a system for suspending a pack of thermoplastic bags , loading bags , removing loaded bags and for automatically opening the next bag preparatory to loading it by having a pack of handled bags suspended from laterally spaced elongated rods of a rack . the bags have been corona discharge treated in the handle and bag mouth region to such an extent that the pressure and cutting action during the formation thereof will cause adjacently facing cut edge regions to releasably adhere together until a moderate force separates them . during removal of a bag from the bag pack at least a portion of the cut edge of the mouth and handle region of the front wall of the next bag will follow the bag being removed for a short distance before separation thereby opening the next bag rendering it ready for loading .