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Tin tie
Also known as: tin-tie, twist tie closure, wire tie, coffee bag tie, fold-over tie
A tin tie is a wire-reinforced strip fixed to the top of a bag; the top is rolled down and the tabs folded to reclose it.
A tin tie is a plastic or paper strip with a thin metal wire inside, fixed just below the opening of a bag. After opening, the top is rolled down and the tabs at each end are folded back to hold it closed.
Purpose
It is a simple, low-cost reclosure alternative to a zipper. It limits spills and air exposure, but it does not create an airtight seal.
Where it is used
Coffee bags, especially kraft and side-gusseted styles, bread and bakery products, tea, granola, nuts and artisan foods.
Benefits
- Distinctive, handcrafted look, especially on a kraft pouch.
- Easy to use, with no tracks to line up.
- The bag can be rolled down further as it empties, reducing headspace.
- No profile for powders to clog.
Limitations
- Looser closure than a zipper, so less suitable for very moisture- or oxygen-sensitive products.
- Decide whether it is applied during pouch making or at the filler.
- The metal wire can complicate recycling.
- Leave the tie area free of essential artwork, and position it just below the top seal.
Frequently asked
What is a tin tie on a coffee bag?
It is a wire-reinforced strip below the opening that lets you roll the top down and fold the ends to keep the bag closed.
Is a tin tie better than a zipper?
Not for airtightness. A zipper gives a tighter closure, while a tin tie is cheaper and suits a traditional, artisan look.
Related terms
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