Plastic shopping bags typically range in thickness from about 0.5 Mils for thin bags up to about 2 Mils for thicker retail bags.
The thickness of a plastic shopping bag is not standardized; it varies depending on its intended use and the material used. Thickness is commonly measured in Mils, which is a unit of length equal to one-thousandth of an inch (0.001 inches). A higher Mil number indicates a thicker, and generally stronger, bag.
Thickness Ranges for Different Plastic Bags
Based on information regarding reusable bags and typical plastic bag thicknesses:
- Thin plastic shopping bags, often like those used for groceries, are approximately 0.5 Mils thick.
- A bread bag is typically thicker, around 1.5 Mils. While not a shopping bag in the same sense, this provides a point of comparison.
- Thick, retail plastic shopping bags, such as those provided by clothing or shoe stores, are considerably more robust, measuring about 2 Mils.
This variation highlights how bag thickness is tailored to the expected load and durability requirements.
Approximate Bag Thicknesses
Here is a summary of typical thicknesses for various plastic bags, including shopping bag types mentioned:
| Bag Type | Approximate Thickness (Mils) |
|---|---|
| Thin plastic shopping bag | 0.5 |
| Bread bag | 1.5 |
| Thick, retail plastic bag | 2.0 |
Source: What is a Reusable Bag? NRCM.org
Understanding the thickness of plastic bags is relevant in discussions about single-use plastics, bag bans, and the promotion of reusable alternatives, as thickness often correlates with durability and the amount of plastic material used.
