What materials are used to make translucent bags?

Translucent bags are made from cellophane, polypropylene and more commonly, polyethylene plastic resin. Cellophane, which is regenerated cellulose, has low permeability to water, air, oils and bacteria. Polypropylene is a thermoplastic polymer that when used as biaxially oriented polypropylene, serves as a crystal clear packaging material.

The most commonly used form of translucent plastic on the market is polyethylene. It absorbs almost no water and its chemical behavior is similar to that of paraffin. It can become brittle over time when exposed to light in the absence of a UV stabilizer such as carbon black. Popular applications of commercial polymers include the Ziploc-brand clear plastic bags.