Glassine bags or envelopes are known for their simple visual appeal and versatility. They're made of glassine paper, which is a form of calendered paper. Calendering is a finishing process where the paper is run between stacks of hot steel and fiber cylinders till it’s very thin, smooth, flat, translucent and shiny. It goes through this process several times, and so glassine is considered supercalendered paper. Glassine is also grease, air and water resistant. Glassine paper’s water resistance makes it perfect for storing stamps and other small objects, like jewelry, bits of fabric or insect specimens that might be damaged by water. Glassine is also used in food processing as a barrier to keep greasy foods from contaminating non-greasy foods. Eggrolls from Chinese take-out places are traditionally put in narrow glassine bags to protect the other food that may share the same take-away bag. Glassine bags are also ideal for holding baked goods like cookies, as well as nuts, coffee beans or coffee grinds and candy. Glassine is also used to bag vials of medicines, and to wrap flowers, clothing, soap, firecrackers and rockets. They can also be used for holding seeds for the garden. Glassine paper is also good for preserving acrylic paintings, rare and valuable books, and can serve as leaves in photo albums, the better to protect the photographs. Glassine bags are also excellent for carrying items, as they're both aesthetically pleasing and the customer can usually see through them. Glassine bags can come in many sizes, and though they are translucent, they can be dyed a variety pleasing colors. They can be tied with colorful ribbon and used for favor bags to give away at parties, wedding and baby showers, and receptions. Glassine is inexpensive and often glassine bags are sold wholesale, in bulk, or even by the ton. Aside from being water resistant, glassine bags can often be made pH neutral and acid-free. Made of natural fibers, they contain no harmful or toxic chemicals, and when the customer is finished with them they can be easily recycled, or used in a compost bin, where they break down easily. Your best source for Glassine Bags is http://www.glassineenvelopes.net/