Choosing the Right Plastic Packaging Film

Here are the main criteria to consider and questions to ask when selecting plastic film for industrial packaging:

SELENE pallet wrapping film

The type of load:

What type of product are you wrapping? Is it a dry or wet product? What’s its size and weight? Select film thickness, width, and length according to the size and weight of your products. Also, take into account how smooth they are and possible sharp corners that could tear the film.

The type of plastic:

This depends on the nature of the product to be packed. Commonly used plastics include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Each has different properties in terms of strength, transparency, and flexibility.

Desired function:

What will your film be used for? Packaging, protection, heat retention, sealing, etc.?

Some films have specific properties that make them resistant to chemicals, UV, or heat. Others are more transparent. Some also have electrical conductivity properties.

Duration of use:

How long do you expect your film to last, whether in transit or in long-term storage?

Respect for the environment:

More and more plastic films are recyclable or biodegradable. Naturally, we advise you to opt for this type of product for obvious environmental reasons.

In industrial applications, several types of plastic film are used, depending on their specific properties and applications. Here are some of the types of plastic film commonly used:

Stretch film

Stretch film is a versatile material, often made from extruded polyethylene in one or more layers, depending on its intended use. It is known for its flexibility as it can stretch from 125% to 500% of its original length.

There are two main types of stretch film, depending on the extrusion technique used.

SHADONG DYEHOME transparent stretch film

1. Cast
   • This film is suitable for standard, even heavy loads with low-profile angles.
   • It offers good adhesion, high lengthwise strength, high transparency, and silent unwinding, and is generally compatible with automatic wrapping machines.
2. Blown
   • This film is suitable for heavy, angular, and uneven loads.
   • It offers very good adhesion, high strength in length and width, limited transparency, the ability to withstand low temperatures, and enhanced durability.

Advantages:

• Strong, puncture- and tear-resistant
• It adheres without sticking to the load.

Disadvantages:

• To effectively secure a load, the stretch film must be carefully stretched, which can make the packaging process more complex.
• However, some stretch film can be pre-stretched before use to simplify the packaging process.

Applications:

• Stretch film is used to wrap and secure pallets of products in the logistics industry.
• It is also commonly used for packaging fresh produce and foodstuffs.

Shrink film

ZHEJIANG ZHONGCHENG POF film

This film takes the shape of the product to be packaged with heat and retains this shape once cooled.

Advantages:

• It offers a high shrink capacity, which can be reversed, making it recyclable and reusable.
• It’s quick and easy to use.
• It’s heat-resistant.
• It is also tear-, shock- and abrasion-resistant.

Applications:

• Food packaging
• Packaging for consumer products such as video games, DVDs, etc.

Bubble wrap

EREDI CAIMI bubble wrap

Bubble wrap is designed to protect fragile goods during shipping.

It is made of two welded PE plastic films: one smooth, the other bumpy, creating air bubbles. Bubble wrap is light and resistant and ensures the safety of fragile products during transport. Bubble size varies according to film thickness.

• 10 mm bubbles are standard and suitable for light objects. This type of film is often used in warehouses and the packaging industry.
• 18 mm bubbles are ideal for heavy objects or those with sharp corners.
• 30 mm bubbles are ideal for fragile objects and packing wedges.

Plastic film is a versatile product whose properties are largely influenced by the plastic of which it is made. Here are the main plastics used in the manufacture of plastic film:

Polyethylene (PE)

It is one of the most commonly used plastics in industry. It can be produced in single-layer or coextruded versions to meet a variety of needs. It shrinks at temperatures of around 150°C.

There are two types of PE: low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). PE film is generally 40 to 50 micrometers thick, but thinner versions are available, notably LDPE, which also has non-stick and anti-slip properties.

SIGNODE PE film

Advantages:

• PE film is renowned for its moisture resistance.
• It is flexible.
• It is transparent.
• It is the most economical.

Applications:

• Food packaging
• Bulk packaging
• Beverage can packs
• Packaging for furniture, household appliances, etc.

Polypropylene (PP)

Polypropylene is a heat- and grease-resistant plastic.

Applications:

• Food packaging
• Packaging of chemicals and other industrial products

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)

YANGZHOU JEREL PVC film for pharmaceutical use

Commonly used for plastic bottles, it is also used to manufacture transparent film for consumer product packaging.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

PVC is a shiny, transparent material used to manufacture flexible film. It shrinks at relatively low temperatures, from around 80°C.

Applications:

• Packaging of grouped or irregularly shaped products
• Packaging of products that do not tolerate high temperatures

Polyamide (nylon)

This plastic is renowned for its resistance to perforation, humidity, and heat.

Applications:

• Vacuum packaging
• Freezer bags

Polyolefin (POF)

BAREKS food-grade film

Polyolefins are often blends of polyethylene (PE) and other olefins such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polystyrene (PEST).

These plastics are robust and generally multi-layered for extra strength. They shrink at temperatures of 90°C and withstand sub-zero temperatures down to -30°C.

Depending on their composition, POF film can have other specific properties (low-tension shrinkability, resistance to fogging, and microperforation).

Advantages:

• High resistance
• Total transparency
• Shiny

Applications:

• Food products
• Hardware
• Cosmetic products
• Pharmaceutical products
• Household appliances
• Automotive spare parts

360 ECO PACKAGING color stretch film

The color of the plastic film is an essential aspect of the packaging. Each color has its own specific use. The color you choose will depend on the company’s needs, the type of products packed, and the environments in which these products are stored or transported.

Transparent film

This is particularly useful for identifying packaged products. In a warehousing or production environment, transparency means you can quickly see which products are contained on pallets without having to remove the film. This improves efficiency and inventory management.

Black film

This provides effective protection against light. It is therefore used to protect light-sensitive products (photosensitive materials, chemicals). In addition, black plastic film offers a degree of privacy, as it conceals the pallet’s contents.

White film

This is similar to black film in terms of light protection. It has the added advantage of effectively protecting products from UV rays. This feature is important for products that could be damaged by prolonged exposure to the sun.

Translucent blue film

This film is commonly used in food packaging. The color blue is often associated with freshness and food safety, making it a popular choice for products intended for human consumption.

Other plastic film colors can be used to help identify products in a storage environment, allowing them to be distinguished at a glance and saving time during order picking. Red, for example, is one of these colors.

Film can be applied manually or with a packaging machine.

GUILBERT EXPRESS shrink gun

• Manually: When applied manually, plastic film is often combined with accessories such as a metal unwinder or plastic handle. Improving the operator’s grip facilitates packaging and ensures even film distribution.
• Packaging machines: In industrial or logistics environments, plastic film can also be applied with special machines. There are many different types of wrapping machines, such as vertical or horizontal turntables, rotary-arm wrappers, robotic film wrappers, heat sealers, shrink guns, etc. These automated machines guarantee uniform film application for particularly heavy loads or pallets.

Perforated film

• Micro-perforated film: This film contains micro-perforations that enable gas exchange. It prevents condensation from forming inside the packaging while maintaining product freshness. Applications: Fruit and vegetable packaging
• Macro-perforated film: This film contains larger perforations for adequate ventilation, enabling products to return to room temperature without condensation, thus preserving their quality. Applications: Packaging of heated or cooled food products 

Specific properties

ZERUST CORROSION SOLUTIONS anti-corrosion film

• Anti-static: Designed to limit the accumulation of static electric charges. It therefore offers a high level of protection against electrostatic discharge, preventing damage to sensitive components. Applications: Packaging for products in the electronics industry or electrostatic discharge-sensitive equipment in the automotive industry
• Anticorrosion: Specially designed for packaging metal products. It offers protection against corrosion, even in demanding environments. This film is resistant to temperatures ranging from -5 to 40°C. Applications: Metallurgy, automotive industry, chemical industry
• Isothermal: Used to pack sensitive or fragile products such as bottles of liquids, foodstuffs, or medicine. It offers thermal insulation, making it effective for maintaining product temperature. This film is resistant to temperatures ranging from -20 to 60°C.Applications: Food-processing industry, chemical industry, food service establishments

Cost can vary considerably depending on film type, thickness, and material. Here are some price estimates for the three main types of film:

Stretch film

Stretch film prices can range from 3 euros to over 100 euros per roll.

For film that is applied manually, prices range from 3 euros to over 50 euros, depending on the size of the roll. Less expensive film is generally suitable for light loads, while more expensive film is suitable for heavier loads or specific uses.
If you wish to apply your film with a wrapping machine, prices range from 30 euros to over 90 euros per roll.

Shrink film

Shrink film is available at prices ranging from 20 euros to over 400 euros per roll.
The price difference depends mainly on the width of the roll (prices increase with width) and the thickness of the film.

Examples:

• Very fine POF (10-15 microns) are more expensive, from 160 euros to 300 euros.
• PE film (40-50 microns) ranges in price from 60 euros to over 120 euros.
• PVC film (20-30 microns) ranges from 50 euros to over 100 euros.

Bubble wrap

Bubble wrap ranges in price from 3 euros to 100 euros for a roll approximately 1 meter long.

• Standard bubble wrap costs between 3 euros and 20 euros.
• Antistatic bubble wrap costs between 5 euros and 30 euros.
• Anti-corrosion bubble wrap is available from between 10 euros to 50 euros.
• Isothermal bubble wrap ranges in price from 20 euros to 80 euros.