Labplas TWIRL'EM® Opaque Sampling Bags
Labplas TWIRL'EM Opaque bags are opaque, printed, single-use sampling bags for collecting and transporting samples whose contents you don't want visible. They have the same built-in wire closure as other TWIRL'EM bags: twirl and fold to seal waterproof and airtight.
This page covers two sizes, 4.5 × 9 in and 4.5 × 12 in, with the standard 2-round-wire closure. Please contact Cambridge to confirm availability before ordering. TWIRL'EM bags are available in Canada from Cambridge Environmental Products with CAD pricing and Canadian purchasing support.
Ideal For
- Samples where the contents shouldn't be visible during transport or handling
- Food and beverage QA/QC and environmental sampling programs that specify opaque bags
Why Choose TWIRL'EM Opaque Bags?
Clean, single-use bags
Labplas produces TWIRL'EM bags with dry heat during film extrusion (above 220 °C / 428 °F), which its data sheet rates at a sterility assurance level (SAL) of 10⁻³. Labplas also lists them as DNase-free, RNase-free and non-pyrogenic. These bags are not irradiated and are not supplied with a sterility certificate. If your procedure requires certified sterile bags, choose TWIRL'EM Clean Room.
Opaque, printed film
The opaque film hides the bag's contents. For a bag you can see through, see TWIRL'EM Clear or TWIRL'EM Write-On.
Secure wire closure, no tools needed
Twirl the bag by the wire ends to wind the top closed, then fold the wires over to lock it. The sample is sealed waterproof and airtight for transport, without caps, clips or heat sealers. A tear-off perforated top keeps the opening clean until you sample.
Food-contact compliant film
The polyethylene-blend film meets FDA 21 CFR 177.1520 and EU Regulation No 10/2011 for food contact, according to Labplas. That matters when bags hold food samples or product destined for testing.
Long shelf life
Labplas lists a 5-year shelf life when stored dry at room temperature, so cases of 1,000 can be kept on hand without waste.
Available Sizes
| Code | Size (in) | Size (mm) | Thickness | Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EPN-4590 | 4.5 × 9 | 114 × 229 | Contact us | 1,000 |
| EPN-4512 | 4.5 × 12 | 114 × 305 | Contact us | 1,000 |
Which Size Should I Choose?
- 4.5 × 9 in (EPN-4590): water samples and small solid samples
- 4.5 × 12 in (EPN-4512): same width with more length for headspace and twirling
Technical Specifications
| Material | Polyethylene blend |
| Sterility | Produced by dry heat during film extrusion above 220 °C (428 °F), SAL 10⁻³ (per Labplas). Not irradiated; no sterility certificate. |
| Other | DNase-free, RNase-free, non-pyrogenic (per Labplas) |
| Food contact | FDA 21 CFR 177.1520; EU Regulation No 10/2011 (per Labplas) |
| Closure | Standard: 2 round wires |
| Opening | Tear-off perforated top |
| Shelf life | 5 years, stored dry at room temperature |
| Manufacturer | Labplas Inc., Canada |
Material, sterility, compliance and shelf-life details are from the Labplas technical data sheet for TWIRL'EM bags (EPR-5590). Contact Cambridge for the data sheet for a specific code.
Selection & Handling Notes
- Don't overfill. Leave enough room at the top to twirl and fold the closure. Labplas lists a usable volume below the total volume. For example, the 5.5 × 9 in bag holds 930 mL in total but has a usable volume of 550 mL.
- Availability: Opaque bags are not shown on Labplas's current product pages. Contact Cambridge to confirm availability and lead time.
- Temperature limits: Labplas doesn't publish freezing or heating limits on the data sheet we reviewed. Check with Cambridge before freezing, heating or autoclaving.
- Single use: use each bag once. Don't reuse them.
Canadian Purchasing Support
Cambridge Environmental Products is a Canadian-owned laboratory supply distributor based in Ontario and has served Canadian labs since 1993. We supply Labplas TWIRL'EM sampling bags with CAD pricing and shipping across Canada. We work with food and beverage QA/QC labs, wastewater and environmental labs, agriculture, research laboratories, and universities and colleges, and can help with quotes, standing orders and choosing the right bag. Also see TWIRL'EM Clear, TWIRL'EM Clean Room and TWIRL'EM Write-On, or browse our wastewater & environmental testing and lab supplies collections.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are TWIRL'EM Opaque bags used for?
They're opaque, single-use sampling bags for samples whose contents shouldn't be visible during transport or handling.
How do you close a TWIRL'EM bag?
Hold the wire ends, twirl the bag to wind the top closed, then fold the wire ends over to lock it. This gives a waterproof, airtight seal.
Are these bags certified sterile?
No. Labplas produces them with dry heat during film extrusion (SAL 10⁻³), but they are not irradiated and don't come with a sterility certificate. For certified sterile bags, choose TWIRL'EM Clean Room.
Are they suitable for food samples?
Yes. Labplas states the film meets FDA 21 CFR 177.1520 and EU Regulation No 10/2011 for food contact.
How many bags are in a case?
Every code on this page comes in cases of 1,000.
Are Opaque bags still available?
Please contact Cambridge to confirm availability and lead time before ordering.
Are TWIRL'EM bags available in Canada?
Yes. Labplas is a Canadian manufacturer, and Cambridge Environmental Products supplies TWIRL'EM bags across Canada with CAD pricing.
Need Help Choosing the Right Sampling Bag?
Tell us:
- What you're sampling (liquid, solid, heavy or sharp material)
- The approximate sample volume or weight
- Why you need an opaque bag (so we can suggest alternatives if needed)
- How many bags you use per month
We'll recommend the right TWIRL'EM bag and size.
Contact Cambridge for Product Support