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Anti-Static and ESD Packaging

ESD packaging protects electronic parts from static charge and discharge. This sheet explains the difference between low-charging (pink poly), dissipative, conductive and shielding materials and how to choose among them.

Ref PK-0113ANSI/ESD S541ANSI/ESD S20.20

Draft, open for review. Check every value against the governing standard and the manufacturer’s data before use.

What it is

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage electronic parts without any visible sign. ESD packaging works in three ways. Low-charging (often called antistatic) material, such as pink poly bags and pink foam, does not build much charge when rubbed. Dissipative and conductive materials let charge flow away when grounded. Shielding material, such as metallized static shielding bags, blocks an outside discharge from reaching the part inside. ANSI/ESD S541 covers packaging for ESD-sensitive items, and ANSI/ESD S20.20 covers the ESD control program the packaging belongs to.

How to identify

Pink poly bags and pink foam are low-charging only. Translucent silver-gray bags with a metal layer are static shielding bags. Black bags, totes and foam loaded with carbon are conductive. Bags and boxes for ESD use are usually printed with the ESD symbol and the material type. Check the maker's data sheet for surface resistance.

Material types

Type	Common forms	What it does	Best use
Low-charging (antistatic)	Pink poly bags, pink foam, bubble	Limits charge build-up	Inside an ESD-protected area, or around non-sensitive items
Dissipative	Dissipative bags, totes, foam	Bleeds charge slowly when grounded	Work-in-process handling
Conductive	Black carbon-loaded bags, totes, foam	Moves charge quickly when grounded	Pinning leads, trays, totes
Static shielding	Metallized bags, foil bags	Blocks outside discharge and fields	Shipping and storing sensitive parts outside the protected area
Moisture barrier shielding	Foil bags with desiccant and humidity card	Shields and keeps moisture out	Moisture-sensitive devices

Resistance classes (ANSI/ESD S541)

Class	Surface resistance
Conductive	Less than 1 x 10^4 ohms
Dissipative	1 x 10^4 to less than 1 x 10^11 ohms
Insulative	1 x 10^11 ohms or more

Key points

Outside an ESD-protected area, sensitive parts need shielding packaging, not just pink poly.
Seal shielding bags closed. An open bag does not shield fully.
Some pink poly loses its low-charging property over time or in low humidity. Check shelf life.
Do not put loose foam or regular bubble wrap inside a shielding bag with the part unless it is ESD-safe.
Open and handle ESD packages only at a grounded workstation.

Common mistakes

Shipping circuit boards in pink poly alone.
Reusing creased or punctured shielding bags.
Using regular packing peanuts or bubble wrap around electronics.
Stapling shielding bags shut, which breaks the shield.

Governing standards: ANSI/ESD S541 (packaging materials for ESD-sensitive items); ANSI/ESD S20.20 (ESD control program).

Reference only. Verify against the current governing code or standard, the manufacturer's data and the project documents before use. Apps for Distributors disclaims liability arising from reliance on this reference.

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