THE STORY BEHIND A PRODUCT
From raw material to film, from printing to cutting.
Discover the production journey of the plastic bag and the machines that make it possible.
A Hopan and Özmak group project
Behind the bag in your hand lie material selection, heat, air and a precise production process. Polyethylene granules first become film, then a bag suited to its intended use.
Let's follow this journey step by step.
01 — 05 / PRODUCTION ATLAS
01 / Raw material
Production begins with choosing the right raw material for the type of bag. Plastic bag production mainly uses high-density (HDPE), low-density (LDPE) and linear low-density (LLDPE) polyethylene.
02 / Film
The granules are melted and pushed through a circular die to form a continuous tube. Air is blown into the tube; the melt inflates like a balloon, is cooled into a thin plastic film and wound onto a roll.
03 / Printing · Optional
If a logo, brand name or technical information is needed on the bag, the film goes through printing. When an unprinted bag is preferred, this stage is left out of the production process.
04 / Cutting and sealing
The printed or unprinted film roll arrives at the bag cutting machine. Depending on the type of bag, the film is cut, sealed and given any special treatments needed to make it ready for use.
05 / Inspection
In the final stage, the bag's dimensions, seal seams and any printing are checked. Bags that pass are packed and become ready for everyday use.
RAW MATERIAL & MACHINERY
Hopan and Özmak are companies of the same group; this site covers the raw material and machinery sides together.
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RAW MATERIAL SUPPLY
Polyethylene raw material: HDPE · LDPE · LLDPE
Plastic bag production begins with choosing the right raw material for the type of bag. Hopan is part of this first step: it supplies high-density (HDPE), low-density (LDPE) and linear low-density (LLDPE) polyethylene raw material. Contact Hopan for your plastic raw material needs.
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MACHINE MANUFACTURING
Machines: film extrusion · bag cutting · recycling
The machines that turn raw material into film and film into bags are Özmak's field: blown film extrusion lines, bag cutting machines and recycling machines that reprocess production scrap. For these machines, you can contact Öz-mak Plastik Makina, Türkiye's leading manufacturer, exporting to more than 80 countries around the world.
RECYCLING
In plastic bag production, scrap can arise during the film and cutting stages. Suitable production scrap can be processed in recycling machines into regranulate and reused as recycled raw material.
This way, resources are used more carefully. Keep in mind that not all scrap can be reused in the same way; suitability depends on the material and the intended use of the final product.
A short starter guide
to understanding production.
One of the most common raw materials is polyethylene (PE). HDPE, LDPE and LLDPE grades can be used alone or in blends, depending on the intended use and the desired properties of the product.
HDPE generally gives a stiffer, crinklier film; LDPE gives a softer, more flexible one. The properties of the final product are assessed together with the blend, film thickness and production conditions.
Thickness affects material consumption, feel and performance. The right value is chosen by considering the product to be carried, the dimensions, the raw material and the seal design together.
Printability depends on the film structure, surface treatment, ink and printing method. That is why the design should be assessed together with the production conditions.
It can, depending on the product requirements and the area of use. The source and technical suitability of the material should be assessed; the same formulation is not suitable for every application.
The basic line consists of a film extrusion machine that turns granules into film and a bag cutting and sealing machine that turns film into bags. If printed bags are required, a flexographic printing machine is added in between. Recycling machines can be used to turn production scrap back into raw material.
CONTACT
Write to Hopan for your polyethylene raw material needs. For film extrusion, bag cutting and recycling machines, you can visit the Özmak website.