We all know that Mylar is a good choice for storing food, cosmetics, and medicines. These are no doubt the popular uses of Mylar. But Mylar is not limited to these industries only. In fact, Mylar has countless benefits and uses for both electronics and emergency preparedness kits.
If you want to dive deep into the uses of Mylar packaging, this blog is for you. Believe us, it is going to be very fantastic. We will uncover the wonderful uses of Mylar that will amaze you. This blog will prepare you on how to use Mylar to keep your everyday household items protected during storms, rain, hurricanes, or floods. We will also cover how Mylar can help you deliver necessary supplies to the affected areas.
Ready and prepared? Let’s dive deep into this informative guide.
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The Unique Characteristics of Mylar
Before we start discussing the surprising uses of Mylar, let’s first take a look at how Mylar is different from other packaging materials. Mylar is composed of polyester film, an aluminum layer, and food-grade inner layers. It has the following unique features:
Oxygen Barrier: Mylar is almost impermeable to oxygen with a very low oxygen transmission rate (OTR). It means this gas can’t pass through or enter Mylar bags once they are sealed.
Light Blocking: The metalized layer reflects UV rays and blocks all light effectively.
Moisture Control: Mylar acts as a perfect moisture barrier and blocks humidity and water content.
High Tensile Strength: During manufacturing, Mylar is stretched in both directions. This process provides Mylar with extraordinary tensile strength and puncture resistance.
Thermal Stability: Mylar can withstand a wide range of temperature fluctuations on both sides. It makes it capable of storing goods in both freezing and high-temperature environments.
Heat Sealable: Mylar can be resealed easily at home with an ordinary or impulse heat sealer. It makes the pouch reusable and cost-effective.
Mylar Bags Usage for Electronics
The standard plastic bags can fry sensitive electronic products. They are porous, and that’s why they can accidentally expose items to the damaging factors outside. On the other hand, Mylar creates a perfect Faraday cage for electronics. There is no chance of external charges interfering with what’s inside. The same is the case for static charges inside.
Here are some of the benefits of Mylar for electronic packaging.
ESD Protection
This is no doubt one of the most basic requirements of electronics. From a simple computer chip to advanced industrial electronic products, everything demands a packaging that preserves them from electrostatic charge. Mylar fulfills this requirement very precisely.
The Science Behind Benefit: When an external static charge comes in contact, the metal layer conducts it to the entire surface. As a result, the charge is diluted, and soon it is dissipated instead of interacting with a single component inside.
Protection from Oxidation and Corrosion
Oxygen and moisture are the two primary culprits leading to oxidation or corrosion of electronics. Mylar blocks both of them, and that’s why there is no risk of rusting or damage. The multi-layered structure further complements this protection by setting up an impermeable barrier to other environmental agents. This is especially beneficial for businesses that store parts for a longer duration.
Superior to Pink Poly Bags
At this stage, we would like to present a brief comparison between Mylar and anti-static pink poly bags. Though pink poly bags are common, they are not as effective as Mylar. Pink poly bags are treated with a chemical agent that prevents static charge generation. However, they don’t possess shielding properties. It means a high voltage can passes direct through the components.
On the other hand, Mylar has a metal layer between the polyester layers. When a charge approaches, it is distributed throughout the surface, diluted, and dissipated. Furthermore, Mylar is durable, flexible, and lightweight. It prevents electronics from physical and environmental damage that poly bags can’t provide.
Mylar Bags Usage for Emergency Preparedness Kits
This is one of the most unanticipated use of Mylar pouches. Mylar offers an easy and cost-effective way to prepare, store, and deliver emergency kits. During emergencies, Mylar is not just a pouch; it becomes the life saver for the affected ones.
First-Aid Kits
For emergencies such as storms and floods, Mylar bags can be used to pack and deliver first-aid medical supplies. Storing them in standard plastic bags or rigid boxes can expose accessories to air and water, leading to immediate degradation. On the other hand, Mylar protects everything and ensures it is delivered in the same condition as it was packed.
Even if the Mylar bag floats on the surface of water, it has the ability to keep goods inside dry and protected.
Ration Bags for Crisis
When you have to deliver ration bags to far-off affected areas, Mylar bags are the gold standard. Just organize the ingredients, add oxygen absorbers, and seal them. The food items are now protected for years. This is especially beneficial in disasters such as floods and earthquakes, where food has to be delivered to the victims. Mylar ensures the nutritional value is protected, no matter if it takes several weeks until the bags are delivered.
Important Note: Multiple international welfare organizations, such as UNICEF, are now inclined towards using Mylar bags for emergency kits.
Safeguarding vital Records
During crises or acute emergencies, Mylar bags can be used to protect crucial documents. Imagine a picture of someone encountering a flooded basement due to a heavy, rainy storm. The situation worsens if there are crucial documents in the basement. The person has only a few minutes to take those pieces of paper to the safe place. Otherwise, water will take everything with it. What will he do?
The Mylar bags offer an efficient solution to this concern. Just place important documents in the pouch and seal it. The assets are protected now. This application can be widely advantageous in multiple everyday scenarios.
Survival Bags for Unexpected Overnights
Imagine someone goes for a family trip and the routes to return are blocked. This often happens in mountain sides or in regions with high snowfall. The clearing of routes might take some hours or even a whole day in some cases. Now, what if the family has to spend the whole night in the car?
Mylar bags are efficient in preventing tragedies in these scenarios. You just have to take a few Mylar pouches, fill them with necessary survival and food items, and place them with your luggage. Now, you have your survival kit ready for at least a couple of days.
The Bug Out Bag
It is a specialized, portable 72-hour emergency kit using different-sized Mylar bags. It includes several elements that are necessary in a survival kit. For example, it contains a Mylar blanket. This blanket can be used if someone accidentally falls into water. The blankets reflect 90% of heat to the person himself and prevent him from hypothermia until help arrives. Similarly, this bug-out bag contains several food preservatives, shelter, and sensitive items containing pouches designed for at least 72 hours of efficient protection.
What Can Be Stored in a Mylar Emergency Kit
There are a variety of items that can be packed in Mylar bags for emergency use. Here is a concise list:
- Edibles such as rice, oats, lentils, and dry fruits
- Essential medicines and medical supplies
- Important documents and papers
- Matches and fire starters
- Survival tools and hygiene kits
The Final Pro Tips
Alone, Mylar bags might not perfectly safeguard your items. That’s why we recommend adding desiccants and oxygen absorbers according to the products packed inside.
Use Descicators for electronic products. They remove moisture and keep the items protected from damage and corrosion.
Use Oxygen Absorbers for food items. They absorb oxygen and prevent spoilage and degradation.
Conclusion
Beyond packaging and kitchen, Mylar has countless advantages. It can be used to store electronics for longer periods. It can also be used to prepare emergency kits. For example, when there is a crisis or disaster, they can be used to deliver food and medical supplies to affected people. Just pack the things inside, add oxygen absorbers or desicants, and seal the pouch. Your pouches can now be shipped to far-off areas and are protected from damage.
If you need Mylar bags for electronics or emergency kits, The Box Lane is the right option. Explore our premium pouches on the site or contact us to get a custom quote.
FAQs
Do I need oxygen absorbers for electronics?
Electronics don’t spoil like food. That’s why there is no need to add oxygen absorbers. Instead, add silica gel desiccant packets because electronics can corrode and get damaged from humidity and moisture.
Are Mylar bags antistatic?
Not all the Mylar bags are antistatic. However, the bags specifically prepared for electronics are made antistatic. They dissipate the static charge and protect the frying of hard drives, computer chips, and other items.
How long do items last in sealed Mylar bags?
It depends on the materials packed inside and how long the desiccator or the oxygen absorber is effective. Generally, the food items, documents, and electronics can last for several decades when packed correctly.
Can I reuse Mylar bags from my emergency kit?
Yes, you can definitely use it multiple times unless the bag is punctured. You just have to cut the heat seal, take your items, fill the bag again, and seal it.
What size Mylar bag is best for an emergency kit?
It depends on the needs and the items to pack inside. 1-quart and 1-gallon bags are generally the top choice. Small 1-quart bags are suitable for individual needs, such as a first-aid kit or to pack accessories. On the other hand, a 1-gallon bag is good for storing rations for 72 hours.