Multi-layer thermoplastic films and bags with enhanced light transmittance and methods for making the same

Abstract

Implementations described herein include films with maintained or decreased light transmittance despite a reduction in gauge. In particular, one or more implementations include a multi-layer film with each layer having differing opacity agents. The combination of the two different opacity agents in two different layers can have a synergistic effect that provide decreased light transmittance. Indeed, in one or more embodiments a multi-layer film with differing opacity agents in each layer has a decreased light transmittance despite a reduction in gauge and opacity agents.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A method of manufacturing a thermoplastic film with enhanced light transmission, comprising:
 extruding a first layer of thermoplastic material having a first concentration of a light-reflecting opacity agent, the first concentration of the light-reflecting opacity agent being between about 4% and about 6%;   extruding a second layer of thermoplastic material having a second concentration of a light-absorbing opacity agent, the second concentration of the light-absorbing opacity agent in the second layer of thermoplastic material being between 0.25% and 0.75% such that the second layer of thermoplastic material has a cloudy transparent appearance;   incrementally stretching the first and second layers by passing the first and second layers between one or more pairs of intermeshing rollers; and   discontinuously bonding the first and second layers together.   
     
     
         2 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the first layer and the second layer each have an initial thickness of about 0.45 mils when extruded. 
     
     
         3 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising forming the thermoplastic film into a bag. 
     
     
         4 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein discontinuously bonding the first and second layers together comprises passing the first and second layers together through a first pair of intermeshing rollers.