Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Imprinted Trash Bags
Choosing a vendor for your trash and recycling bags may seem
like an easy decision, but there are actually a lot of different
factors you should consider before making a purchasing decision.
Below are just some of the most frequently asked questions we get
at WasteZero, to help you in your search for the perfect solution
for your very specific needs.
Q: All bags are the same, aren't they? So I should just
look for the lowest price, right?
Actually, no. There are several differences in the bags you can
choose, including color and size, thickness, closure
type, and custom printing options. In addition to
considering price, it is critical that you consider elements like
bag strength and quality, ensuring proper materials and
technologies are used in the manufacture, and having the confidence
that you will actually receive what you order, on time.
Unfortunately, the old adage "you get what you pay for" is almost
always true.
Q: Why is the thickness of a bag so important?
There is a wide range of thickness to consider with
your trash and recycling bags, and it is critical you get the right
thickness for your needs. Bags that are too thin can't hold enough,
and may tear or rip. Not only is this a mess but the inconvenience
causes resident frustration and dissatisfaction.
Ideally, you also should look for bags made with 3-ply
technology for extra strength. WasteZero is one of the only
manufacturers of residential trash and recycling bags to
have 3-ply capability.
In addition, WasteZero can manufacture bags with a gauge
thickness ranging from 1.0 mil to 2.5 mil. Why is this important?
While retail bags are usually less than 1.0 mil in thickness, bags
used for pay-as-you-throw or other residential programs should
always be thicker as residents are prone to over-stuffing.
Our thickness is always what we quote, and it is checked several
times during production, ensuring your and your residents'
satisfaction.
Q: What materials should I look for in choosing the right
bag?
There are a number of different resins that are used to make
plastic bags, and they have varying levels of density and strength.
For example, hexene - a common material used in plastic bag
manufacturing - is a strong material, but it is only around
the 'middle of the pack' with respect to other materials.
WasteZero actually uses metallocene in our plastics, which is
generally considered to have a higher level of performance than
other similar materials.
In addition, with a focus on sustainability and "green"
initiatives throughout the US, plastic bags made with recycled
content are not only a popular choice but a smart
choice. WasteZero uses both pre- and post-consumer recycled
content in our bags. While we can manufacture bags with any
percentage of recycled material (even 100%), we find that the
strongest product comes from mixing both recycled and virgin
material.
Q: What is the difference between closure types for
bags?
There are two things to consider when choosing the closure type
(like drawstring, twist tie, and wave top): capacity and
convenience.
With respect to capacity, drawstring bags have more capacity -
meaning they can hold more trash - than any other style bag. For
example, an industry-standard 33 gallon bag with a drawstring
closure can hold 25% more trash than a twist tie bag of the same
size.
Convenience is another important consideration, and studies have
shown that residents are typically overwhelming in favor of
drawstring bags. How do we know? Nearly 75% of all trash bags
purchased in grocery stores are drawstring.
WasteZero has the uncommon capability to produce drawstring
bags, which requires newer technology. And our experience with
multiple styles and closure types enable us to recommend and then
produce the ideal bag for your specific needs.
Q: Does it matter where the bags are actually
manufactured?
Yes. There are many bag vendors who do not do their own
manufacturing, but instead source their bags from other companies
or countries. The biggest problems that arise in that situation are
control and quality. We always advise that you ask if the
vendor owns their own manufacturing facility before choosing a
vendor.
At WasteZero, we make all of our bags in our leading-edge
factory in South Carolina. We know exactly what goes into each case
of bags, and weight is measured and recorded every time. Every case
is coded with a unique trackable number, so if a customer has a
question, we can respond immediately with the exact weight of the
case at the time it was packed. So you get exactly what you order,
every time.
In addition, WasteZero is a single-source
vendor. That means we have ownership of the process from order
to delivery, which enables us to maintain control and ensure the
effectiveness of the process.
Quality control is also an issue with outsourced bags.
Unless the manufacturer has a detailed and comprehensive
Quality Assurance process, and an on-site Quality Control Lab,
consistent quality is hard to achieve. The reality
is that not many manufacturers are capable of - or have the
financial resources to - maintain the highest level of quality. At
WasteZero, we have a detailed quality program that we are always
happy to share with our customers.
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