55 my is thicker than 40 my, but the number does not only tell you which garbage bag is suitable for the task. The purchase should also take into account the size of the bag, material, construction and the waste to be handled.
For a company, it is relevant comparison therefore not only price per roll. It is also whether the bag fits the container and can be used for the planned task without unnecessary waste.
What does my mean on waste bags?
“My” is used in product descriptions for micrometers, written µm. It is a unit of length that here indicates the thickness of the plastic film.
| Indicated thickness | Converted to millimeters |
|---|---|
| 40 my | 0.040 mm |
| 55 my | 0.055 mm |
55 my is 37.5% thicker than 40 my. This means notthat the bag can carry 37.5% more. The load capacity must be assessed based on the specific product. A thickness indication is also not a weight limit in kilograms.
When is 40 or 55 my relevant?
For otherwise comparable products, the thicker variant can be a candidate if the current bag does not work satisfactorily. But first investigate why it fails: Is it overfilled, incorrectly sized, damaged at the edge of the container, or exposed to debris it was not designed for?
If a 40 my bag is suitable for the job and works in day-to-day operations, there is no automatic advantage to switching to 55 my. Conversely, a lower unit price is not a saving if the solution requires more bags or results in extra clean-up.
ABENA emphasizes container size, waste type and properties such as tear strength and puncture strength when choosing a bag. It is a general purchasing principle, not a comparative test of Nordic Safety's products.
Check the dimensions before the letter specification
Two bags with the same stated volume may have different measurements. Note the dimensions of the container and compare them with the width and length of the sack. There must be room for the way the bag is mounted, filled and closed.
Test a bag in the container that the employees actually use. Check that it can be installed without being stretched unnecessarily and that it can be removed after normal filling. A nominal number of liters is not in itself documentation of the fit.
A simple test before a larger order
- Choose candidates that the supplier describes as suitable for the current waste type.
- Test them with the same type of container and general work task. Stick to the product's instructions.
- Note consumption, problems when closing and removing as well as any breaks or leaks.
- Compare both the unit price and the practical results before you standardize the purchase.
Such operational testing can help with product selection, but does not determine a certified maximum load. Bags for general waste should not be used for hazardous waste or sharp objects without separate documentation.
Calculate the price per bag - not only per roll
Price per sack = roll price ÷ number of sacks on the roll.
Calculation example: A roll for DKK 12 with 10 sacks costs DKK 1.20 per sack. A roll for DKK 15 with 15 bags costs DKK 1.00 per sack. The figures are examples only, not current offers. Compare on the same VAT basis and with the same suitable use.
See waste bags at Nordic Safety, including clear 120-liter bags in 40 my and clear 120-liter bags in 55 my. Comparison of thickness, dimensions and number per roll on the specific items. For larger purchases, you can send us container dimensions and waste type, so that the product selection can be clarified.
Do you need to order a whole pallet? Use our guide for pallet purchase of waste bags to check the number of bags, delivered price and goods receipt when the bag is selected.
Sources and professional basis
Sources checked 10 October 2026. Conversions and calculation examples have been prepared by Nordic Safety.
