Injection Molding vs. Extrusion: Which Plastic Bag Manufacturing Method is better?
Of all the manufacturing operations for plastic products, two of the most common techniques used are- 1) Extrusion and 2) Injection molding. But if your company is in New Brunswick, NJ, and you specifically look for plastic bags for some use or other—whether it is retailing, food service, or even industrial uses—the choice between these methods becomes crucial.
At A.N.S. Plastics, our core business and area of specialization is producing high-quality plastic bags. Our clients and customers regularly ask us the following question: What is more suitable for plastic bag production- injection molding or extrusion? In this in-depth article, we shall give detailed explanations and present the key differences, the special benefits, and the best conditions for the application of each production process. We want to provide you with accurate information to help you make the appropriate decision for your requirements.
What is Extrusion?
Extrusion is a repetitive process of production that entails the conversion of molten plastic, which is precisely forced through a specially designed die, resulting in the capacity to produce a long and thin film or a tube. This film, having been made, can then be cut to various sizes, sealed properly, and eventually converted to plastic bags that are used for a variety of purposes.
Extrusion is extensively applied in:
What is Injection Molding?
Injection molding, as compared to other manufacturing methods, is a procedure where molten plastic is injected into a specially designed mold. Once the molten plastic is injected, it is left to cool and later hardens, assuming the exact shape defined by the mold cavity. This specific procedure is best suited for the creation of rigid or specially shaped plastic products like containers, caps, or other customized parts. Nonetheless, it should be noted that this procedure is not suited for the creation of flexible bags, considering that its design and use are not in congruence with the demands of such a product.
Extrusion: The Best Option for Production of Plastic Bags
For New Brunswick, NJ companies and institutions requiring plastic bags, the extrusion process has been the most significant and favored manufacturing process. Here’s why:
1. Created with Flexibility
Plastic bags need to have certain basic properties, such as lightness, flexibility, and toughness. All these are best achieved by the process known as extrusion. This specific process can produce a thin plastic film in quantity and, hence, is best suited for the mass production of bags in different forms and sizes
2. Economically Beneficial in Bulk Amounts
Extrusion is a less expensive process when it is a question of producing massive amounts of material. This specific process runs continuously, and this translates to the potential for making thousands of feet of plastic film every hour, which in actuality amounts to much lower unit costs. That is why it is a perfect option for many industries, including retailers, supermarkets, and food service facilities in New Brunswick.
3. Customizable
It is easy to adapt using extrusion:
- Thickness
- Colour
- Additives, possibly with materials like UV inhibitors or anti-static agents, are extensively utilized in most applications.
- Printing options for branding
We at A.N.S. Plastics Corporation pride ourselves on offering tailored bag solutions that are specifically created to meet the individual functional needs as well as the image goals of local companies.
4. Sustainable Choices
It is entirely feasible on our side to incorporate recycled content or introduce biodegradable materials into the extrusion process. This will offer New Brunswick USA companies environmentally sustainable choices that focus on environmental stewardship without loss of performance or quality.
Injection Molding: Ideal for Rigid Plastic Parts
Although injection molding is generally not used in the manufacture of plastic bags, it is extremely important to other types of packaging and industrial applications. The below explains the particular conditions under which this process is necessary and why:
1. Best suited for the production of precision parts
Injection molding is best suited for the production of stiff parts that should have a lot of detail, like:
- Plastic covers
- Buckets
- Handles
- Containers
- Industry parts
These are products that need structural integrity as well as complex design—something that extrusion is not capable of providing.
2. Outstanding Accuracy in High Dimensions
Injection molding is an extremely efficient method of manufacturing parts with close tolerances and complex shapes. Such manufacturing is especially important for companies in different industries like pharmaceuticals, electronics, or automotive in New Brunswick because it provides a level of reliable quality that is central to the commercial success of their company.
3. Durability
Parts injection-molded are generally made thicker and stronger, characteristics that are particularly beneficial for items designed to be reused or items that are intended to withstand impact.

What Does This Mean for New Brunswick, New Jersey Businesses?
If your company relies on the use of plastic bags for some function or another—whether it is to package goods, give customers carry-out bags, or for storage—then you should know that the most efficient and beneficial way is through extrusion. At A.N.S. Plastics, we have made significant efforts to maximize and streamline our extrusion lines in an attempt to meet best the diverse needs and demands of companies within New Brunswick, all while ensuring we do so in a quick, efficient, and cost-effective manner.
Alternatively, where your operations call for the use of rigid, injection-moulded plastic parts for maximum viability, we would like to assure you that we can still help you by furnishing advice specifically suited to your needs or, where the situation calls for it, refer you to good and reliable associates with experience in the area of injection molding.
Why Choose A.N.S. Plastics Corporation?
For more than 5 decades now, A.N.S. Plastics Corporation has been a trusted and proven name in the speciality industry of custom plastic bag production. Strategically located close to New Brunswick, NJ, we are happy to provide a wide variety of products and services tailored to the unique needs of our customers:
- Custom printing for branding
- Spin extrusion capability
- Renewable material alternatives
- Fast processing and rapid delivery services for domestic shipments.
- Tailored customer service that is built to address the specific needs of your particular company.
Whether you are running a retail outlet, a busy restaurant, a hospital, or a manufacturing plant – we are determined to work closely with you. We wish to develop plastic bag solutions that meet not only your functional needs but also environmental considerations.
Although injection molding does have its application in the production of plastic, extrusion is the better way, hands down, to make plastic bags. It provides speed, flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and versatility—everything a New Brunswick company needs to remain competitive in today’s market.
Do you need a reliable and quality plastic bag supplier to fulfil the requirements of your New Jersey Company? If so, don’t wait to contact A.N.S. Plastics today to ask for a free quote or arrange a detailed product consultation.