How to Choose the Right Type of Anti-Static Bag for Your Product

26 May 2025

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Atlantic Poly, Inc. - Anti-Static Bag

When it comes to shipping or storing sensitive electronics, choosing the right type of anti-static bag isn’t just a packaging decision — it’s a matter of protecting your product’s integrity, preventing costly failures, and ensuring compliance with ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) safety standards.

At Atlantic Poly, Inc., we specialize in high-quality industrial packaging solutions — including a wide range of anti-static and static shielding bags. Here’s a simple guide to help you select the best option for your product.

Why Anti-Static Bags Matter

Electronic components — like circuit boards, computer chips, and sensors — are highly vulnerable to damage from static electricity. Even a small electrostatic discharge, invisible to the naked eye, can fry internal circuits or weaken long-term performance.

Using the proper anti-static packaging is essential for:

  • Preventing ESD damage during handling or shipping
  • Complying with industry regulations (especially for aerospace, medical, or military components)
  • Reducing returns, repairs, and warranty claims

The Main Types of Anti-Static Bags

1. Pink Anti-Static Poly Bags

These are ideal for non-sensitive components or for use in ESD-safe environments. They don’t shield from static, but they prevent static buildup on the bag surface.

Best for:

  • Hardware that isn’t ESD-sensitive
  • Secondary packaging inside an ESD-safe zone
  • Cost-effective general use

2. Static Shielding Bags (Metal-In or Metal-Out)

Made with a metallized layer, these bags are designed to block external static fields and protect static-sensitive devices like PCBs or memory chips.

Metal-In bags have the conductive layer beneath the plastic, offering better durability.

Metal-Out bags are designed for faster static dissipation and are often used in cleanroom or quick-handling environments.

Best for:

  • Integrated circuits, processors, memory modules
  • Shipping and storing sensitive electronics
  • Environments outside an ESD-safe zone

3. Black Conductive Bags

Constructed with carbon-loaded materials, these bags are fully conductive and used for high-risk applications where maximum ESD protection is critical.

Best for:

  • High-value, ultra-sensitive components
  • Environments with high static risk
  • Long-term or high-volume transport

Key Questions to Ask When Choosing a Bag

Is the product static-sensitive?

If yes, go with shielding or conductive bags — pink bags won’t provide enough protection.

Will the product leave an ESD-safe environment?

Use static shielding or conductive bags to ensure it’s protected in transit.

Is visibility important?

Shielding bags are typically semi-transparent. Black conductive bags are opaque.

How will it be handled or shipped?

Choose more rugged materials (e.g., metal-in shielding or thicker gauge poly) for rough shipping conditions.

Custom Sizing & Bulk Orders Available

At Atlantic Poly, we offer:

  • Custom sizes to fit your components perfectly
  • Bulk ordering options for manufacturers and suppliers
  • Expert guidance on packaging best practices
  • Anti-static bags with resealable or heat-sealable options

Whether you’re outfitting a cleanroom, preparing shipments, or building out your assembly line packaging, our team is here to help you match the right bag to the right job.

Let’s Get You the Right Protection

Not sure which type of anti-static bag is right for your application? Contact Atlantic Poly, Inc. today — our packaging specialists will guide you to the perfect solution based on your product specs, shipping needs, and industry requirements.