When it comes to packaging or storing sensitive electronic components, you can't use just any old bags – anti-static bags provide ample protection for electronic and sensitive parts against static electricity. Whether your business deals with electronics, graphics, photography, printing or optics, you'll find lots of options for bags that meet your specific requirements.

Since even a tiny charge of electricity can cause as much damage as a lightning bolt to electronic components and assemblies, make sure you don't settle for fewer features than you actually need. Consider the following types of anti-static plastic bags:

1. An anti-static bag provides a popular solution within the packaging industry.

2. ESD shielding bags work best with electronic components since they include dissipative features and also keep static electricity out of the bag.

3. Moisture barrier ESD bags include the same features as the other two types but also add a barrier of moisture for anti-static applications requiring a barrier.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy anti-static bags to package sensitive items

Generally, you'll find ESD bags used for items that aren't specifically ESD sensitive, but some of the items they could come in contact with are ESD sensitive. The bag material contains an additive preventing its anti-static properties from ever wearing off. The bags don't protect their contents from an electronic charge, but they don't build up a charge either.

I recommend: When looking for suppliers of anti-static bags, check out the available open-top or zip-top anti-static bags from All-Spec Industries. The company has specialized in static control materials since 1988, and they boast an outstanding customer service record. Purchase reclosable pink anti-static polyethylene bags from Bennett & Bennett. Available in thicknesses between two to eight mils, the anti-static plastic bag is amine and amid free, polycarbonate compatible and heat sealable.

Purchase anti-static shielding bags for your electronic components and equipment

Designed for items that exhibit ESD sensitivity, this bag's construction includes a multi-layered material that includes a specialized layer for reducing static build up.

I recommend: If you do business as an investigative agency or one that handles evidence collection involving hard drives, cameras, PDAs, digital cameras or cell phones, go to SecurityBag.com to view the Alert Antistatic Tamper Evident Security Bag. Constructed from a transparent metal-in-static shielding material, the metal layer prevents penetration of damaging electrostatic fields. The bag's durable, puncture resistant package comes printed with the ESD warning symbol and features state-of-the-art technology for tamper evident packaging and tracking. The same types of bags can also assist you with corporate data storage. For anti-static bubble bags, consider the ESD three-layer bubble pouch with an outer metalized shielding layer from Absolute Scientific Products. This anti-static bubble bag distributor sells the 10 inch by 12 inch pouches in packages of 100.

Consider moisture barrier ESD shielding bags

Besides ESD, these bags keep items safe from moisture, radio frequency interference and electromagnetic interference. They include one thick layer or multiple layers of metalized material that aid in making the bag moisture proof and don't allow magnetic and radio interference to penetrate the bag.

I recommend: Choose from the selection of ESD moisture barrier bags at ESDBagsOnline.com. The bags, constructed of 3.6 mil material, offer moisture protection, as well as full protection from ESD, static fields and tribocharging. Include Z-Mar Technology in your search for makers of anti-static bags that are also moisture proof. Take a look at their Dri-Shield 2000 Moisture Barrier Bag that provides full protection from ESD, static fields and tribocharging and comes in boxes of 100.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Check the minimum amount or quantity required for purchasing an ESD bag. Most manufacturers and suppliers package around 100 anti-static storage bags per box, but some may go as high as 1,000. If you have ample storage space, consider buying extra to receive bulk discounts.