Plastic feed bags, also called, poly weave bags, have been on the market for many years now and unlike their paper predecessors, there are many uses of poly feed bags once their job of delivering feed is complete.
Why Poly?
Poly feed bags are made from a recyclable plastic material and generally fall into the #5 recyclable plastic category. Feed manufacturers and retailers alike have embraced the use of poly over paper for the many benefits they offer. For instance, poly bags reduce or eliminate the need for shrink wrap on a pallet of feed, with the use of special glue that locks the bags into place.
For feeds higher in oil or molasses, traditional paper bags required an extra layer or two (usually plastic) to keep the oil or molasses from seeping through the bag and compromising the strength of the paper. In many instances, switching to poly bags reduces the amount material used for feed bags.
Poly bags also reduce the amount of broken bags during moving in a warehouse or truck therefore, reducing the amount of wasted feed. And though not waterproof, poly bags hold up better if exposed to rain, snow or other forms of moisture.
Ideas for Reuse
Here are some creative reuses of poly bags:
What creative ways do you reuse poly bags?
Where can I find instructions on making a basket from feed bags?
Hi Judy, We’ve got a tutorial on making totes/garden planters over on our poultry blog, if you are interested in learning how to do this! Check it out here.
For the basket, you can find instructions here.
Thanks ~ Gina T.
Can I submit my tote bags for this site?
Hi Nina, Thanks for your interest! The best place to post pictures of your totes would be on our Facebook page. http://www.Facebook.com/Nutrena.
Thank you ~ Gina T.
I line my coop walls with the bags, taking advantage of the beautiful pictures and providing a wind break at the same time!
Thanks for the great idea! I featured it on today’s roundup 🙂
http://www.colorfulcanary.com/2016/03/15-fantastic-recycled-planters.html
They work great for weed control-lay them down between garden rows. I don’t weed my garden anymore!!!
I used a bag under a foot stool. My cat was getting under and scratching and making a mess. I just turned the foot stool over and cut a rectangle out of the bag to the approximate size of the bottom of the stool. Used a staple gun to attach and folded to fit before stapling. Will be doing this on my coffee table sized ottoman next.
I’ve been using the poly weave bags to make totes (for a charitable organization) for over 5 years now. I’m wondering if there’s anything that can be used with the all plastic bags. I’d hate to throw them away, if there’s a use.