Mylar bag films compared.
A mylar bag is a laminate: two to four layers of film bonded together, with a heat-sealable PE layer on the inside. The layers decide how the bag looks and how well it blocks light, moisture and air.
Order custom mylar bags online: any size from 500 bags, $535.34 delivered for 500 4″ × 6″ stand-up pouches, your art placed on your dieline and an instant 3D proof.
See my priceThe six films
| Material | Layers | Material thickness | Look | Barrier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matte metallized | MOPP / VMPET / PE | 3 to 6 mil (0.076 to 0.152 mm) | Matte silver base | High: a metallized layer |
| Foil barrier | PET / AL / PE | 3 to 6 mil (0.076 to 0.152 mm) | Bright foil | Highest: a solid aluminum layer |
| Kraft | Kraft / PET / AL / PE | 3 to 6 mil (0.076 to 0.152 mm) | Natural kraft | High: an aluminum layer under the paper |
| Clear | PET / PE | 3 to 5 mil (0.076 to 0.127 mm) | Clear, product visible | Lowest: clear film, light passes |
| Holographic | Holographic met-PET / PE | 3 to 5 mil (0.076 to 0.127 mm) | Holographic | High: a metallized holographic layer |
| Recyclable mono-PE | PE / EVOH / PE | 3 to 6 mil (0.076 to 0.152 mm) | Matte white | Moderate: an EVOH oxygen layer |
| Liquid foil | PET / AL / NY / PE | 3 to 6 mil (0.076 to 0.152 mm) | Bright foil | Highest: a solid aluminum layer, nylon reinforced for liquids |
| Oil and fragrance foil | PET / AL / NY / CPP | 3 to 6 mil (0.076 to 0.152 mm) | Bright foil | Highest: a solid aluminum layer, nylon reinforced, oil-resistant CPP inside |
Which one to choose
- Foil barrier when shelf life matters most: the solid aluminum layer blocks the most light, moisture and air.
- Matte metallized for the classic matte mylar look with a strong barrier.
- Kraft for a natural paper look with an aluminum layer inside.
- Holographic for a rainbow finish that stands out on a shelf.
- Clear to show your product; it blocks the least light.
- Recyclable mono-PE for a single-material PE bag with a matte white look.
Finishes and effects
Every film comes in matte, gloss or soft-touch. Hot foil in gold, silver, copper or holographic, or spot UV, can highlight a logo or a word. The order page prices each choice the moment you pick it.
Price
A 4″ × 6″ matte metallized stand-up pouch at 3 mil is $535.34 for 500 and $0.784 each at 1,000, with no plate or setup fees. Other films, thicker gauges and effects change that a little, and the order page shows the exact price as you choose.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best mylar bag film for shelf life?
Foil barrier film (PET / AL / PE). Its solid aluminum layer blocks the most light, moisture and air of the six films.
What does mil mean for mylar bags?
A mil is one thousandth of an inch (0.0254 mm), so 3 mil is 0.076 mm and 5 mil is 0.127 mm. You choose the thickness: every material starts at 3 mil, and thicker bags feel sturdier and cost a little more.
Are recyclable mylar bags available?
Yes. Mono-PE pouches are made of one material family, PE, with an EVOH oxygen layer, instead of mixed plastic and aluminum layers.
Do different films cost more?
A little. The six films differ by a cent or two per bag on a typical size, and a thicker gauge adds a fraction of a cent per mil. Spot effects like hot foil or spot UV add a few cents. The order page shows the exact price for your choices.