CAN LINERS BUYING GUIDE

Selecting the Proper Can Liner: A Technical Overview

Can liners, commonly referred to as trash bags, may appear to be a straightforward procurement item for facilities such as restaurants, hotels, or office buildings. However, when performance, durability, and cost-efficiency matter, selecting the appropriate liner requires consideration of key variables—including size, gauge (thickness), resin type (HDPE vs. LLDPE), and bag style (flat seal, gusseted, star seal). Improper liner selection can lead to product failure, increased waste, labor inefficiencies, and unnecessary expense. Can liners rank among the most heavily used disposable items in commercial operations—second only to paper towels and toilet paper. A proper understanding of liner specifications enables you to match the correct liner to the waste stream, container size, and operational demands. This ensures optimal performance, reduces waste, and contributes directly to cost control and operational efficiency.

Key Considerations in Can Liner Selection

  • Bag Dimensions (Size): Ensure the liner fits the container properly—snug around the rim and flat at the base—to prevent slippage and reduce material waste.
  • Resin Type – HDPE vs. LLDPE:
    • High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE): Thinner, lightweight, suitable for wet or soft waste, and more cost-effective.
    • Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE): Thicker, more stretchable and puncture-resistant—ideal for sharp or irregular contents.
  • Bag Seal Configuration:
    • Flat Seal: Simple and economical, but prone to leaking.
    • Gusseted Seal: Expands to hold more volume but may stress under heavy loads.
    • Star Seal: Distributes weight evenly, reduces leaks—ideal for most commercial applications.
  • Gauge (Thickness): Measured in mils (LLDPE) or microns (HDPE), appropriate thickness depends on the weight and nature of the waste. Over-specifying increases cost; under-specifying increases failure rates.
  • Color Coding: Use colors to support waste segregation (e.g., black for general waste, clear for recyclables, green for organics) or branding requirements.
  • “Green” or Compostable Liners: Certified compostable liners (e.g., ASTM D6400 or BPI Certified) are suitable for organic waste and required in certain jurisdictions. Note that compostable bags typically have lower strength and limited shelf life.
  • Packaging Format: Choose the style that supports your workflow and storage needs:
    • Flat pack (interleaved)
    • Coreless rolls
    • Individual dispensing formats

Sizing the Liner Correctly

  • A properly sized liner should securely wrap around the top rim of the container and lie flat at the bottom.
  • Oversized bags result in excess plastic usage and increased cost per liner.
  • Undersized bags are prone to tearing, slipping, or falling inside the container—leading to increased labor and waste.
  • Use a liner sizing chart to match dimensions (width × length) to standard can sizes in your operation.

Can Liner Resin Types: High-Density vs. Low-Density

  • High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
    High-density can liners are ideal for light-duty trash applications such as office desk waste, bathroom paper towels, and tissues.
    • Thickness is measured in microns (metric system).
    • Generally less expensive than low-density liners.
    • The dense molecular structure causes the material to “zipper” or tear easily, making HDPE best suited for lightweight, soft waste.
  • Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE or LLDPE)
    Low-density can liners are designed for heavy-duty waste like construction debris or kitchen trash.
    • Thickness is measured in mils (thousandths of an inch). For example, a 0.55 mil liner is 55 thousandths of an inch thick.
    • Typically more costly than high-density liners.
    • Exhibits greater stretch and tear resistance, preventing zipper tears and allowing the bag to withstand heavy loads without compromising integrity.