Plastic Films

There are different kinds of plastic films, which have different qualities depending on the materials used when it is produced. The most common structures of plastic films are lidding, shrinking, VSP films, stand-up pouches, and specialty bags. They are very light in weight and highly resistant to any contamination. In addition, most plastic films can be printed on, which is an advantage for brands to improve their recognition and aesthetics. The most common plastic films are as follows:

Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) Film

This material is the cheapest of all the plastic films. It is very flexible, soft, and transparent. In addition, it is highly resistant to moisture, tearing, and chemicals. LDPE is mostly used to manufacture plastic bags, and it is also widely used to make food bottles that are flexible and squeezable; it is also used to manufacture bread and frozen food packaging and lids.

Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) Film

LLDPE has similar features to LDPE, but its characteristics include high tensile and impact strengths, and better and improved heat-preserving sealing qualities. In addition, LLDPE is the most flexible among the polythene sheeting varieties. In the food industry, it is used in shrink wraps and bottle caps.

Ultra Low-Density Polyethylene (ULDPE) Film

ULDPE is a thermoplastic that has low flexibility and flex crack resistance. In addition, it is tear resistant and has high optical clarity. It is mostly used to store cheese, meat, and coffee.

Medium-Density Polyethylene (MDPE) Film

This plastic film is not commonly used like the others. It is, however, stronger and more durable, allowing it to resist tears and punctures and infiltration of chemicals a lot more than LDPE, and it is oxygen permeable. MDPE is used to store baked goods; it is usually manufactured into wash bottles and heavy-duty produce bags.

High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Film

This is the most commonly used plastic to store food, especially in manufacturing industries for food packaging. HDPE is a polyethylene film that is semi-translucent and highly solvent-resistant. It is the least flexible of all the films, making it ideal for applications where it needs to hold a particular shape. HDPE is found in water, juice, or milk bottles, margarine and butter containers, and retail shopping bags.

Polypropylene Film

This plastic film is not transparent as compared to PET, but rather it is translucent, meaning it lets in light but one is unable to see through it. Its characteristics include high optical clarity, high gloss, good tensile strength, and it is cheap. It also has a high melting point and good barrier properties, making it ideal for food items that need high-temperature sterilization, like baby bottles. It is also used for microwavable kitchenware, salad dressing bottles, yogurt containers, and margarine tubs.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Film

PVC is an inexpensive, highly versatile thermoplastic. Its characteristics include rigidness or flexibility depending on its formulation, high impact strength, and good dimensional stability; it is also oxygen permeable and a barricade to oil and grease. It is used as tubing in beverage and food applications and as blister packaging for various food products.

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Film

PET is a high-performance plastic and is used for making films. Its characteristics include high tensile strength, low moisture absorption, and exquisite dimensional stability in various wide-range temperatures. It is used in plastic bottles that store carbonated drinks, jars, tubs, and snack food wrappers.

Biaxially-Oriented Polyethylene Terephthalate (BOPET) Film

Bopet is a material made from stretched PET to create a polyester film. BOPET is commonly used as a faux foil packaging and protective film in microwavable films.

Polyvinylidene Chloride (PVDC) Film

PVDC is a synthetic thermoplastic with a great barrier in resisting moisture and oxygen. It also is highly resistant to heat, grease, and chemicals. It is commonly used in food and medicine packaging as it helps extend shelf life.

Polyamide (PA)/Nylon Film

It is mostly known as nylon. It is a very strong type of thermoplastic, and it has a high melting point which creates a good barrier making it resistant to oxygen infiltration. It does not dissolve or absorb grease, oil, or acidic foods. It is also resistant to punctures and provides flex crack resistance. This material is used in microwave and cooking applications.