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Cellophane Bags: Are They Making a Comeback?

Jan 26

In this fast-paced life and with the continuous technology upgrades, people are now looking for convenience and comfort in all things, packaging included. When it comes to packaging, consumers want something that is strong, disposable and has attractive designs (for some). Gone were the days when brown paper bag packaging was the only choice people had. This consumer drive for convenience led to the creation of cellophane bags. Cellophane bags have been used for a variety of packaging products since their invention in the 1900s. Candy and cigars are the company's most popular packed products, as both require water-resistant packaging that still allows for airflow. Let's discover what cellophane bags are! 

What is a Cellophane Bag?

Cellophane bags, often known as cello bags, are thin, translucent cellulose bags. Cellophane is a thin, transparent sheet manufactured from cellulose that has been regenerated. It is suitable for food packaging due to its low permeability to air, oils, greases, bacteria, and water. Water vapour permeation is high in cellophane, but it can be prevented by coating it with nitrocellulose lacquer. While working with Blanchisserie et Teinturerie de Thaon, Swiss chemist Jacques E. Brandenberger invented cellophane. After observing wine spilled on a restaurant tablecloth in 1900, he wanted to make a textile that would repel rather than absorb liquids. He began by spraying a waterproof coating onto cloth, which he chose to be viscose. The resulting coated fabric was considerably too stiff, but the diaphanous film coating could be easily and without damage detach from the supporting material. Brandenberger quickly abandoned his initial plan after seeing the possibilities of this new material on its own. Brandenberger perfected his craft in a span of ten years. He added glycerin to the formula in order to soften the material. And by 1912, he had finally created a machine that could manufacture the film, which he called Cellophane (a combination of cellulose and diaphane).  

Truly, cellophane has come a very long way since its creation in 1912. Today, cellophane is used for candy wrapping, meat packaging, adhesive tapes, and so much more. The question remains: do we actually benefit from the creation of these cellophane bags? 

Benefits of Using a Cellophane Bag

1. Cellophane is plant-based 

Cellophane is a plant-based material that takes its name from the structural component of plants, cellulose. Cellophane can be made from plants that are easy to grow, such as hemp or farmed trees. Hemp can grow in difficult environments and on land that would otherwise be used for food production. It can be thrown into the compost heap, where it will decompose safely. You must be certain that you are adding cellophane to your compost heap because many other plastic materials can seem similar but will not break down on the compost pile.

2. Cellophane can be composted

Cellophane will biodegrade, however, the amount of time it takes depends depend on whether it is coated or not. For uncoated cellulose films, complete biodegradation takes 1–2 months, and for coated cellulose films, it takes 2.5–4 months. In a freshwater environment, uncoated cellulose film biodegrades in 10 days while coated cellulose film biodegrades in a month. Do not dispose of cellophane bags in the recyclable bin because unlike plastic, they are non-recyclable. 

3. Cellophane is breathable

The cellophane bag's breathability makes it ideal for products that require oxygen to flow within the packaging but don't want too much moisture to soak in. Because there are few packaging materials that offer these benefits, cellophane bags are commonly employed in a wide range of industrial applications.

4. Cellophane is cost-effective

Another amazing advantage of Cellophane bags is that they are highly cost-effective when it comes to packaging. Since 1912, cellulose packaging has existed as a byproduct of the paper industry. While it is more expensive than standard packaging materials, Cellophane is surprisingly inexpensive when compared to various high-performance packaging, which may cost hundreds of dollars. 

5. Cellophane bags offer room for creativity

Cellophane bags can also be used for a variety of creative and entertaining purposes. It has become highly popular in the candy sector due to its adaptable and clear construction, which allows you to see the product while simultaneously maintaining water and moisture resistance, which is critical for candy preservation. Cellophane bags are also commended for their ability to come in a wide range of gauges and weight strengths. The cellophane bags come in a range of thicknesses, and many of them can hold anywhere from 14 pounds to 10 pounds of packaged merchandise. Also, cellophane bags can be customisable and will come in a wide variety of colours, designs, and shapes so that you can use them accordingly for whatever it is that you need. 

Order Your Cellophane Bags From Us

In recent years, eco-friendly designs have become increasingly popular in a variety of industries, including food packaging. The advantages of cellophane bags have been extended to the creation of environmentally friendly merchandise. This beneficial transformation has undoubtedly brought a smile to the faces of business people who had been chastised by organizations that organized campaigns to stop the planet's destruction. Cellophane is a versatile material that may be utilized in a range of applications and in a multitude of sectors, including florists, bakeries, and supermarkets. You can employ a variety of eco-friendly cellophane packaging and wrapping choices in your business.

Cello Bags Australia is a Melbourne-based packaging company that started as a small family business in 1963. Because of the changing business trend to adopt more environment-friendly business processes and strategies, Cello Bags Melbourne has committed to supplying Australians with the best cellophane products. Today, they are one of the best suppliers of cello bags and Natureflex bags all over Australia.