Shielding bag or pink antistatic bag - which do I need?
Not every component needs a costly shielding bag. This guide explains the difference between a metallised shielding bag and a pink antistatic bag, when the Faraday cage is mandatory and which criteria per DIN EN 61340-5-3 drive the choice.
View ESD packagingHow do the two bags actually differ?
The pink antistatic bag and the metallised shielding bag solve two different problems. The pink bag only prevents its own surface from charging up, while the shielding bag additionally forms a Faraday cage and protects the contents from external electrostatic fields and discharges.
The pink polyethylene bag is treated with an antistatic agent that suppresses triboelectric charging. Its surface resistance sits below roughly 10¹¹ Ω, but it barely dissipates and does not shield at all. The silvery, semi-transparent shielding bag is a multi-layer laminate: an outer conductive or dielectric protective layer, a metallised aluminium layer for shielding and an inner antistatic layer.
When is a metallised shielding bag mandatory?
As soon as an ESD-sensitive device (ESDS) leaves the protected EPA, DIN EN 61340‑5‑3 requires it to be shielded against fields and discharges. For transport outside the EPA and for storing populated assemblies, the shielding bag is therefore the standard.
- Shipping and transporting populated boards and assemblies outside the EPA.
- Components with low ESD withstand voltage (HBM below roughly 500 V, e.g. GaAs devices, MR heads).
- Longer-term storage where external fields or charges may occur.
- Whenever a closed Faraday cage is required - meaning sealed, not merely inserted.
When is the pink antistatic bag enough?
The pink antistatic bag is enough where no active shielding is needed but triboelectric charging should be avoided. Typical cases are insensitive mechanical parts, small parts and packaging material inside the EPA.
- Non-electronic items such as screws, housings or accessories that should not build up charge.
- Robust components with high ESD withstand voltage handled inside the EPA.
- Secondary packaging, cushioning and inner bags within the protected zone.
- As a low-cost inner wrap when the shielding outer bag is already provided separately.
Besides pink there are conductive black carbon-loaded bags and foams with resistances below 10⁴ Ω. They dissipate strongly, but without a closed metal layer they too do not form a complete Faraday cage, and they are opaque as well.
Which criteria decide the choice?
The choice depends on the ESD withstand voltage of the component, the location (inside or outside the EPA) and the test requirements of DIN EN 61340‑5‑3. Also check size, closure and marking.
Frequently asked questions
Is a pink bag enough for a populated board in shipping?
No. Once a populated assembly leaves the EPA it needs a shielding bag acting as a Faraday cage. The pink bag only suppresses its own charge and does not protect against external discharges.
Does the shielding bag have to be closed?
Yes. The Faraday cage only works when the bag is fully closed - by zip, heat-seal or ESD label. An open bag provides no shielding.
What does the pink colour mean?
Pink is the industry colour code for antistatic-treated polyethylene. The colour has no technical function but signals that the bag is low-charging yet not shielding.
Are conductive black bags better than shielding bags?
They dissipate more strongly, but without a closed metal layer they do not form a complete Faraday cage and are opaque. For shielded transport the metallised shielding bag remains the right choice.
Looking for the right ESD packaging?
We supply metallised shielding bags, conductive bags and pink antistatic bags - tested to DIN EN 61340-5-3, in many sizes and with zip or heat-seal closure.
Standard tested
Shielding bags meet DIN EN 61340-5-3.
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Shielding, conductive and antistatic from stock.
Clearly marked
ESD symbol and verified resistance values.
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