary activities: combined, source reduction and recycling have a significant impact on preventing solid waste and saving resources.

Why It's Important ... Read More »

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By Joseph Coupal on 12/17/2009 2:36 PM

It has been assumed for a while now that imported production of plastic bags is always much cheaper than domestic production.  This is no longer true in many cases.

• Anti-Dumping tariffs have raised import prices.
• Reduction or elimination of Chinese government polyethylene resin subsidies, have raised import prices.
• Cost of moving factories from tariff affected countries (China and Vietnam) to non tariff countries (Cambodia, Laos) have raised import prices.

On standard low density constructions like patch handle, drawstring, drawtape, die cut, and soft loop, domestic might now be the way to g ... Read More »

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By Joseph Coupal on 12/3/2009 7:23 AM

New product meets all EPA and Government Requirements

Binskin Liners… We’ve developed a new line of Roll Off liners called “TRUE LINERS” Guaranteed full gauge, Full spec liners that meet all EPA and Government requirements. BinSkins™ are heavy-duty polyethylene liners, providing maximum protection for your roll-off containers. BinSkins™ reduce potential leakage, lower wash-out costs and increase container longevity. BinSkins™ provide a cleaner, safer, easier way to dump debris, and other airborne contaminants. Easily installed by one person, BinSkins™ quickly roll open and extend over the top and sides of the containers.

By Joseph Coupal on 11/26/2009 5:41 AM

Plastic poly bags have many uses and as we all know they are usually used over and over again.  Whenever we purchase something at a store, more often than not we take our items home in a poly bag. We then reuse these bags to transport something else or  to temporarily store items.

We find these bags are used everywhere including in kid's local sports leagues.  Hats and jerseys are distributed to each team in some form of a plastic bag. As I coach I reuse these bags for other things and hardly ever throw them away.  It's amazing how many uses these are for poly bags but equally impressive is how many times we reuse the bags. 

They are convenient, durable and safe for the environment.

By Joseph Coupal on 11/11/2009 9:13 AM

The uses and markets for polyethylene or poly bags are virtually endless.  Whenever you need to protect an item during storage or shipment, Atlantic Poly can supply a poly bag that is right for the job. Lighter density poly bags are a good choice for items that are not heavy and require only a basic shield from their nearby environmental surroundings. Heavy density poly bags keep your goods safe from harm in more abusive environments where dirt, dust, moisture, and motion could damage your goods.