Common Materials Used in Flow Wrapping

Polyethylene (PE)

• Properties: Polyethylenehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyethylene (PE) is a flexible moisture resistant thermoplastic polymer. PE is cheap and has good sealing abilities and resistant to a variety of environmental factors hence making it ideal when packaging.
• Applications: In food packaging food products, snacks and confectionary, the typical form of packaging is by the use of PE. It is normally used in products like chips, biscuits, and even candy bars since it is water-resistant and inexpensive.
• Environmental Considerations: PE can be recycled but cannot be biodegradable. It is affected by the recycling plants locally, and it should be disposed in the right way to avoid wastage.

Polypropylene (PP)

• Properties: Polypropylene is a heavy lightweight which has very good clarity and is very durable to moisture, chemicals and heat. It is tough and it also has high packaging flexibility.
• Applications: The PP is used typically in fresh product packaging, milk, and drug substances because of its moisture resistance and strength.
• Environmental Considerations: Polypropylene is recyclable but the rate can vary depending on the location it is disposed and recycling good practices must be undertaken to minimize the effects it will have to the environment.

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)

• Properties: The PET is a strong transparent material which has an excellent barrier to oxygen and moisture, ideal in keeping products fresh.
• Applications: PET is utilized mostly in packaging ready-to-eat food, snacks, and confectionery because of its durability and extended shelf life.
• Environmental Considerations: PET is easy to recycle and can be reused in other products, which makes it a more eco-sustainable solution than other materials.

Metallized Films

• Properties: Metallized films have a thin metallic coating, giving them better barrier properties with a shiny finish, to maintain food freshness and a longer shelf-life.
• Applications: The films are widely applied to package snacks, pet foods, and other products, need a longer shelf life and must be highly sensitive to light, moisture, and oxygen.
• Environmental Considerations: Metallized films are difficult to recycle because of the layer of metal, although improvements in recyclable solutions are in progress in order to increase sustainability.

Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP)

• Properties: BOPP can be characterized as a very strong, transparent, moisture-resistant film which also can be printed very well. It offers smooth surface, thus, suitable in terms of graphics and branding.
• Applications: It is broadly applied in the packaging of confections, snacks, and personal care products that provide protection and an attractive finish.
• Environmental Considerations: BOPP can be recycled but its recycling rates are restricted by local infrastructure potentially reducing its environmental impact.

Paper-Based Films

• Properties: Paper-based films blend paper and a thin layer of plastic, and it has a natural appearance and moderate resistance to moisture and contamination.
• Applications: They are usually applied in the packaging of bakery and dry foods as well as organic products, which offers the option of a sustainable packaging and a natural look.
• Environmental Considerations: They are recyclable, and also eco-friendly, unlike traditional plastic films.

Specialized Materials for Specific Applications

Cellophane

• Properties: Cellophane is a transparent, regenerated cellulose sheet, which is thin, allowing low permeability to air, oils and water, keeping products fresher longer.
• Applications: It is mostly utilized in wrapping candies, cigars, baked products, among other products that need to be wrapped due to exposure to moisture and contamination.
• Environmental Considerations: The cellophane is compostable and biodegradable and thus is a greener alternative to most of the synthetic films. Nevertheless, it can be intensively produced chemically.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

• Properties: PVC is rigid and transparent with superior chemical resistance and clarity, which makes it very durable in many applications.
• Applications: PVC is also used to package non-food products, including toys, hardware, and medical equipment, because it is strong and so versatile.
• Environmental Considerations: PVC recycling is difficult, and it may be toxic. It requires sustainable alternatives that will limit the magnitude of its effects on the environment.

Cyclic Olefin Copolymer (COC)

• Properties: COC is a transparent, hard polymer with low moisture permeability and high clarity that ensures good visibility and protection of products.
• Applications: COC is generally applied to pack pharmaceuticals and medical equipment, where transparency and moisture barrier capability are important to maintain product integrity.
• Environmental Considerations: COC has few recycling options and its growth in packaging is still not advanced enough, making further research for sustainable practices needed.

Conclusion

To preserve products, increase shelf lives, and achieve sustainability objectives, it is important to choose the appropriate material in flow wrapping. The properties and uses of each material will enable you to make an informed decision by making them suit your packaging needs. To discuss packaging as per your own needs, get in touch with a JOCHAMP professional today, and our experts will show you the optimum options available for your products.