Twist tie

A twist tie is a metal wire encased in a thin strip of paper or plastic used to tie the openings of bags such as garbage bags or bread bags. They are often included with boxes of sandwich baggies or trash bags, and are commonly available individually in pre-cut lengths, on large spools, or in perforated sheets called gangs. [http://www.bedfordind.com/twistties/gangtie.htm]

The outer covering can be in a variety of colors with or without printing. Plain paper, metallic paper, plastic, and poly coatings are popular for different applications. The plastic, poly, or metallic paper twist ties withstand water better than the uncoated paper versions. Water-resistant twist ties are sometimes used to package lettuce and other vegetables, although hook and loop closures are beginning to replace it. Different sizes and strengths are used for different applications, from a small closure for a bag of bread to a large, heavy tie to hold unwieldy garden hoses in place. A twist tie with a broad paper covering may also be used for labeling purposes.

A non-twisting plastic fastener similar to a cable tie may also be called a twist tie, although this is technically incorrect.

Twist ties, particularly metallic colors, are occasionally used to decorate packages.