Increased airport security means zip bags galore!

The company says that security measures mean all passengers hand carrying liquid cosmetics must use a clear plastic zip bag has seen it supply huge numbers of its Hefty OneZip one-quart slider bags.

And in tune with demand, the company is to supply a further 1.2 million bags free of charge to airports throughout the United States in an effort to help expedite passengers through the increased security measures during the busy holiday season.

The company says that the latest deliveries mean that it has now supplied a total of 2 million of its zip bags to US airports during the holiday season, which started with Thanks Giving at the end of November.

The zip bags comply with the US airport authorities' 3-1-1 initiative, which allows for the hand carrying of liquid or gel toiletries on board aircrafts in packaging of less than 3oz in volume, to be zipped into 1 quart-sized clear zip-top plastic bag, with 1 bag per passenger.

John Schwab, vice president and general manager of Hefty Consumer Products said that the company's zip bags had helped to shift unprepared passengers through airport security more smoothly.

"Our goal is to help ease the stresses of holiday travel and make a difference during the holiday seaon,"​ he said.

The deliveries are being made according to the demands for on-site distribution at airports such as Miami, Minneapolis, Seattle, Chicago and Honolulu.

The security measures, which came about following a foiled transatlantic terrorist bomb plot back in September, has caused considerable consternation for the cosmetic and toiletry industry.

Initially a number of premium cosmetic producers, including Estee Lauder, said that, following the ban of all cosmetic products on board aircraft, the security measures could significantly impact sales of duty-free cosmetic and fragrance products.

After the ban on airport retailers was lifted, the emphasis has shifted to what cosmetic and toiletry products passengers can and cannot carry on board aircrafts with them.

All products brought outside airport terminals must comply with the 3oz rule and must be carried in clear zip-top plastic bags - rules that have led to openings for packaging companies providing both plastic bags and smaller-sized cosmetic and toiletry packaging.