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Keith Schneringer
10 min read
A World Without Can Liners: A History and Modern-Day Benefits
Have you ever stopped to think about a world without can liners?
Everybody needs can liners at their facility, but sometimes there can be confusion as to which can liner (or can liners) to purchase to best suit the specific needs of your operation.
Do you find yourself asking questions like:
Size
What size can liner do I need?
Density
What type of can liner should I select? High density or low density?
Gauge
What gauge do I need? In other words, how thick should the can liner be?
It is helpful to ask a different set of questions to determine the best liner for your application.
The Resin Question: High Density or Low Density
Question 1: What type of application will the can liner be used for, and are sharp objects being put into it?
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) can liners are used for paper and non-rough objects under moderate transport conditions. These liners are very strong and handle higher load capacities than LLDPE liners, but they tear more easily once punctured.
Suggested applications for High Density Can Liners:
- Smooth and non-sharp materials
- Cans or food without sharp edges
- Grass, rags, smooth heavy objects
- Paper plates, cups, paper, towels, general office waste
Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) can liners are used for rough or sharp objects under tough transport conditions. These liners are very strong and more resistant to tearing but handle lower load capacities than HDPE can liners.
Suggested applications for Low Density Can Liners:
- Rough and sharp materials
- Food and plastic eating utensils with rough edges
- Sticks, rough yard trimmings, or glass
- Metal with sharp edges
The Size Question: Dimensions of the Can Liner
Question 2: What size receptacle is being used?
Once you have determined the type of application for the can liner, you can turn your attention to the size of the receptacle where the can liner will be used. Your goal is to select a can liner which is big enough to do the job, but not so big that you are wasting plastic and money with an oversized can liner.
How to measure a receptacle:
- Liner Width: Calculate ½ of the outer circumference of the receptacle to determine liner width
- Liner Length: Calculate the height of the receptacle, then add ½ of the diameter of the receptacle bottom, and then add 3 inches of overhang to determine liner height
Sound confusing?
You can also ask your BradyPLUS Account Consultant who can provide the right answer, or you can reference the “cheat sheet” we have included in our KleenLine® Can Liners brochure.
Please note that we also have an offering of KleenLine® KleenFit™ Can Liners that have been designed to be the perfect fit for the most common receptacles in the market.
Other Questions
If you are looking to differentiate different waste streams, you may also want to ask questions related to the color of the can liner, depending on your application.
If you would like to utilize a more sustainable option in your facility, you may want to ask questions related to post-consumer recycled content.
Or you may want to ask questions about healthcare waste if you work in a healthcare facility.
No worries; we still have you covered in the KleenLine® Can Liners brochure.
Still not sure what you need?
If you can’t find the answer you need in the KleenLine® Can Liners brochure, your BradyPLUS Account Consultant would be happy to assist!
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