The Bedford Blog

The Ultimate Guide to Twist Ties for Bread Packaging Buyers

Belinda Heidebrink, Marketing Group Manager | October 24, 2024

A collage showcasing various Bedford packaging products and tools. The top row features colorful twist ties, bags of bread and buns, all sealed with Bedford Twist Ties. The bottom row includes a pack of Ball Park burger buns, a spool of red twist tie material, a loaf bread sealed with a blue twist tie, and a red Mini Tyer Pro tie machine.

Take a walk down the bread aisle in any grocery store. You’ll probably see a few different styles of bag closures, but notice far more twist ties than any other bag closure types.

Blue. White. Tan. Green. Red. You’ll see twist ties in many colors.

If you look closely, you may see some ties printed on, and an even closer inspection will reveal some made from paper, plastic, or a combination of the two.

As a bread packaging buyer, your role is crucial in ensuring products arrive fresh and visually appealing to customers.

One of the simplest yet most effective tools in the packaging industry is the twist tie. Twist ties offer an affordable, efficient, and customizable solution for packaging.

In this guide, we’ll take a deep look at why twist ties have been a top choice for bakery packaging for many decades.

Why Twist Ties are Essential for Bread Packaging

Bread packaging is more than just keeping the bread in the bag. It’s about preserving freshness, enhancing shelf appeal, and providing convenience for both manufacturers and consumers. Twist ties serve all of these needs and more.

1. Keeps Bread Fresh Longer

Twist ties form a tight seal that helps keep bread fresh by preventing air from entering the bag. This ensures that your product stays soft and delicious from the shelf to the customer’s table.

2. Easy to Use for Both Manufacturers and Consumers

Manufacturers can quickly apply twist ties using automated twist tie machines, speeding up the packaging process. For consumers, twist ties are user-friendly and easy to reseal, making them ideal for products like bread that are used over time.

Below are examples of a semi-automatic and fully automatic twist tie machine.

Explore their differences in more detail.

Close-up of the Bedford Mini Tyer Pro twist tie machine in a ruby red finish, placed on a wooden surface. The machine features a spool holder, control panel, and sleek, compact design, suitable for efficient twist tying in packaging applications.
Close-up of the Burford Smart Servo Tyer twist tie machine with a conveyor ready to send loaves of bread through the machine to have blue twist ties or orange twist ties applied.

3. Cost-Effective

  • Compared to other sealing options, twist ties are one of the most economical choices. They provide a low-cost way to close and secure bread bags without compromising on quality or performance.

Compare the cost difference between twist tie and bread clips with our comparison tool.

4. Versatility in Materials

  • Twist ties come in different materials, such as paper, plastic, and eco-friendly options. You can choose recyclable ties to match your needs and brand image.
A yellow bread tie on a white bread bag.
a tan, Kraft paper recycled twist tie closing a loaf of white bread.
A black plastic, wire-free twist tie closing a bag of Alvarado St. Bakery branded bagels.
A green printed twist tie closing a loaf of Country Hearth branded bread. The tie has "MON" printed on it to signify the day it was made.

5. Highly Customizable

Twist ties can be customized to reflect your brand identity. You can choose different colors to match your packaging. You can also use colors to help your staff or grocers with inventory management. This is an easy and effective way to reinforce your branding and improve the customer experience.

6. Durable and Reliable

Twist ties offer excellent durability, ensuring they stay securely fastened through transportation, handling, and on-shelf storage. Their ability to withstand various conditions makes them a dependable solution in bread packaging.

Key Considerations When Buying Twist Ties

If you’re a bread packaging buyer, there are several factors to consider when choosing the right twist tie:

1. Material Type

Do you want plastic, paper, or recyclable twist ties? Each option has its advantages. For eco-friendly brands, twist ties are a good choice. Even plastic ties use less plastic than other options, like bread clips.

All our twist ties are recyclable through our TagBack program.

The comparison chart below shows how different twist tie materials can offer various outcomes.


Bedford TwistTie
EcoTwist
PolyTwist

100% RECYCLED PAPER CONTENT

   

RECYCLE READY

   

BEST PRICE PER CLOSURE

   

TIGHTER RECLOSABLE SEAL 

 

OPTIONAL CUSTOM PRINT

 

METAL FREE

   

OPTIONAL CUSTOM-PRINTED TAG

*With Crafted BagTag

*With Crafted BagTag

*With Crafted BagTag

PRINT ON DEMAND

 

 

2. Length and Strength

  • Twist ties come in various lengths and strengths. Make sure you choose a tie that is long enough to close your bread packaging well. It should also be strong enough to hold up during transport and handling.

3. Automation Compatibility

  • If you’re using automated packaging machines, make sure the twist ties are compatible with your equipment. This will streamline the production process and avoid any slowdowns.

4. Packaging Configuration

  • Twist ties can come spooled, as single cuts, or ganged sheets. Your application method and volume will dictate which option is best for you.
A stack of colorful Bedford twist ties arranged in rows on a gray background. The twist ties are grouped by color, including red, red-and-white checkered, orange, yellow, green, blue, and white.

5. Bulk Buying

Twist ties are usually bought in bulk. Plan ahead to make sure you have enough for production needs without spending too much.

6. Regulations

Check for any industry regulations regarding food packaging and materials. Twist ties that come in contact with food need to be food-safe and compliant with local standards. Request documentation from your supplier to demonstrate their commitment to food safety, such as a certification or facility audits.

Learn about our food safety certification from BRCGS.

Why Twist Ties are the Perfect Choice for Bread Packaging

Twist ties remain a go-to solution for bread packaging due to their cost-effectiveness, ease of use, and versatility. Whether you need something simple or fully customized, twist ties provide a solution for both small and large bread makers.

By using high-quality twist ties, your company can enhance the consumer experience while maintaining product freshness and integrity. If you’re looking to make a significant impact on the shelf while keeping your packaging costs low, twist ties are the perfect fit.

Conclusion

For bread packaging buyers, twist ties are more than just a simple closure method—they are a versatile, reliable, and customizable packaging solution. From keeping your product fresh to enhancing your brand’s visibility, twist ties provide tremendous value. And, they’re familiar with consumers – a value that should not be overlooked.

We’ll help you choose the best twist tie option for you

If you’re in the market for high-quality, customizable twist ties, we can help. As the world’s largest supplier of twist ties, we offer a wide range of options to meet your packaging needs.

Explore our twist tie options.

Contact us today to speak with our twist tie experts to find the best solution for you!