Frequently Asked Questions

When storing Crystal Clear Bags, we recommend that you keep the product in the original packaging that it came with. We use heavy paper between layers to avoid scratching, as well as rigid, enclosed boxes to protect fragile edges and reduce exposure to the elements. Please be aware that extreme moisture, heat or cold can cause Bags to become warped or brittle. Use climate control to combat extreme humidity and avoid warping. Bags should lie flat and not push against walls or shelves, as this friction can crinkle the edges. Please contact us if you have any additional storage questions.

Flap Seal Bags come standard with an adhesive strip on the Flap, which allows for the best speed of insertion and sealing in high production environments. Having adhesive on the Flap also allows for an “adjust to fit” option when using non-standard size products. For example: A product that is 20″ x 27″, fits well into a B2028 Bag. Simply insert the product into the Bag, peel the protective cover off of the adhesive strip and pull the Flap down the extra inch to fit tightly and neatly to the 20″ x 27″ size product.

Protective Closure Bags require fitting the Bag exactly to the product size, as the adhesive is on the Bag, rather than on the Flap. This feature is to ensure that items such as art prints and photographs do not come into contact with the adhesive when inserting or removing the item from the Bag. Protective Closure Bags are especially beneficial for longer term storage, protection of pieces and re-use.

All Crystal Clear Bags, as well as other art, photography or media supplies should not be left in hot or cold temperatures or over exposed to direct sunlight as damage may occur.

Whether you are looking to display greeting cards at a craft show or in a retail store, the following Canadian companies carry an assortment of display stands for your business needs:

Golden Gate Wire Products – www.goldengatewire.ca

Disclaimer: Please note that these are not affiliate companies. 

MOAB papers are compatible, but not optimized for dye-based inks. Entrada and other cotton papers will show little visible difference. Microporous coatings on papers such as Colorado, Lasal Luster and Lasal Gloss are not ideal for dye inks. Dye inks are best served with swellable coatings that encapsulate the ink to protect the final print from fading.

There are many claims in the marketplace for Biodegradable and Compostable products. Look for third party certifications from BPI or DIN CERTCO to industry specifications ASTM D6400 or EN 13432 to determine if a plastic product is Biodegradable or Compostable.

In general, Archival or Conservation-grade products are Acid-Free, Lignin-Free and free from anything else that can damage your artwork, photography, or other items intended to be preserved. Manufacturers who supply Archival or Conservation-grade products should be able to provide documents describing these Archival characteristics at the very least or have test results on file for you to review. Although Acid-Free products might not cause any initial damage, it is possible for them to break down relatively quick; becoming a danger to the item you are trying to protect. Like everything else there are varying degrees of archival. Depending on your need for preservation you may require higher-grade materials for use in and along side your items. Crystal Clear Bags and our Crystal Clear Boxes are high grade “Museum Quality” products. They are 100% virgin polypropylene which is naturally Acid and Lignin-free.

Lignin is an integral part of the cell walls in plants. If this Lignin is not removed when making pulp-based products they are not Lignin-Free. Over time, Lignin breaks down causing paper products to yellow. Acid free paper can become acidic as the Lignin breaks down. Lignin-Free means that no chemical processes are needed to remove these harmful elements.

The term Acid-Free is generally accepted and employed to describe products that are pH-Neutral to Alkaline (7 or slightly higher on the pH Scale). There are few papers remaining that are not buffered to a neutral pH using additives like Calcium Carbonate and by taking other steps during production processes. The pH levels should only be accepted when cold water extraction or better methods are used. Also, please note that acid testing pens are not reliable for either a pass or fail reading.

Crystal Clear Packaging is the best choice when you want to Promote, Protect, or Preserve your creation. Customers consistently report increased sales when using Crystal Clear Bags or Crystal Clear Boxes. In addition, Crystal Clear Bags and Crystal Clear Photo Boxes are approved for long term photo or document storage in accordance with the PAT Test. Packaging that is not acid-free and PAT tested (Photographic Activity Test ISO standard 18916) may discolor and damage your product. Enhance and protect your valuables by using Crystal Clear packaging!

Most plastic materials are recyclable so long as the plastic is identifiable and relatively clean. Crystal Clear Bags are made from Polypropylene resin identified by the recycle symbol “5”. Contact   your local recycling center to see if they accept #5 Plastic Bags. We also carry products made of PVC, PLA, HDPE, and LDPE.

Crystal Clear Bags, as well as their adhesive, and Crystal Clear Photo Boxes are all safe for conservation and archiving purposes. These products have passed the PAT Test (Photographic Activity Test ISO standard 18916). Except for our Eco Clear Bags, all Crystal Clear Bags are naturally acid and lignin-free, which means that no chemical processes are needed to remove these harmful elements. Eco Clear Bags are made from starch-based PLA (polyactide), which is not acid-free.

Crystal Clear Bags Canada Inc.  offers custom sized and printed products. For custom quotes on custom products, please contact our Customer Service Team.

Crystal Clear Bags Canada Inc. offers custom sized and printed products. For custom quotes on custom products, please contact our Customer Service Team.

For our full Returns and Exchanges Policy please see: Returns & Exchanges