What is the Correct Spelling Baling Wire or Bailing Wire?

The correct spelling is baling wire, although if you search for bailing wire online, you'll get near enough the same results. This is because the two spellings have become somewhat (incorrectly) interchangeable, and many companies still refer to it as bailing wire. Baling and bailing are known as homophones, two words that have separate meanings, yet they sound exactly the same. Bear in mind, however, that currently, Google will suggest the correction of baling wire if you search instead for bailing wire. There is also no difference in the product that the words are describing, so one type of wire will not differ in function from another simply because of the name. The term bailing usually refers to either the releasing of a prisoner on bail, bailing out a bank or an institution (providing it with money to keep it afloat), or to leaving an area (informally). Baling, on the other hand, often refers to the bundling of goods, the primary function of what baling wire is used for. As a noun, a bale describes a tightly packed bundle of materials like hay, cardboard, or scrap metal. To find out more, you can check out this blog post on bailing wire vs baling wire.

Do You Have a Wire Gauge Chart to Choose the Correct Size?

Gauge refers to the thickness of a wire. Gauges operate on an inverse scale, which means the smaller the gauge number, the larger the circumference of the wire. Typically, baling wire starts at around 9 gauge, and can go all the way up to the incredibly thin 35-gauge variety. Choosing the right type of baling wire can be tough if you don’t know what to look for, yet it’s essential if you want to ensure maximum quality and functionality. You can find a reliable wire gauge chart by clicking here. You can find a wide range of different gauge baling wire online, but if you’re not sure which one will work best, don’t hesitate to contact the manufacturer of your baling machine; they should be able to give you advice on which size go for. For paper, it’s worth going for a lighter gauge, like a 14, but for tougher materials like plastics, you’ll probably need to go as low as 12. It’s worth noting that the properties of the wire can differ based on whether they’re galvanized or annealed, even if they’re the same gauge. Remember that it’s crucial to check your baler’s specifications before you start using the wire, as it may have limitations as to what gauge you can use.

Which Wire is Best for Cardboard Baling?

Generally, you'll want to use either an 11, 12, or 13 gauge wire for baling cardboard. The 11 gauge wire is the thickest and, therefore, more suited to packing denser bales. It is important to consider your baler, however, as this will likely determine the type of wire that you'll need. This can differ between make and model, and there will likely be a users manual that will have the right info. If not, you could always call up the manufacturer and ask them directly. You wouldn't want to risk damaging your baler by using the wrong materials with it. For example, a smaller vertical baler that generates smaller bales may need a smaller gauge, like a 14. In contrast, a horizontal baler that operates at a larger scale may require an 11, even though you're baling the same material. Cardboard baling wire is usually very tough, no matter the gauge, so the main point to concern yourself with is whether or not your chosen type of wire is compatible with the machine you're using. It's worth noting that this can vary extensively, so make sure you find the right wire for your specific machine and the type of material you hope to bale.

What is baling wire used for?

Baling wire is used to secure waste and scrap materials into neatly manageable bundles, making them easier to transport. It's perfect for aiding waste management in the recycling industry, and cutting down on wastage in general, no matter the area of work that you're in. Baling wire can come in many different forms, for example, galvanized baling wire is exceptionally strong and durable, and it's able to withstand the harsh conditions of the recycling process with ease. Galvanized baling wire is strong enough to survive being submerged into a molten liquid for some time, making it suitable for the galvanization of other types of metal. Black annealed baling wire is developed using the annealing process, a cycle of carefully measured heating and cooling, which is what gives it the increased level of ductility and elongation. Baling wire can be threaded through a baling machine to secure the scrap or waste material, or it can be tied by hand, as it's incredibly ductile, making it an extremely versatile material and an essential one in the recycling and agriculture industries. Baling wire has long been regarded as a fix-all type of material, so it's always handy to have some around the workspace.

Why is it called baling wire?

It's called baling wire because it refers to the job it's used for, securing bales of scrap material like hay and cardboard. The word bale might have its roots in the old Germanic language, relating to ball. Bales are the bundles of material compressed in a baling machine, and the wire is what binds this material together, holding it in place for easier maneuverability. Baling wire has been used extensively since the 1800s (this is likely when the term began gaining widespread popularity), but it's come a long way since then in both form and function. From humble origins, baling wire has become a critical material in the recycling and agricultural industries, largely due to the phenomenal rise of modern machinery like advanced baling machines and tractors.The words baling wire are often interchanged (incorrectly) with bailing wire, yet searching for either term on Google will likely still send you to the right place. By galvanizing either stainless steel or iron wire, manufacturers can make baling wire tougher than ever before. This process involves submerging the wire in a molten metal coating (usually zinc) in order to make it more durable and corrosion resistant. Baling wire can also be developed using the annealing process, which is when the wire is exposed to a cycle of heating and cooling over time.

What kind of wire is baling wire?

Baling wire is ultra-strong, highly durable, galvanized steel or iron wire. The galvanization process refers to the act of hot dipping (submerging) stainless steel or iron wire in a bath of molten zinc.The resulting metallurgical reaction causes the zinc to bond with the steel, creating a protective coating, enabling it to withstand erosion with ease. This process enables the baling wire to become exceptionally resilient and able to resist even the harshest weather and wear and tear for extensive periods of time. You can also find baling wire in the form of black annealed wire, an incredibly sturdy and versatile material that's created using a meticulous cycle of heating and cooling, causing it to increase in ductility for maximum ease of use. You can find out more about the properties of this wire here. Due to its many unique properties, including its ability to stand up to harsh conditions, baling wire is essential in the recycling and agricultural industries, and it's generally found in any type of baling application, include office recycling. Its main purpose is to secure bales (compact bundles of waste and scrap material) and hold them in place, making them easier to store, handle and transport, greatly aiding the waste management process.

Baling plastic guide

According to Greenpeace, 2.4 million tons of plastic are recycled annually in the USA. Plastic balers compress sorted plastic into dense bales for transportation and storage. The plastic recycling industry bales materials to reduce transportation costs and storage space requirements. The plastic baling process follows these steps:

Sorted plastic feeds into the baler’s hopper.
Once the chamber is full, the baler compresses plastic to the desired density and weight.
Operators use bale ties, or auto-tie balers tie plastic bales with baling wire.
Finished bales are ejected from the baler and sent to recycling operations for processing.

Balers help remove plastic and other recyclables from the waste stream, promoting sustainability and the circular economy.

What is the plastic recycling process?

Besides baling, plastic undergoes the following recycling process:

Collection and sorting. Plastic waste is collected and sorted at a waste material recovery facility. Different types of plastics are separated and prepared for recycling.
Baling process. Sorted plastic waste is compressed into dense bales.
Sale to processors. The plastic bales are sold to plastic processors or recycling facilities.
Arrival at processing destination. Once at the processing facility, plastic bales are prepared for the recycling process. This may involve re-baling smaller bales into mill-size bales.
Shredding and cleaning. The plastic bales are broken open and plastic waste is shredded into small pieces. These shreds are cleaned and filtered to remove impurities.
Granulation. The cleaned, shredded plastic is melted and formed into pellets.
Manufacturing new products. Plastic pellets are used to manufacture new products. Depending on the type of plastic, these recycled products range from new plastic bottles and containers to outdoor furniture, textiles, and building materials.
Distribution and sale. Recycled products are distributed and sold to consumers, completing the recycling loop.

Not all plastic waste can be recycled due to contamination or the type of plastic.

Best baling wire for plastic

We carry several wire options for baling plastic materials. The best type of wire and wire gauge for baling plastic depends on whether you have a vertical or horizontal baler and whether it is automatic or manual tie. Storage conditions and duration also affect wire choice. Here are some of the best wire options for plastic:

Single loop bale ties can be tied to different lengths to accommodate inconsistent bale sizes. They work with manual horizontal and vertical balers. We offer both black annealed and galvanized single loop bale ties. Galvanized bale ties provide enhanced abrasion resistance.
Double loop bale ties are pre-cut to length and feature a loop (hook) at both ends. The double loop configuration accelerates the tying process, increasing productivity.
Galvanized wire is less commonly used for baling plastic. But if your bales require long-term storage, hot-dip galvanization increases wire’s resistance to rust and corrosion to keep bales safe and secure.
Black annealed wire feeds smoothly through the high-volume automatic baling machines commonly used in plastic recycling. The annealing process improves the wire’s ductility for baling expansive materials.

What types of plastic are recyclable?

There are seven types of plastics, each identified by a number inside the recycling symbol (resin identification code). Here's a brief overview of each type of plastic, its number, and its recyclability:

PET or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate). This type of plastic is commonly found in beverage bottles, perishable food containers, and other plastic containers.PET bottles are some of the most easily recycled plastics.
HDPE (high-density polyethylene). HDPE is used in milk cartons, shampoo bottles, and laundry detergent containers. It is also widely recyclable.
PVC (polyvinyl chloride). PVC is used in pipes, kids' toys, plastic trays, and furniture. PVC products are not typically recyclable due to their composition.
LDPE (low-density polyethylene). LDPE is used in grocery bags, plastic film, and bags that hold magazines, sliced bread loaves, and fresh produce. LDPE products can sometimes be recycled, but many municipalities do not accept this type of plastic in curbside recycling bins due to difficulties in recycling.
PP (polypropylene). PP is used in food containers for products such as yogurt, sour cream, and margarine. It's also made into straws, rope, carpet, and bottle caps. PP products can sometimes be recycled, but the recycling rate is low due to challenges in achieving consistent recycling quality.
PS (polystyrene). PS is used to make disposable coffee cups, packing peanuts, coolers, to-go food containers, and plastic cutlery. PS products can sometimes be recycled at specialist facilities, but the process is difficult and not widely practiced.
Other. Any type of plastic that doesn't fit into the first six categories. Products stamped with a 7 are made out of multiple plastic types or out of other types of plastic. These products can sometimes be recycled, but it's not common due to the complexity of the materials. One recyclable example is ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene).

The recyclability of these plastics depends on local recycling facilities and programs.

Benefits of recycling plastic

Plastic recycling benefits the environment, the economy, and society. Some benefits of plastic recycling include:

Lower greenhouse gas emissions. Plastic recycling can help mitigate climate change by reducing the amount of energy needed for new plastic production.
Reduced landfill waste. According to the EPA, recycling and composting prevented 94 million tons of material from reaching landfills in 2018.
Natural resource conservation. The manufacture of new plastic products from recycled materials requires less energy and fewer raw materials than producing plastics from virgin resources.
Protection of wildlife and ecosystems. Plastic recycling reduces the amount of plastic waste that ends up in oceans, rivers, and other natural habitats.
Job creation and economic support. The recycling industry creates jobs in collection, processing, and manufacturing.

Plastic recycling is a step toward a more sustainable future. Active participation in plastic recycling programs and support for businesses that use recycled materials help minimize the environmental impact of plastic waste and preserve our planet for future generations.