Packaging 101

Amazon FBA Packaging Supplies

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.

Many businesses are now selling their products on Amazon and 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.

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.

Barrier Films for Food Packaging

Plastic pellets are heated up, melted and extruded to form the plastic film.  The film can be clear, opaque or high gloss and made from polypropylene, and polyethylene. Some packaging films offer high-barrier properties which makes them a good fit for food packaging.

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.


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.

Barrier Films for Food Packaging Presentation

Barrier films are a crucial component of keeping food packaging safe and secure.

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.

Barrier films for food packaging.

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.

Barrier Films for Food Packaging from Pyramid Packaging Inc.

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].

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