Many businesses are now selling their products on Amazon. Companies are using their FBA (fulfillment by Amazon) to send it directly to the customer. Amazon FBA does have requirements on how the items need to be packed.
If they are not packed properly, it can create delays in the items getting into Amazon’s inventory. Additionally, using the correct packing material ensures your shipment moves quickly through the Amazon fulfillment center.
Amazon recommends using bubble wrap and inflatable air pillows. It does not recommend using peanut packaging, crinkle wrap or shredded paper. They also recommend that if poly bags with an opening of 5″ (measured when flat) or larger is used, are required to have a suffocation warning, either printed on the bag itself, or attached as a label. The bags also need to be transparent, and must be a certain thickness.
Sure, you can easily get some of your packaging supplies from a UPS Store, Home Depot or Walmart. However, if you are packaging a substantial amount, you can save money by buying in volume from a family-owned company like Pyramid Packaging.
We are supplier of on poly bags, bags on a roll, shrink wrap, stretch wrap, demand bubble wrap, air pillows and carton sealing tape. Established in 1968, Pyramid Packaging is a value-added, and ISO 9001 compliant supplier of packaging machinery, supplies, and services. Click here to contact us or call 847-272-3400.
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Have a question about protective or void-fill packaging? Send us a note and a packaging specialist will get back to you.
Choosing the right protective film can make or break a product’s shelf life, safety and performance. Below, we break down what barrier films are, how they work and which type fits your application — from food packaging to industrial, medical and pharmaceutical uses.
What Are Barrier Films?
Barrier films are multi-layer plastic films engineered to block the transfer of oxygen, moisture, light, odors or other gases between a product and its surrounding environment. This protection extends product life and prevents contamination. While often associated with food packaging, barrier films are widely used across industrial, medical and pharmaceutical applications wherever a product needs protection from environmental exposure. Pyramid Packaging supplies barrier films and other flexible packaging films for food, industrial, medical and pharmaceutical applications.
A high barrier film is a type of packaging film engineered to provide extremely low oxygen and moisture transmission rates, helping extend product shelf life and maintain freshness. High barrier films are commonly used in food packaging applications where products are sensitive to oxygen exposure, moisture loss or contamination.
Compared to standard barrier films, high barrier films typically incorporate advanced materials such as EVOH, metalized polyester (MET PET) or multi-layer laminations to deliver superior protection for perishable products.
High Barrier Films: When You Need Maximum Protection
High barrier films are used when a product cannot tolerate any meaningful oxygen or moisture exposure over its shelf life. Industry practice generally defines a high barrier film as one with an oxygen transmission rate (OTR) below 1 cc/m²/24hr and a moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) below 1 g/m²/24hr — thresholds low enough to protect products that would otherwise oxidize, spoil or lose potency in weeks rather than months.
Three material options account for most high barrier films used in food packaging today: EVOH (ethylene vinyl alcohol), which delivers the strongest oxygen barrier of any common film but must be shielded from moisture to perform correctly; foil laminates, which offer a true zero-OTR barrier by blocking gas transmission completely; and MET PET (metalized polyester), which combines a strong oxygen and moisture barrier with the stiffness needed for hard candy, chocolate and other rigid-wrap applications. See the film-by-film breakdown below for OTR values and best-fit applications for each.
Food packaging film is essential for protecting food products, extending shelf life and maintaining freshness throughout storage and distribution. Pyramid Packaging supplies a wide range of food packaging film solutions, including high-barrier laminations, BOPP, MET PET and EVOH films designed for applications ranging from dry goods to fresh and refrigerated products. Selecting the right film depends on oxygen, moisture and aroma barrier requirements as well as packaging equipment and product characteristics.
They provide protective properties for food items requiring restrictive visibility and will also increase the product’s shelf-life, and freshness.
Oxygen transfer rate (OTR) is used to measure the amount of oxygen that passes through a film. A good rule of thumb is this: The lower the number, the better the film barrier.
Additional barrier properties include UV protection, odor prevention, moisture and gas barriers. Deciding on the barrier film for your packaging application can be a complicated process.
There are many variables to consider in order to best preserve your packaged product.
Below are a list of the most common type of barrier films used for food packaging.
Foil (aluminum) backings
These offer the best best barrier protection with an OTR of 0. Foil is often used in candy wrappers, as well as preserving chocolate.
EVOH (ethylene vinyl alcohol)
These barrier films have a OTR at .6 cc EVOH barriers are often used to package items such as meat, fish & poultry related products.
MPET
When OPP/BOPP films are laminated with metal foil (MET) it will increase the film’s oxygen & water barrier & block out UV rays. Additionally, because of the film’s stiffness, it is used as a wrap for hard candies, chocolates & is resistant to heat and moisture.
KPET
This is a soft saran coated PET film with good transparency. It is used as a substrate to laminate with other films. KPET has excellent gas, moisture and vapor properties making suitable for packaging of dry goods and protecting fragrant related items.
PET (polyester)
This is very good oxygen barrier, heat resistant & strong film with good durability. PET film is an excellent laminating substrate for stand-up pouches. Therefore, when PET films are laminated with metal foil it will increase the film’s oxygen — water barrier & block out UV rays.
Metallized films for flexible packaging are essential when the product requires extra protection to ensure a longer shelf life. MET PET provides protective properties for food items requiring restricted visibility.
Nylon barrier films
These films have a high melting point and are used for cooking applications such as boiling, microwaving & baking. As a result, it has very good clarity, moisture barriers & is considered a very strong film.
Polypropylene barrier films
This material is soft, clear glossy film with good moisture barriers and high oxygen transfer rates. It is often used for plastic food bags.
LLDPE barrier films
This type of films are inexpensive and have good clarity. It is used to package fresh, produce, frozen foods & baked goods. Because of its high OTR of 2500 cc, it work well when the package requires oxygen.
Barrier Film Comparison: OTR & MVTR by Type
Film Type
Oxygen Barrier (OTR)
Moisture Barrier (MVTR)
Typical Food Use
Foil (Aluminum)
Excellent (OTR ~0)
Excellent
Candy wrappers, chocolate
EVOH
Excellent (OTR ~0.6 cc)
Poor alone (moisture-sensitive)
Meat, fish, poultry
MET PET (MPET)
Very good
Very good
Hard candy, chocolate wraps
KPET
Good
Very good
Dry goods, aromatic products
PET (Polyester)
Good
Good
Stand-up pouch laminating substrate
Nylon
Good
Very good
Boil-in-bag, microwave, bake
BOPP / Polypropylene
Moderate
Good
Snacks, plastic food bags
LLDPE
Low (OTR ~2500 cc)
Moderate
Fresh produce, frozen foods, baked goods
Note: OTR and MVTR values vary by thickness, lamination and supplier. Figures above are typical industry ranges — contact Pyramid Packaging for exact spec sheets on any film structure.
Choosing a Food Packaging Film by Application
Different food products require different film structures and barrier properties. Selecting the correct food packaging film depends on how sensitive the product is to oxygen, moisture and environmental conditions.
Dry Goods
Products such as snacks, grains and powders typically use BOPP or laminated films that provide moderate moisture barriers and strong seal performance.
Frozen Foods
Frozen products require films that maintain flexibility at low temperatures while preventing moisture loss and freezer burn.
Fresh Produce
Fresh fruits and vegetables often require breathable films that allow gas exchange while protecting the product during transport.
Meat & Cheese
High-barrier films such as EVOH or MET PET are commonly used to prevent oxygen exposure and extend shelf life for perishable products.
Food-Safe & FDA-Compliant Films
Food packaging materials must meet strict regulatory and safety requirements. Pyramid Packaging offers food packaging film options that comply with FDA guidelines and industry standards for food contact materials.
Available features include:
FDA-compliant materials
Food-grade laminations
High-barrier structures for sensitive products
Seal integrity for contamination prevention
Custom film constructions based on product requirements
Our team can help ensure your packaging meets both regulatory standards and performance expectations.
Choosing the right food packaging film requires balancing barrier performance, machinability and cost. Pyramid Packaging works with manufacturers to develop customized film solutions that improve shelf life, reduce waste and optimize packaging operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What film is best for food packaging?
It depends on the product. High-barrier films such as EVOH and MET PET are ideal for oxygen-sensitive foods, while BOPP films are commonly used for dry goods and snacks.
What is food packaging film made from?
Food packaging film is typically made from materials such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), BOPP, PET and multilayer laminations.
Why are barrier films used in food packaging?
Barrier films help prevent oxygen, moisture and contaminants from affecting the product, extending shelf life and maintaining quality.
What is a high barrier film?
A high barrier film is a packaging film with very low oxygen and moisture transmission rates, used to maximize product shelf life and protect sensitive products.
About Pyramid Packaging
Est. in 1968, Pyramid Packaging is a value-added supplier of flexible packaging films, equipment & services. We also create value by working with clients who need help in selecting and customizing their packaging films. Pyramid Packaging can customize your plastic packaging films & barriers according to your blend, size & graphic design. Call us at 847-272-3400 or contact us here.
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Have a question about packaging films or pouches? Send us a note and a packaging specialist will get back to you.
Barrier films are a crucial component of keeping food packaging safe and secure. Learn more in our full guide to barrier films for food packaging.
Pyramid Packaging can help you select which of the following types of films are required for your packaging application. The following slide show presentation will break down all the details so that you’re more well-versed in understanding its benefits, how it works and why it matters for food safety.
In this presentation, we explain eight types of film used in food packaging. We also explain definitions for common food packaging terms used across the industry.
Contact Pyramid Packaging today using our Contact Us form, for any inquiry you may have about food packaging and we will be sure to get back to you with the knowledge of how best to proceed.
Est. in 1968, Pyramid Packaging is a value-added supplier of flexible packaging films, equipment & services. We are a supplier of stock and customized anti-static shielding bags. If needed, our experienced packaging engineers will work with you to develop a customized anti-static poly bag based on your design specifications (size, thickness, closure type, graphics). Call us at 847-272-3400, fill out our Contact Us form to learn more, or simply email us at [email protected].
Need More Information?
Have a question about packaging films or pouches? Send us a note and a packaging specialist will get back to you.
