In the 2.7 billion conversations about buckets we've had here, and in many others as well, people are always referring to "mylar bags" for food.

I wildly guess that this is an air-proof plastic which uses heat to seal. Could not find anything in my grocery store for this and the clerk had never heard of them.

I would sure appreciate it if somebody could outline (a) what they are, (b) the varieties mylar may be available in, (c) how much it generally costs, and most importantly (d) where the heck I can get this stuff -- in large quantities. The "how" on the heat sealing, if that's what's done, would be useful too.

PJ in TX

-- PJ Gaenir (fire@firedocs.com), April 09, 1999

Answers

PJ, I am not positive but I believe you can find these at glitchproof.com I have been wondering about them as well. Good luck to you.

-- shellie (shellie01@hotmail.com), April 09, 1999.

Mylar is a synthetic material that holds a vacuum...like mylar balloons. Obviously, if you can get the oxygen out and keep it out, your food keeps much longer...mylar is heat sealable.

I sell bags in two sizes: large (70 pounds of beans) silver bags, for 2.25 each and small ( 10 pounds ) translucent bags for $1 each.

Oxygen absorbers are a great help too. There are lots of ways for getting the oxygen out of food but these are really easy. About the size of a tea bag, they contain iron that reacts with the oxygen and uses it up by turning to rust. I sell two sizes, one to fit the small bag, and the other to fit a 5 gallon pail. (The large bag, if completely filled, not just lining a pail, will need two large oxygen absorbers.) 10 small or 5 large are $8. They also come in packages of 100 small or 50 large.

Heat sealers and vacuum sealers are nice, and I sell both, but you can seal these things with an iron even, or a curling iron...you can also customize the bags by running a line of heat anywhere on the bag, and creating a new seam. My big bags line a bucket with a sizeable amount of excess. Just seal the sides and there is an extra bag.

I have lots and lots, and would be willing to discuss prices for a large quantity...this isn't my life but I'm trying to do my own family's storage without breaking the bank. Some catalogs charge $5 for a "pail liner" size bag!

If you want more detailed information about using the bags I can send some with the bags. I prepared a bunch for a preparedness expo last month.

-- Joe Smith-- aka Marvelous Mylar (joesmith21@hotmail.com), April 09, 1999.

PJ I got my mylar bags from a company in Pennsylvania called Royco (1-888-645-7735. I have no affiliation with the company, other than as a customer. They also sell the oxygen abs. and dessicants. The large bags are $1.25 and may be (I am not sure) cheaper if a larger volumn is bought. The bags are used to line a 5 or 6 gal. food grade bucket. (They look like those little foil juice pouches from Capri Sun that I put in the kids lunches.)

To close the bags, I lay a board across the top of my bucket and put the top of the bag on it. Then place a handkerchief over the bag (it will melt if touched directly) and using a hot iron, iron the bag for 10 sec. or so till you see it sealing. Once it is ironed all the way across, put lid on bucket and you are done. I hope this is helpful. Truth is, I really don't think I needed to use the bags, just wanted the extra peace of mind, I guess. Mary

-- Mary Howe (doesnotmatter@thistime.com), April 10, 1999.

I got my foil mylar bags at Royco also - and oxy absorbers. My 11x16 bags were 60cents each. That will hold probably 10 lbs of corn/soybeans and maybe a little more of wheat. I was satisfied with their prices/service. There was one package of the oxy absorbers that I will have to send back - it must have had pinprick holes in the packaging, as the little "pill" inside had turned color and the vacuum was gone from the bag. One thing they never mention: THE OXY ABSORBERS DO HAVE AN EXPIRATION - about 6 months from date of manafacture - even if you don't open the package.

-- jeanne (jeanne@hurry.now), April 10, 1999.

Thanks you guys.

PJ in TX

-- PJ Gaenir (fire@firedocs.com), April 10, 1999.

Royco Y2K Supplies page

-- Max Dixon (mcdixon@konnections.com), April 10, 1999.