Multi-film thermoplastic bags having contact areas

A multi-film thermoplastic bag comprising:

• an outer first thermoplastic bag comprising first and second opposing sidewalls joined together along a first side edge, an opposite second side edge, an open first top edge, and a closed first bottom edge;
• an inner second thermoplastic bag positioned within the outer first thermoplastic bag, the inner second thermoplastic bag comprising third and fourth opposing sidewalls joined together along a third side edge, an opposite fourth side edge, an open second top edge, and a closed second bottom edge;
• and a region of contact areas, each contact area comprising a bonded portion in which the outer first thermoplastic bag and the inner second thermoplastic bag are bonded together, each bonded portion surrounded by one or more separated areas that remain unbonded and are not mechanically deformed relative to each bonded portion, such that the contact areas are arranged in a first discontinuous pattern, wherein the region of contact areas exhibits a stiffness up to five times greater than areas of the multi-film thermoplastic bag without contact areas.