Questions And Answers

The metalized layer provides shielding to protect ESD sensitive contents from electrostatic charges and electrostatic discharges. More specifically, an Electrostatic discharge shield is "A barrier or enclosure that limits the passage of current and attenuates an electromagnetic field resulting from an electrostatic discharge." [ADV1.0 Glossary]

Packaging with an electrostatic discharge shield, such as Statshield Shielding Bags, is required to transport or store ESD sensitive items outside an ESD protected area.

Per Packaging standard ANSI/ESD S541 section 6.2 Outside an EPA “Transportation of sensitive products outside of an EPA shall require packaging that provides:

1. Low charge generation.

2. Dissipative or conductive materials for intimate contact.

3. A structure that provides electrostatic discharge shielding.”

The required limit is less than 50 nanoJoules tested per ANSI/ESD STM11.31. This is an energy penetration test subjecting the bag to a 1,000 volt electrostatic discharge and then calculating the energy able to penetrate to the interior of the bag.

For assistance in selecting the correct bag, see Bag Selection Chart.