Everything you need to know about packaging film

Packaging is an integral part of almost every product or product. Today there are a large number of types of packaging, film is especially popular. You should know about the features and characteristics of the material, its types and applications.

Packaging film is a material that is produced in accordance with the requirements of GOST. At its core, it is one of the cheapest, but at the same time, the safest and most effective packaging materials. A number of factors can be attributed to the distinctive characteristics of packaging films. Let's consider them in more detail:

• strength and reliability (meaning that the packaging qualitatively protects any product from the negative influences of the external environment);
• physical protection of the product (depending on your wishes, needs, as well as the fragility of the product, the film can be wrapped around one or another product 1 or more times);
• the possibility of heat shrinkage (this means that, under the influence of temperatures, the material can increase and decrease in size, acquiring the necessary shape for a particular product);
• ensures the tightness of the package.

When packing a product in a film specially designed for this purpose, it is important to keep in mind that the product automatically creates a so-called barrier layer. The thickness of the material can vary from 15 to 125 microns. Depending on this indicator, it is possible to pack bulk substances, food products or other goods into the film. As for the width, its maximum indicator is 1.3 m.

A wide variety of packaging films can be found on the market today. It happens:

• in rolls;
• transparent;
• barrier;
• wrapping;
• for winding;
• waterproofing;
• metallized;
• polyethylene;
• water soluble;
• black;
• for vacuum packaging;
• polypropylene;
• industrial.

The product can be thick or thin. Let's consider several main categories of packaging film, as well as get acquainted with the main characteristics of these types.

In appearance, stretch film (or stretch film) is a transparent material for packaging. Its distinguishing feature is the ability to stretch (or prestretch). This means that the film can stretch and contract back as needed. And also this material is self-adhesive, accordingly, you can fix the free edges of the wrapper without using additional accessories (for example, without tape or glue).

Among other things, the material is very elastic and also has high protective properties. Thanks to this, you can be sure that the product will not be affected by such negative factors as excessive moisture, dust, dirt. With the help of stretch film, piece goods are most often packed, and the cargo is also fastened to the pallet.At the same time, the packaging process can be carried out both manually and automatically (by means of special tables and pallet wrappers).

Air bubble wrap is a polymeric material that consists of several layers. The voids between the layers are filled with air. It should be noted right away that the film does not stretch, therefore it is used for manual packaging of fragile products. As for the distinctive features of the material, they are as follows:

• shock-absorbing characteristics (this is due to the fact that the air gap between the layers of the film significantly reduces the load of mechanical damage on the material itself);
• strength and reliability (the raw material for the production of the film is polyethylene, which is very resistant to tears, stretching, punctures);
• thermal insulation properties (thanks to this, the product is protected from the influence of unfavorable temperatures).

On the market there is air bubble film of the most different density: from 80 to 150 g / m 2.

Already by the name of this material, one can conclude that it is used for packaging food products. The distinctive characteristics include a small thickness and a high level of pre-stretch, as well as elasticity and strength. The cling film contains only safe elements, therefore, it can be used for any purpose. It is also important to note the following characteristics of the material:

• transparent and glossy surface (thanks to this you can clearly and clearly see the products inside the package);
• protective properties (the film does not allow moisture to pass through and retains odors, which is necessary for the safe storage of food);
• resistance to certain substances (for example, to fats or salts);
• resistance to low temperatures (accordingly, in the process of freezing and defrosting products, the film does not break down).

In addition to the above, there are other types of packaging films. For example, popular types are coextrusion, laminated and multilayer films.

As for the coextrusive material, then it is made by forcing polymers and forming a large number of layers. In the course of production, only environmentally friendly and safe substances are used. At the same time, the process of making the film itself does not require large financial costs. It is also worth noting the easy process of removing the material, which is one of the essential advantages of this type of film.

To create a laminated film, several layers of different materials must be carefully glued (at the same time, each manufacturer can choose their number at its discretion). Laminate can be used for interlayer printing or foil. The multilayer material is used for packaging goods such as dairy products, frozen foods, fertilizers, feed.

The choice of packaging film is an important and responsible task. In the course of its implementation, it is important to consider several key characteristics and parameters.

• Appointment. Analyze in advance for what purposes you will use the material. The point is that different types of material are used for different purposes. Accordingly, you need to be as careful as possible.

• Price. Choose a material that matches the best price-performance ratio. This means that you should not choose the cheapest or most expensive material. It is better to give preference to goods from the middle price segment.

• Manufacturer and place of purchase. In this regard, you should only trust trusted companies and bona fide sellers who are respected among the professional community.Thus, you will be able to purchase a film that will comply with generally accepted regulations and standards.

• Reviews. It is recommended to study consumer reviews in advance and make sure that all the characteristics declared by the manufacturer correspond to the real state of affairs.

Packaging film is a material that specialists from various fields of professional activity cannot do without. However, if you decide to use film, it is very important to become familiar with the distinctive characteristics of the material, with the properties of the film and with the existing varieties. At the same time, it is especially important to carefully approach the choice of packaging film so that the material performs its functions efficiently. Packaging film is used in a wide variety of areas of human life.

• Trips. With the help of the material, you can pack luggage, suitcases, bags (in this regard, the film is also often called luggage). This is true in the process of moving or traveling. Your luggage will not get dirty, scratched, or open.

• Shipping. Transportation of things and furniture is impossible without packing material. It will protect your belongings from mechanical damage, as well as from the effects of various negative environmental influences.

• Food industry. Packaging material is very often used in the food industry (both in industry and at home). The material can be used for packaging frozen and fresh food. At the same time, it is important for these purposes to choose a special food variety and in no case use a technical type.

• SPA. The material is actively used in beauty salons and spas for wrapping and various kinds of cosmetic procedures.

The following video talks about stretch wrap.