Tips for Choosing the Right Twist Ties for Your Needs

When it comes to deciding which type of twist tie is best for your product, you have several different options available. All twist ties consist of three layers, a bottom layer, a middle core layer, and a top layer. The general types of twist tie ribbon are called paper-plastic, plastic-plastic, and paper-paper. These names refer to the top and bottom layers that surround the middle core, which is typically a metal wire or, in the case of our Tach-It Polycore twist ties, a polymer material. In this article, we’re going to cover the most important factors that you should consider when choosing twist tie options for your specific requirements.

The four types of twist ties

Paper-plastic, plastic-plastic, and paper-paper twist tie ribbon all have unique advantages and applications.

Paper-plastic twist ties combine a paper bottom layer with a plastic top layer and represent the most commonly used variety across many industries. These ties offer a cost effective solution while maintaining good functionality, and they are compatible with the majority of twist tie machines. Their popularity stems from their balanced combination of affordability and practical performance.

Plastic-plastic twist ties have plastic on both outer layers. They perform exceptionally well with feed rollers and are compatible with the majority of twist tie machines on the market, including all the models we offer. While this type is generally more expensive than paper-plastic options, their excellent strength and wide range of uses will typically justify the cost.

Paper-paper twist ties feature paper material on both outer layers, making them particularly suitable when biodegradability is a priority, because they can decompose naturally into the soil. The downside to paper-paper ties is that they tend to perform less efficiently in machines, and they generally aren’t as strong as the other two types.

Polycore, non-metallic twist ties are an exclusive Tach-It product that we offer at Packaging Tools. They feature either paper-plastic or plastic-plastic outer layers and are the industry’s only proven twist tie ribbon with a polymer core instead of a metallic core. Polycore twist ties are recyclable, completely metal free, and are compatible with a variety of twist tie machines.

Consider your application

The type of product you’re sealing and the conditions that the packaging will be stored or transported under play a key role in determining which type of twist tie you should choose. For example, in the food industry, plastic-plastic twist ties are the preferred choice, because they provide tight closures, ensuring effective food preservation. Plus, they are more durable than paper twist ties, so they prevent the middle metal wire layer from becoming exposed and potentially contaminating the food product. Plastic-plastic is also the best option for outdoor or wet environments, like gardens or nurseries, because they are more water resistant than paper-plastic or paper-paper twist ties.

Tach-It’s exclusive Polycore twist ties are also a great choice for the food industry. Because they have polymer cores and are completely metal free, there is zero chance that metal will contaminate your product. Plus, these twist ties can pass through metal detection, be microwaved, and be put through an autoclave.

Agricultural applications present unique requirements where paper-paper ties are often the ideal solution. Their biodegradable properties make them perfect for temporary plant support systems like tomato trellises. These ties break down after use without leaving lasting residue or a negative environmental impact.

Paper-plastic twist ties occupy a large middle ground, proving especially valuable in retail environments such as grocery stores and dry cleaning establishments. These ties offer strong, reliable closure for bags and bundles, are more durable than paper-paper options, and are more economical than plastic-plastic varieties. Their broad compatibility with various twist tie machines makes them particularly attractive for businesses requiring automated packaging solutions, though it's essential to verify specific machine compatibility before purchasing your twist ties.

Think about all the costs

The overall expense of your twist tie ribbon involves more than just the actual price tag. When calculating long term cost efficiency, it's essential to factor in machine compatibility, application requirements, performance needs, and durability requirements. These considerations help ensure that the initially cheaper option doesn't lead to higher costs through reduced effectiveness or increased waste and replacement expenses.

Paper-plastic ties generally offer the most economical option, making them attractive for large scale operations where cost control is crucial. While plastic-plastic ties command a premium price point, they often justify their higher cost through superior performance and reliability. We recommend considering all the factors and talking with our team before choosing your twist ties.

Use the best twist tie machines

Choosing twist ties is only half the battle; you also need the right machines for the job. When it comes to significantly increasing your packaging throughput and avoiding wasted material, our Tach-It 3567 and 3568 automatic twist tie machines are the ideal choice. They are compatible with all types of both metallic and Polycore twist tie ribbon, and they can tie up to 50 bags per minute, compared to an average of 10-15 bags per minute when done manually. Plus, they use 25% less material per closure than competing models. When you combine one of these machines with our fully recyclable Polycore twist ties, you can significantly increase the sustainability of your operation.

Making the right choice

Your primary application requirements, whether in food, agriculture, or general use, should guide your initial twist tie selection process. Machine compatibility requirements often also prove crucial, as choosing the wrong type can lead to operational inefficiencies or equipment issues. Environmental considerations are also key, particularly in agricultural applications where biodegradability is essential. Budget constraints have to be balanced against performance requirements, while industry specific needs such as color coding or biodegradability must be factored into the final decision. By carefully weighing these factors, you can select the twist tie type that best serves your specific requirements while optimizing both performance and cost-effectiveness.

We offer high quality paper-plastic, plastic-plastic, paper-paper, Polycore, and metallic twist tie ribbons for use on all manual, semi-automatic, and fully automatic twist tie machines. See our available options by clicking here.