How to avoid odor or solvent residue in flexible packaging bag or film?

I once had clients complain about strong chemical smells¹ from bags right out of the box. That smell can hurt brand image and make customers distrust product quality.

To avoid odor or solvent residue, allow flexible packaging bags to fully cure, store them in a ventilated dry area², and choose materials and processes that minimize solvent use.

I learned this the hard way when a big order was delayed because we had to air out thousands of bags. Since then, I always plan curing and storage early.

How do you get the chemical smell out of a bag?

Chemical smells often come from residual solvents³ or inks.

To get the chemical smell out, air the bag in a dry, ventilated space and avoid sealing them immediately after production.

Dive Deeper

When bags are freshly made, solvents from inks and adhesives can remain trapped. These solvents evaporate over time. If bags are packed too soon, that smell gets trapped inside boxes. Then customers smell it first, not your product.

The best method is simple:

• Open the bags or boxes.
• Place them in a dry, clean room.
• Allow air circulation⁴ for 24–72 hours.

Fans or gentle air movers help speed this up. Do not store bags in plastic-wrapped pallets immediately after printing. That traps smells.

How to get rid of packaging smell?

Packaging smell can come from multiple sources:

• Solvent residues
• Inks and coatings
• Adhesives or laminating agents

Getting rid of packaging smell means allowing proper airing and choosing low-odor materials⁵.

Dive Deeper

Low-odor inks and water-based adhesives are better when smell matters. Many modern factories switch from solvent-based to low-VOC materials. VOC stands for volatile organic compounds, and these are the main cause of odor.

In addition to airing:

• Use activated charcoal⁶ or baking soda⁷ in the storage area.
• Check that inks are fully dry before lamination.
• Avoid over-printing; more ink means more smell risk.

Sometimes the smell is not a bad thing. In aluminum-plastic laminates, a slight plastic odor is normal. Customers usually don’t mind if it’s mild and dissipates quickly.

How to get odor out of plastic?

Plastic can trap odors, especially right after production.

To remove odor from plastic, vent the bags and let residual solvents³ evaporate in a dry, ventilated place.

Dive Deeper

Odor in plastic happens because plastic films absorb chemicals during processing. Heat and pressure can lock tiny amounts of solvent or ink scent in the layers.

One effective way is “cure time.” This means letting the finished film rest before use. For example:

• 2–3 days for low-ink bags
• Up to a week for heavy print or thick laminates

Repeat airing if batches are large. Manufacturers who rush to box batches often see strong odors later when customers open them.

How to make a package smell proof?

Smell-proof packaging is designed to prevent odors from escaping.

To make packaging smell proof, use barrier materials and proper sealing methods that minimize air leakage.

Dive Deeper

Materials that block smells include metalized films and foils. These layers reduce gas and odor transmission better than plain plastics. For example:

• Aluminum foil barrier layer
• Metallized PET film
• High-barrier laminates

In addition to material choice:

• Ensure seals are complete and consistent.
• Avoid micro-leaks by testing bags under pressure.

Odor-proof design is especially important in products like coffee, spices, and pet foods.

How to remove smell from rubber?

Rubber can smell strongly when new.

To remove rubber smell, air it out and wash with mild soap if applicable.

Dive Deeper

Rubber odors come from chemicals used in vulcanization and curing. A simple airing helps a lot. In some cases, mild soap and water are safe methods, especially for reusable items.

Activated charcoal and ventilation help here too. However, in flexible packaging, we usually deal with film and adhesives, not pure rubber, but understanding how different materials release odor helps in overall packaging planning.

How do I stop my bag from smelling?

Stopping smell means reducing the source.

Stop bag smell by selecting low-odor materials⁵, allowing curing time, and storing bags with airflow before sealing or shipping.

Dive Deeper

A common mistake in packaging operations is rushing. The faster the bags are boxed, the more odor gets sealed inside. Instead:

• Schedule curing time after production.
• Keep bags open in racks or on shelves.
• Use pallets with open sides so air flows around bags.

This simple planning reduces complaints later.

How to make an odor proof bag?

An odor proof bag has strong barrier properties.

Make an odor proof bag by using high-barrier laminates⁸ and ensuring all layers bond well with minimal gaps.

Dive Deeper

Barrier materials trap gases and smells better. These might include:

• Aluminum foil layers
• Metallized films with good sealing
• Multi-layer laminates with adhesive tie layers

Seal quality matters as much as material. A perfect film with a weak seal still leaks smells.

Testing includes:

• Pressurizing sealed bags
• Smell tests with controlled substances
• Using gas detectors⁹ in quality labs

How to get rid of chemical smell?

Chemical smell usually comes from leftover solvents or inks.

To get rid of chemical smell, ventilate and allow solvent evaporation¹⁰ before packing bags into boxes.

Dive Deeper

Not all smells are harmful, but most are unpleasant. Solvent smell fades over time as VOCs evaporate. For quick decontamination:

• Ventilate for at least 48 hours
• Use fans or HVAC systems
• Avoid storing near heat sources that trap smell

Charcoal or zeolite sachets in storage areas help absorb odors efficiently.

How to get rid of Chinese plastic smell?

Many people talk about “Chinese plastic smell,” but it is often just strong solvent or polymer odor¹¹.

To get rid of strong plastic smell, air out packages and choose materials with proven low-odor standards.

Dive Deeper

Often the smell people refer to is a combination of:

• Plasticizers
• Solvent residue
• Additives in films

High-quality suppliers use better raw materials and longer drying times. If smell is persistent:

• Check supplier certifications¹²
• Confirm laminate curing steps in production process
• Avoid cheap films with poor drying

Even with good materials, initial odor can be normal and fades with airing.

Is there a smell proof bag?

Yes, smell proof bags exist.

Smell proof bags use high-barrier materials and tight seals to prevent odor transmission.

Dive Deeper

Smell proof bags are common in industries dealing with strong odors:

• Coffee
• Pet food
• Herbs and spices
• Industrial chemicals

The key features of smell proof bags are:

• High-barrier films
• Multi-layer laminates
• Tight seals with leak-proof zippers¹³ or heat seals

For snacks, standard metallized barrier packaging is often enough unless the product has an inherently strong smell.

What can I put in my bag to make it smell better?

Sometimes people want a pleasant scent inside packaging.

To make a bag smell better, use odor absorbers or scented sachets placed outside direct food contact.

Dive Deeper

Inside food packaging you cannot put random scented materials. But for storage boxes or shipping cartons:

• Activated charcoal absorbs bad smells.
• Baking soda helps neutralize odors.
• Essential oil sachets can mask residual scent in storage rooms (not inside food bags).

Always ensure food contact materials are safe for food.

What is the best smell proof material?

Best smell proof materials have low permeability to gases.

Materials like aluminum foil, high-barrier PET, and multi-layer laminates¹⁴ are among the best for blocking odor.

Dive Deeper

Smell travels with gases. Materials that block gas transmission help block smell. Foils and metallized films work because they have dense metal layers. High-barrier polymers with special coatings also help.

Barrier performance is measured by:

• Oxygen Transmission Rate (OTR)¹⁵
• Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR)

Lower numbers mean better smell and gas blocking.

How to know if a bag is smell proof?

Testing is the answer.

A smell proof bag passes barrier tests, leak tests, and sensory odor tests¹⁶ under controlled conditions.

Dive Deeper

To confirm smell proof:

• Seal a known odor inside and monitor leakage.
• Use gas detection tools to measure escape.
• Conduct sensory testing with trained panelists.

Certifications help too. Look for barrier ratings and independent test results.

What materials can block smell?

Certain materials block smell better than others.

Materials with metal layers or high-density polymers block smell best.

Dive Deeper

Common smell-blocking materials include:

• Aluminum foil
• Metallized PET
• Multi-layer co-extrusions
• Barrier polymers like EVOH

These materials reduce gas and odor transmission. In flexible packaging, combining them with good seals gives the best result.

Conclusion

Avoid odor in flexible packaging by allowing bags to cure, choosing low-odor materials⁵, and storing in ventilated dry area²s before packing or shipping.