Packaging fails before it looks failed.
How each packaging type fails
Metallised shielding bags lose shielding through creasing and abrasion of the metallised layer; a bag covered in permanent fold lines has already lost part of its function.
Conductive totes and boxes usually fail at abrasion points and edges, where the conductive surface wears through.
Practical reuse rules
Inspect bags at every reuse: no punctures, no heavy creasing, closure intact. Retire totes when the conductive layer is visibly worn at corners and handles.
Never assume a damaged item can be downgraded to non-sensitive duty inside the EPA — packaging either maintains the protected path or it is packaging, not protection.
FAQ
Can shielding bags be folded for storage?
Loose rolling is kinder than sharp folding; repeated sharp creases accelerate metallised-layer failure.
Do ESD bags expire?
There is no fixed date — condition and handling history decide, verified by periodic shielding tests for critical use.
Can we write on ESD bags?
Use markers specified for ESD packaging; some inks and pressure can affect the surface, and labels should be low-charge types.
All figures above refer to standard product data sheets; final confirmation is subject to written quotation.