

*2 mins read
What are Mylar Bags? What Are their Uses?
Publish Date
August 04, 2025
Written by
Emily Chris Kieran
Mylar bags are non-porous yet portray heavy strength than many other types of packaging, these are also referred as foodsaver bags. Therefore, more suitable for storage over a longer time period. These are suitable for storage over a longer time frame. If you come across a query, what are Mylar bags? Mylars are a sturdier form of plastic possessing three layers, aluminium foil and polyester at the outer layer. It also has many characteristics like a metalized sheen layer, basically, and thus it portrays a shine, making the manufacturing feel like authentic.
When it is about their competition, they are vacuum bags, which have been a handy option, but they clearly lack, as opaque mylar bags are best known for food storage and protecting food from getting exposed to sunlight. Prevalently, these bags also don’t compromise our product kept inside, keeping it in intact form in its original. At ColorWing, we ensure packaging solutions that uplift your branding to the next level. The mylar bags are known for their tensile feel and protective properties.
Mylar bags are durably made from strong, durable polyester film and used for long-term storage of dry goods. These also offer barrier protection against oxygen and contaminants. Standard vacuum seal bags, while remaining a good option for keeping the air out, but generally used for short to medium term storage. The vacuum bags are also impermeable to the inclement elements, as mylar bags tend to be.
Size | Dimensions | Thickness | Features |
Small | 6" x 8" x 4.5" | 4.5 mil | Extremely Low OTR - Thick Laminate Foil - Stand-Up Pouch - Ideal for smaller quantities - May be more affordable |
Large | 6.5" x 9.5" x 4.5" | 7.5 mil | Extremely Low OTR - Thick Laminate Foil - Stand-Up Pouch - Suitable for larger volumes - May offer better value per unit volume |
What Are Mylar Bags Uses?

Mylar bags can be an excellent option for those who aren't a fan of plastic bags.
Mylar bags can be a fantastic alternative for those who don't wish to buy plastic bags. We will discuss what are mylar bags? And what are their uses predominantly?
The prevalence of mylar bags made it a renowned option, as mylar market is about to touch the CAGR of 6.9% by 2031. We will guide you through each step. With mylar packaging in mind your brand gets the recognition as your brand’s impression gets the attention.
Material Used To Form Mylars
If you are concerned what are mylar bags made of? Polyethene Terephthalate (PET) is a thin film, is stretched to an elongated grid with reduced thickness. The film then crystallizes to this form as biaxially-oriented PET (boPET) or Mylar. This stops the film from shrinking back to its previous shape. This is because of the molecular alignment.
What are the Benefits of Mylar?

Mylar is the most suitable choice for the long-term storage of food items due to its distinctive characteristics. It has a high tensile strength and resistance to temperature. Also, it offers stability to chemicals and protection against odors, gases and very light. Custom mylar bags are always an authentic choice as compared to plastic totes; they are child-resistant.
The aluminium layer in the Mylar bag, also known as a foil pouch, is the reason the majority of food items are kept in the bags. By using food storage bags made of Mylar they will allow you to prolong the shelf life of the food you consume. Mylar bags are most well-known for their ability to store perishable items security.
Reusable Mylar Bags

When it comes to reuse, these bags are designed with the highest quality. Mylar bags are recyclable and therefore ideal to use over the long term and for cost savings. Thus they are long-term storage mylar bags used for the storage of food items, the product's preservation could rise up to new heights. Also, you can present your business as one that preserves freshness.
Mylar bags are able to be adjusted in size, and even broken to smaller sizes. Can mylar bags be recycled? It's not possible to recycle them reused them, however, recycling them can be a viable possibility. For the most benefit of your Mylar cleaning, make sure to clean them thoroughly following each use. Always close the top to ensure that it is not necessary to take them off when you're prepared to use them again. Mylar packaging is safe to store the items you want to store.
FoodSaver Bags Compared To Mylar Bags?

FoodSaver bags are not suited effectively in long-term extreme storage. If you intend to store food items in storage for more than a calendar year, Mylar bags are your best choice since they are a well-established and feasible alternative. It is possible to use Mylar bags for the storage of food, and they last over a decade. With proper use of an oxygen absorber, your food could last for longer storage, like long-term food storage is synonymous with mylar bags.
In the meantime, FoodSaver bags can leak and allow air to enter. Mylar bags, on the other hand, are likely to protect against inclement elements. They are also more opaque, thereby blocking sunlight more effectively. If you're worried about the longevity of food items, what is the average time it will stay in bags made of Mylar?
We will also be answering your query, “How long does food last in Mylar bags? The typical range is from five years up to the maximum time of twenty-five years. Make use of Mylar bags to cover a 5 or 6-gallon "food-grade" bucket. This can provide extra protection as well as security (especially in the event that rats pose the main concern) and also make the handling process simpler. The food-safe BPA-free mylar bags from ColorWing ensure your products remain free from toxins. Let us craft packaging that is sure to uplift your food safety standards. You can order an accurate mylar bag size based on the graph below.
Large Size Mylars
When it’s about containing more quantity of the item, you have to adapt them wisely. These can have dimensions upto 40.64x50.8 in centimeters.
Large Mylar Bags in Centimeters (WxH) | Large Mylar Bags in Inches (WxH) |
30.48x 40.64 | 12”x16” |
35.56x45.72 | 14”x18” |
40.64x 50.8 | 16" x20" |
Extra Large Mylar Bags
The durable Mylar bag is pre-sealed three times to create the bag. These 20 x 30-inch bags can be used inside a bucket of either 5 or 6 gallons, with enough material sticking up to heat
seal. 8 x 12-inch bags are 1-quart in size.
Extra Large Mylar in Centimeters (WxH) | Extra Large Mylar in Inches (WxH) | Approx. Volume (Gallons) | Maximum Weight (Dry Food) (kg) |
40.64x50.8 | "16" x "20" | "2.5-3" | "2.6" |
45.72x 60.96 | "18" x "24" | "3.7-5" | "3.8" |
50.8x76.2 | "20" x "30" | "5.1-7" | "6.3" |
Stand-Up Mylar Pouches and Bags

The button pocket that is standard is identical to the stand-up Mylar. The two bags share a common method of working and use. The bags are similar, apart from the form. A stand-up Mylar bag is a versatile product in contrast to the bottom bags that are square. The bag's bottom is able to take on any shape, like rectangular, round, oval, square, or rectangular. You can pick through mylar bags that make it easier for your brand to excel. You can also pick through stand-up pouches that tend to be suitable and are quite a popular choice for freeze-dried items.
Best Uses for Mylar Bags
Mylar bags are typically utilized to:
Long-term food storage - rice flour, beans, beans dried fruit, coffee and many more.
Cannabis and hemp storage - It keeps the flower fresh, powerful and smell-free.
Disaster Preparedness is ideal for storing food and other supplies.
Pharmaceutical Packaging for Supplements and Pharmaceuticals - It is resistant to moisture and contaminates.
Do Mylar Bags Need Oxygen Absorbers?

If you're making use of Mylar bags for food storage, including oxygen absorbers is vital. Oxygen absorbers assist in removing the remaining oxygen and prevent the spread of insects and spoilage. But, when it comes to cannabis storage, humidifiers (like Boveda) may be more effective. At ColorWing, we make mylar bags in which you can easily place oxygen absorbers and enhance the shelf life of your stored products.
How to Properly Seal Mylar Bags

For you to ensure that Mylar bags are effective to ensure that Mylar bags function effectively, follow these steps:
The Bag is filled - leave an opening above the bag to seal.
Incorporate Oxygen Absorbers (if required). Choose the appropriate dimensions based on the volume of the bag.
Secure the bag with the heat sealing tool, flat iron or perhaps a common iron to make the airtight seal.
Place the bag in a cool, dark Place. Keep bags out of excessive sunlight and direct temperature.
Do Mylar Bags Work for Smell-Proof Storage?
Absolutely! Mylar bags are widely used in the cannabis industry due to the fact that they are able to contain strong odors. That makes them an ideal option for growers and dispensaries who want to adhere to the regulations on packaging.
1-Gallon Mylar Pouch
One-gallon Mylar bags are an excellent size to package essential grains and beans for families. A pint or a quart could be useful for packing small quantities to fit 2 or 3 individuals. Certain items, like spices, freeze-dried meats that are appropriate for smaller packages. These mylar pouches work adequate for storing a smaller portion.
Small Size Mylars
When we discuss small-sized mylar bags, their height, width in centimeters and inches are mentioned below.
Small Mylar in Centimeters (WxH) | Small Mylar in Inches (WxH) |
5.08x7.62 | 2”x3” |
7.62x10.16 | 3”x4” |
10.16x 15.24 | 4" x6" |
Medium Size Mylars
The medium-sized mylar dimensions are hence described below as we fathom each mylar bag is something you want for your branding and food storage.
Medium Mylar in Centimeters (WxH) | Medium Mylar in Inches (WxH) |
12.7x17.78 | 5" x 7" |
15.24x 20.32 | 6" x 8" |
17.78x 22.86 | 7" x 9" |
5-Gallon Mylar Bag for Use Inside a Plastic Bucket
One of the best ways to wrap dry items for storage is to use a 5 gallon Mylar bag that is placed inside an aluminum bucket. Mylar bags are a great way to store dry goods. Mylar forms an oxygen barrier, which significantly decreases the transfer of oxygen over time, which can cause problems in buckets made of plastic. The bucket is a great way to stop rodents from gnawing through the Mylar bags. If you're interested in the longest possible storage time, then a Mylar bag that fits inside an aluminum bucket is the ideal solution.
Customize Your Own Mylar Bag Size

One-gallon Mylar pouches. You can then reduce them to smaller sizes. The Mylar can be sealed once it is heated. Take your iron hair straightener or flat iron and close the edges of the iron to create an additional pouch. Add dry food items, then cover the top with a seal. With three layers of protection, Mylar becomes a first-rate option for storing food and emergency supplies.
Printing of Mylar Packaging

At ColorWing, we place a premium on the construction of each mylar bag with custom prints. Printing your designs on Mylar packaging is a great method to create custom packaging. This is especially useful for goods that require airtight, moisture-resistant storage. This method involves techniques like printing using flexographic or rotogravure to create details like the product's information, logos, and other designs that appear more prominent when printed on bags with specialised inks.
The Mylar film offers a great print surface, providing sharp, clear details as well as vivid color schemes. This type of printing can be used in various industries, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food products. This printing can be customized to increase brand recognition and visibility. Consider talking to experts at ColorWing to upscale your packaging dream, turning your vision into a success. Your choice of printing can help you personalize the experience for prospects. Reach out to us if you want a mylar packaging that stands out the most.

Emily Chris Kieran
Meet Emily Chris Kieran, a seasoned packaging industry writer with 7+ years of experience in the printing and packaging sector based in Texas. With a keen eye for color and a passion for data-driven insights, Emily crafts compelling content strategies that explore the intricacies of packaging and printing. She possesses in-depth knowledge of the industry's dynamics, staying up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies. When she's not delving into industry trends, you can find her unwinding on the golf course, where she finds inspiration and clarity. With a love for polo and a knack for storytelling, Emily brings a unique perspective to the world of packaging, illuminating fascinating facts and trends that inform and engage.