When it comes to long term food storage, there are few options that can come close to Mylar bags. These mylar bags also stand out as a great alternative to vacuum sealing. This is because it is designed with a thicker laminate layer and generally has a low OTR (Oxygen Transmission Rate). Mylar is lightweight and can protect stored food from odor, light, and moisture. It is reported that when Mylar is used together with oxygen absorbers, shelf life can increase to as high as 30 years.
What is Mylar made of?
On first impression, Mylar has a metallic appearance. In actuality, Mylar is made from plastic. It is made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
Are Mylar bags toxic?
The type of plastic that Mylar bags are made from have been approved to be safe by international food safety authority. They are safe since they do not react to food materials.
Practical uses of Mylar bags
Mylar bags go beyond just food preservation. Their design and functionality makes it easy to have a wide range of applications.
Food prepping
Mylar bags are able to preserve food for a significant length of time. When used in conjunction with oxygen absorbers, they make excellent food storage bags. This makes them ideal for storing away food for times of emergency.
Preserving photos and books
With a low OTR, the thick laminate layer of Mylar bags made it hard for oxygen to get into the back and cause any form of oxidation. This makes Mylar bags a viable option to store valuable pictures, magazines, postcards, comics, etc
Other ways to use Mylar bags include:
- To store vinyl material, DVDs, and CDs
- Preserving items easily susceptible to rust and corrosion like nuts and bolts
- Improving shelf life of pharmaceutical and medical drugs
- Short-term food packing
- Storing dried food like nuts, tea, spices, etc.
- Can be used to store firearms and ammunition to reduce moisture and humidity. However it should be used together with desiccants
Tips on how to use Mylar bags
To get maximum protection, you have to use the Mylar bags the best way they are designed. Here are some tips to better use the bags.
- Mylar bags may be durable but they’re not rodent-proof. Ensure you keep them safely hidden away from rodents. Rodents can compromise the integrity of the bags
- Seal Mylar bags immediately and the items are placed in it. It will help the oxygen absorbers get to work quicker.
- To avoid forgetting to label the bags, it’s advisable to label them before placing any item in them. It’s easy to forget what item was placed once the bags are sealed
Conclusion
Mylar bags are one of the most popular storage bags in the food processing industry. Although they have a metallic appearance, they are made from plastic — polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Mylar bags are used to protect and preserve items more than just food. The post examines important tips on how to get the best functions out of the Mylar bags.
