When you think of cellophane, the first thing that comes to mind is probably not shipping. However, if you’re in the e-commerce business, cellophane bags are an excellent option for shipping your favorite goods! We will cover everything you need to know about cellophane bags: what to use them for, how to choose the right size, warning bags, and more.
What is Cellophane?
Cellophane is a thin, transparent sheet made of regenerated cellulose. It has a low permeability to air, oils, bacteria, and water, making it useful for food packaging.
What are Cellophane Bags?
Cellophane bags, also known as cello bags, are thin transparent bags that can be used to package many different things. The most common way to use them is as gift bags, where the top of the bag is prettily gathered and tied off with a ribbon. While candy, cookies, and other small items are standard, almost any gift can be given using a versatile cello bag.
Different Types and Sizes of Cellophane Bags
- Flat-Style Bag
- Side-Gusseted Bag
- Resealable Bag
Flat Cellophane Bag (Envelope Style)
These flat cello bags are a great option for invitations, cards, and individual cookies. See below for the best way to measure the bag to ensure your product will fit.
- Width: Measure across the top of the bag (the opening)
- Length: Measure from the top to the bottom of the bag (the usable portion)
- Gauge: The thickness of the film (usually in mils)
Side-Gusseted Cellophane Bag
These side-gusseted cello bags are a great option for small trinkets, a stack of baked foods, and candy gift bags for parties or holidays. The best way to measure the bags to ensure your products will fit is as listed:
Width: Measure across the top of the bag (the opening) with the gusset tucked in
- Gusset: Measure the distance across the open-faced bag (the depth)
- Length: Measure from the opening to the bottom of the bag (the usable portion)
- Gauge: The thickness of the film (usually in mils)
Resealable Cellophane Bags
These resealable bags are great for jewelry, including earrings, bracelets, and other loose items that you do not want to spill out. Directions for the best way to measure the bags to ensure your products will fit are listed below.
- Width: Measure across the top of the bag (the opening) with the gusset tucked in.
- Length: Measure from the opening to the bottom of the bag (the usable portion)
- Gauge: The thickness of the film (usually in mils)
How do I Choose the Right Size Cellophane Bag?
- Measurements
- Type of Product
- Know the Dimensions
- Test the Process
Make Sure to Measure Your Product
Measure the height, length, and width of your product before putting it in your cellophane bag. Also, note which type of cellophane bag you chose, as each bag needs to be measured in a specific way.
What Type of Product is it?
Cellophane bags come in different sizes so that you can ship many types of items. From invitations and treats to scarves and ties, cello bags are great for your more delicate products. Choose the right size to keep your item secure, as an oversized cello bag may not keep your product safe in transit.
Know the Dimensions of Your Cellophane Bag
Ensure your product fits correctly by learning the dimensions of your cello bag. Since you will be placing your cello bag in an envelope or box when shipping, it is imperative that your measurements are accurate. This avoids unnecessary costs and keeps your products secure.
What Can I Ship in Cellophane Bags?
- Favors and Goodie Bags
- Food
- Candy
- Jewelry
- Invitations
More!
Favors and Goodie Bags
If you’ve ever been to a kid’s birthday party, you’ve probably received a cellophane bag with a fun design on it, complete with some candy and a few trinkets. Or maybe you’ve received a favor from a wedding wrapped up in a clear bag? These are some of the top uses for cello bags! With cellophane bags, if someone missed your event but you still want to share the goodies with them, you can ship the favors right to them!
Food Items
Cellophane bags are used all over the world for food packaging. Cello bags increase the shelf life of food items by protecting them from water, dirt, and dust. In addition, if they’ve been heat sealed, they will keep food items fresh for extended periods.
Jewelry
Jewelry is another popular item to ship in cello bags. The resealable option allows you to ship smaller items with the peace of mind that they will not fall out. If you’re planning to ship an item like a necklace that’s attached to cardboard for display and tangle prevention, envelope-style cello bags would be a perfect fit.
Invitations and Cards
Invitations and cards can easily become damaged in transit. The flat/envelope-style cello bags are the perfect option for protecting these paper goods from getting ripped or bent.
What About Shipping Using Amazon FBA?
FBA stands for Fulfillment by Amazon. Fulfillment by Amazon means you store your products in one of Amazon’s fulfillment centers, and then Amazon picks, packs, and ships your product to customers while offering customer service.
Amazon created this shipping and storage service to help business owners sell their products. If you are a small business shipping the products listed above, the Amazon FBA program is an excellent option to expand your network of customers and grow your business.
Know Amazon’s Regulations
Amazon has precise regulations that must be followed. When these regulations aren’t met, Amazon will charge a re-bagging fee for your items. In addition, failure to follow them can result in refusal from Amazon’s fulfillment center regarding inventory.
Company Warning Bag Requirements
Amazon’s FBA program is pretty cool, but, as stated above, in order to take part, small businesses must follow their regulations. One of these regulations states that warning bags are required.
They explain how to use warning bags, their specific requirements, and when to use them, so the information is clear. Other giant companies such as Target and Walmart also require suffocation warnings on bags, while eBay and Etsy do not.
When using a warning bag, make sure you have checked with your city and state as well as the company you’re shipping through to confirm any requirements they may have. This will keep you protected, ensuring that all rules have been followed and no issues will arise.
What is a Suffocation Warning?
For bags of a specific size and thickness, a suffocation warning is required to be printed on a bag or on a label that can be placed on the bag. This warning is put in place to protect customers, ensuring they know the dangers of plastic bags. In addition, learning how to use a warning bag helps keep your customers safe.
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission reported receiving an average of 25 deaths per year of children who suffocated due to plastic bags. Ninety percent of those reports were children under a year old. These reports prompted many states to mandate a suffocation warning on any plastic bag that can lead to suffocation.
While some cities and states may have tweaked their suffocation warning by adding specific language to their area or requirements, this general warning text is accepted everywhere:
Warning: To avoid danger of suffocation, keep this plastic bag away from babies and children. Do not use this bag in cribs, beds, carriages, or playpens. This bag is not a toy.
How to Use Warning Bags
It can feel overwhelming to learn how to use a warning bag, especially when regulations vary by company, size of the product, and location. It is essential to know how to use a warning bag properly to ensure your product will be delivered successfully.
While there are specific requirements based on several factors, with Massachusetts having the most comprehensive and restrictive requirements, the standard is as follows: Any bag with a 5-inch opening or larger (measure when flat) is required to have a suffocation warning, either printed on the bag itself or attached as a separate label.
In general, the following guidelines based on total length and width should meet most requirements for a warning suffocation label on plastic bags and mailing supplies. Follow these guidelines when shopping for your warning bag:
- Less than 25 inches — 10-point minimum font size
- 25 to 39 inches — 14-point minimum font size
- 40 to 59 inches — 18-point minimum font size
- 60 inches or more — 24-point minimum font size
You can purchase clear cellophane bags that have the suffocation warning printed right on them. Many use these to package their items before putting them in a bigger envelope or box for shipping. They come in numerous different sizes, so you’ll be able to ship anything you need with these cello bags.
Where You Need to Use a Warning Bag
While there are no federal laws requiring suffocation warnings on bags in the United States, many cities and states have created their own laws. Knowing how and where you need to use a warning bag can prevent you from having to re-package your item, which can become costly.
Cities and States With Current Warning Label Laws in Place
- California
- Massachusetts
- New York
- Rhode Island
- Virginia
- Chicago
- New York City
Benefits of Using Cellophane Bags
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Size
- Transparent
- Eco-friendly
Cellophane Bags are Affordable
Looking to save money and cut costs when shipping items? Cello bags are a great option. They are affordable and can be bought in bulk, making them an ideal option for all your shipping needs.
Cellophane Bags are Lightweight
Another perk of cello bags, they are lightweight and thin. As a result, they take up minimal space when stored, making them ideal for retailers everywhere. Saving money and space is one of the biggest draws to cello bags.
Cellophane Bags Come in Many Sizes
The size options of cello bags make them a great option for all your shipping needs. Whether you’re wrapping an entire gift basket inside of one or a small pair of earrings, cello bags have got you covered!
Cellophane Bags are Transparent
Cello bags are transparent, making them an excellent option for perfecting a display or giving a gift you want to show off. They keep your products safe from water, dirt, or dust while showing people what’s inside. For example, cello bags are a great option for gift baskets at an auction or fundraiser.
Cellophane Bags are Eco-Friendly!
All cellophane is made from cellulose derived from cotton, hemp, wood, and other plants, making it biodegradable. If you are looking to be more eco-friendly, cellophane is the right choice! While cellophane is not recyclable, it can be composted, sent to a landfill, or placed in the regular garbage. Check your local facilities to see if they have specific places to drop off your cellophane.
Where to Buy Cellophane Bags
Shop4Mailers has you covered! We offer several different-sized cello bags, including bags with the warning label printed right on them. So, whether you are looking for a flat bag, a gusseted bag, or a warning label bag, we are here to fulfill all your needs.
Our flat cello bags range in size from 6” x 9” to 12” x 16” and are all resealable. We also offer gusseted cello bags, great for your gift-wrapping needs. They range in size from 5”x7” to 24” x 30”.
The Cost of Cellophane Bags
The most recent downfall of cello bags is the cost. While buying in bulk can save money, the overall cost for cellophane has risen over the years with rising market costs. However, manufacturers have still worked diligently to keep them as affordable as they can.
And that’s everything you need to know about cellophane bags. Cello bags have proven themselves a worthy product in the shipping and e-commerce business. If you think cello bags will fulfill your shipping needs, place an order today! And don’t forget to measure your products before you order to ensure you choose the right size.
