Flexible packaging films are used to package, preserve and protect a variety of items such as fresh foods, dry goods, pharmaceutical and consumer products. The films are used to make poly bags/pouches, stretch wrap, shrink wrap, bubble wrap and void fill supplies. Flexible packaging supplies provide several advantages because they are lightweight resulting in lower shipping cost, moisture resistant, and require less storage space over their rigid packaging counterparts, an are inexpensive to produce.
Flexible films start off as plastic pellets. Most plastic packaging films are blown films. Plastic pellets are fed into an extruder where they are melted and ejected through a circular blown film die. The melted plastic forms a continuous tube, which is inflated and cooled. Plastic film rolls can be printed & laminated to optimize graphics. They have superior barrier properties and excellent sealing characteristics. can be placed on different types of packaging machinery in order to maximize productivity.
There are many different types of flexible films available. Deciding on which type depends on your application. The most common type of films are polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, polypropylene, polyolefin, PVC, and polyester. Polyethylene shrink films are often used to wrap bottled water, canned goods and other heavy objects. ItÛªs ideal for wrapping large & bulky items during transit. These films are so strong they can replace corrugated boxes. Polypropylene is a general-purpose shrink film often used to wrap retail items. It shrinks at low temperatures while providing durable seals. Polyolefin is a clear film that shrinks evenly in all directions. This film allows scents to permeate it. Since it requires high temperatures to shrink the film, itÛªs often applied with a shrink-wrap machine, which increases productivity and allows items to be bundled together. Polyolefin films are used to wrap retail items, food/snacks and literature. PVC shrink films have high strength with good clarity and gloss. ItÛªs used to package software items such and CDs, DVDs & Blue-ray discs but also used to wrap books, toys & food items. Polyester (PET) is a tough, durable plastic, which is used or flexible pouches, and barrier films.
Established in 1968 & headquartered in Northbrook, IL, Pyramid Packaging is an ISO 9001:2008 compliant supplier of flexible packaging films. Our packaging sales engineers can help you select the best film design and construction for your packaging application. Click here to contact Pyramid Packaging for more information.
