Packaging films are used across countless industries to protect, preserve and present products while improving shipping efficiency and shelf appeal. At Pyramid Packaging, we supply high-quality flexible packaging films for food, pharmaceutical, industrial and consumer applications. Whether you need polyethylene, polypropylene, shrink films, barrier films or custom laminated structures, our packaging specialists help you select the right solution for your production equipment and product requirements.
How Packaging Film Is Made
Most packaging films begin as plastic resin pellets that are melted inside an extruder. The molten material is forced through a circular die to create a continuous tube, which is inflated using air in a process known as blown film extrusion. Once cooled, the film is wound into rolls that can later be printed, laminated, slit and converted into bags, pouches, shrink sleeves or stretch films.
Flexible packaging films offer numerous advantages over rigid packaging. They are lightweight, reducing shipping costs, require less storage space, provide excellent moisture resistance and are economical to manufacture. Modern films can also be printed with high-quality graphics and laminated to improve durability, sealing performance and barrier protection.
Types of Packaging Films
Selecting the right packaging film depends on your product, packaging equipment and performance requirements. Below are some of the most common packaging films used across industrial, food and retail applications.
Polyethylene (PE)
Polyethylene packaging films are among the most versatile materials available. They provide excellent moisture resistance, flexibility and durability, making them ideal for poly bags, liners, stretch wrap and industrial packaging applications.
Polypropylene (PP)
Polypropylene films offer excellent clarity, stiffness and heat resistance. They are commonly used for food packaging, retail products and applications where product visibility is important.
Barrier Films
Barrier films combine multiple material layers to protect products from oxygen, moisture, light and contaminants. These films help extend shelf life and maintain product quality for food, pharmaceutical and medical packaging. Learn more about our barrier films.
Shrink Films
Shrink films conform tightly to products after heat is applied, creating secure and attractive packaging. They are commonly used for bottled beverages, multipacks, consumer products and tamper-evident retail packaging.
Laminated Films
Laminated packaging films combine multiple materials to deliver specialized performance such as improved puncture resistance, stronger seals, enhanced print quality and superior barrier protection.
| Film Type | Typical Gauge Range | Typical Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Polyethylene (PE) | 0.5–10 mil | Bags, liners, stretch wrap |
| Polypropylene (PP) | 0.6–3 mil | Retail packaging, food packaging |
| Barrier Films | Multi-layer construction | Food, pharmaceuticals, medical products |
| Shrink Films | 0.5–4 mil | Bottles, bundles, retail packaging |
| Laminated Films | Custom construction | High-performance flexible packaging |
How to Choose the Right Packaging Film
Choosing the right packaging film depends on several important factors that affect product protection, production efficiency and overall packaging performance.
Product Type
Different products require different film properties. Heavy industrial products often require stronger, thicker films, while food and consumer products may prioritize clarity, flexibility or shelf-life protection.
Machine Compatibility
Packaging films should be compatible with your existing packaging equipment. Film thickness, sealing characteristics and shrink performance all influence machine speed, productivity and package consistency.
Barrier Requirements
Products that are sensitive to moisture, oxygen, odors or light often require specialized barrier or laminated films. Selecting the appropriate barrier structure helps preserve freshness and extend product shelf life.
Since 1968, Pyramid Packaging has helped manufacturers throughout North America select high-performance packaging films for demanding applications. As an ISO-certified supplier, our experienced packaging engineers work closely with customers to recommend the right film structure, thickness and performance characteristics for every application. Whether you need standard stock materials or custom packaging films, we can help develop a solution that improves product protection, packaging efficiency and overall production performance.
Ready to Find the Right Packaging Film?
Our packaging specialists can help you select the best film for your product, packaging equipment and production goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are packaging films used for?
Packaging films protect, seal and present products while improving shelf life and shipping efficiency. Common types include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), barrier films and shrink films.
Which packaging film is best for food packaging?
Barrier films and laminated films are commonly used for food packaging because they provide protection against oxygen, moisture and contaminants while helping extend shelf life.
What’s the difference between polyethylene and polypropylene films?
Polyethylene films are more flexible and provide excellent moisture resistance, while polypropylene films offer greater clarity, stiffness and heat resistance, making them ideal for retail packaging.
Can packaging films be customized?
Yes. Packaging films can be customized with different gauges, laminations, barrier properties, printing options and seal characteristics to meet the specific requirements of your packaging application.