Flexible Packaging Films: Different Types and Their Uses

Plastic film is a common flexible packaging material, there are many types of plastic film with different characteristics, according to the different characteristics of the film, its usefulness is also different. It is widely used in food, medicine, cosmetics, daily necessities, and other industries. In recent years the global demand for flexible packaging film is a continuing upward trend, especially in the form of packaging continues to shift from rigid packaging to flexible packaging, which is the main factor driving the growth in demand for flexible packaging film materials. This article Huiyang Packaging will introduce the basic knowledge of flexible packaging film, including material types, characteristics, and application areas.

Types of flexible packaging film

Flexible packaging film can be divided into a variety of types according to the different materials, common polyethylene (PE) film, polypropylene (PP) film, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film, polyester (PET) film, etc., each plastic film has different characteristics and scope of application.

Polyethylene (PE) film

PE film is a large amount of plastic packaging film, accounting for more than 40% of the total consumption of plastic film. PE film, although in terms of appearance, strength, and other aspects is not ideal, it has good toughness, moisture resistance, and heat sealing properties, and processing and molding are convenient, and inexpensive, so the application is very wide. With good flexibility and transparency, it is commonly used in food packaging and agricultural cover film. According to the different densities, polyethylene film can be divided into high-density polyethylene (HDPE) film, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) film linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) film, and so on

• High-Density Polyethylene Film.HDPE film is a tough and translucent film with a milky white appearance and poor surface gloss.
• low-density polyethylene film. LDPE film is mainly produced by extrusion blow molding method and T-molding method LDPE film is a flexible and transparent film, non-toxic, odorless, and the thickness is generally between 0.02 and 0.1㎜.
• Linear Low-Density Polyethylene Film. LLDPE film is a new variety of polyethylene film developed recently, compared with LDPE film, LLDPE film has higher tensile and impact strength, tear strength and puncture resistance.

Polypropylene (PP) film

PP film is a film made from polypropylene that has high-temperature resistance and can withstand both high and low temperatures. It also has good mechanical properties and chemical stability, so it is commonly used in packaging and processing products. With good transparency and rigidity, it is commonly used for food packaging pharmaceutical packaging, and stationery supplies packaging. Polypropylene films can also be processed into different forms such as heat-sealable films and stretch films. Polypropylene (PP) films can be divided into bi-oriented polypropylene (BOPP) and cast polypropylene (CPP) films according to different manufacturing processes and uses.

• Bi-oriented polypropylene (BOPP) films. During the manufacturing process, the film is stretched both longitudinally and transversely, resulting in higher strength and transparency. Makes the product more attractive. Good resistance to moisture, oil, and gas permeability. Commonly used in food packaging such as cookies, candies, bread, etc. Also used for label printing of various products. Suitable for gift packaging due to its high gloss.
• cast polypropylene (CPP) film.Manufactured through the casting process and not bi-oriented. CPP films are more flexible than BOPP films. It has excellent heat-sealing properties and is suitable for packaging that requires heat sealing. Therefore, it can be used for food packaging, such as frozen food and snack packaging, and pharmaceutical packaging, such as the outer packaging of medical devices and drugs.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film

PVC film is divided into flexible film and rigid film. Soft PVC film elongation, tear strength, and cold resistance are better; easy to print and heat sealing; and can be made into transparent film. Rigid PVC film, commonly known as PVC cellophane. High transparency, stiffness, good toughness, twist stability; good airtightness, fragrance retention, and good moisture resistance; excellent printing performance, can be made into a non-toxic film. With good transparency and weather resistance, commonly used in pharmaceutical packaging, cosmetic packaging, and electronic product packaging. PVC film can also be processed into a variety of colors and patterns of decorative film.

Polyester (PET) film

PET film is a better-performance packaging film. Its transparency is good and glossy; has good airtightness and fragrance; and moisture resistance is medium, at low temperatures, the moisture permeability rate decreases. PET film also has excellent heat resistance, cold resistance, and good resistance to chemicals and oil resistance. However, it is not resistant to strong alkali; easy to carry static electricity, there is no proper anti-static method, so the packaging of powdered goods should be noted. Due to good mechanical properties and heat sealing properties, it is an ideal material choice for food packaging, electronic product packaging tape substrates, etc. It is widely used for food packaging such as steaming, baking, and freezing. Polyester film can also be applied to more fields through coating, lamination, and other processing techniques.

Properties of flexible packaging film

Flexible packaging film has a variety of characteristics, mainly including the following aspects.

1. Transparency: the transparency of plastic film determines the display effect of goods, high transparency film can better display the appearance and quality of goods.
2. Flexibility: plastic film has good flexibility, and can be adapted to different shapes of packaging needs, to protect the packaging from damage.
3. Barrier: plastic film has certain gas and moisture barrier properties, and can maintain the freshness and quality of the package.
4. Tear resistance: Plastic film has a certain degree of tear resistance, which can avoid packaging breakage in the process of transportation and use.
5. Heat sealing: plastic film can be firmly bonded together with itself or other materials through the heat sealing process to form a sealed package.

Application areas of flexible packaging film

Flexible packaging film is widely used in various fields, mainly including the following aspects:

1. Food packaging: plastic film can be used for a variety of food packaging, such as fruit packaging, cooked food packaging, and pastry packaging. Different foods have different requirements for film, you need to choose the right material and process.
2. Pharmaceutical packaging: plastic film is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry, and can be used for pharmaceutical packaging, and medical device packaging. The safety and sealing requirements of the film for pharmaceutical packaging are high.
3. Cosmetic packaging: Plastic film plays a protective and beautifying role in cosmetic packaging, which can be used for mask packaging, perfume packaging, shampoo packaging, etc.
4. Daily necessities packaging: plastic film can also be used for a variety of daily necessities packaging, such as laundry detergent packaging, sanitary napkin packaging, paper towel packaging, and so on.
5. Industrial packaging: plastic film can also be used for industrial product packaging, such as electronic product packaging, and automotive parts packaging.

Plastic film, as a common flexible packaging material, has a variety of types and characteristics, widely used in food, medicine, cosmetics, daily necessities, and other industries. When choosing and using plastic film, you need to choose the right material and process to ensure the quality and safety of packaging according to different packaging needs and requirements.

Conclusion

Flexible packaging films occupy a pivotal position in the modern packaging industry due to their versatility and wide range of applications. Different types of films such as Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Aluminum Foil Laminates, and Co-Extruded Films cater to the packaging needs of different products.

Huiyang Packaging, as a manufacturer of flexible packaging films, from food and pharmaceuticals to industrial and everyday products, can meet the needs of these films due to their unique performance characteristics such as high transparency, heat resistance, mechanical strength, and barrier properties. Through continuous technological innovation, strict quality management, personalized customized solutions, and excellent customer service, our enterprise has established a good reputation in the flexible packaging film industry and won the trust and support of many customers.

We will continue to innovate and develop in the flexible packaging film industry under the impetus of technological progress and environmental protection trends to expand a wider range of applications. In the future, with the constant changes in major market demand and the continuous progress of science and technology, it shows a broad prospect and great potential.