What are the Different Types of Packaging Films

What are the Different Types of Packaging Films

Flexible packaging and films have taken the business industry by storm and its use is growing across almost every industry. According to the Flexible Packaging Association, flexible packaging is the second largest packaging segment in the industry, representing 21% of the $180.3 billion market. Due to its flexibility as a packaging solution, flexible film packaging became a top choice for business owners and consumers alike. Various types of packaging films are used to create unique packaging for different products, from pharmaceutical and medical products to food and drinks. 

When designing packaging for your products, many variables must be considered to best display and preserve your products. Different flexible packaging materials are used for different products depending on their characteristics, including strength, durability, appearance, and portability.

RubeeFlex Packaging explores the most commonly used types of packaging films below:

Flexible Packaging Film Types

1. Polyethylene Film Packaging (PE)

  • Types:
    • Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE): Produced through the polymerization of ethylene under high pressure, LDPE films are flexible, lightweight, and resistant to moisture. This type of packaging film is often used for bags, wraps, and stand-up pouches where moisture resistance is essential.
    • High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE): With a higher tensile strength and resistance to impact, HDPE films are stiffer and more durable. They are commonly used in heavier-duty applications like milk jugs, bottles, and industrial packaging.
    • Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE): Combining the properties of LDPE and HDPE, LLDPE film packaging boasts a flexible and tough structure. LLDPE is often used in stretch films and grocery bags.
  • Applications: Food packaging, industrial packaging, plastic bags.

2. Polypropylene Films (PP)

  • Types:
    • Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP): Strong, clear, and heat-resistant, BOPP films are often used for snack food bags, labels, and microwave-safe applications.
    • Cast Polypropylene (CPP): Generally used as a sealant layer in multi-layer films due to its resistance to tears and punctures.
  • Applications: Food packaging, labels, medical packaging.

3. Polyethylene Terephthalate Films (PET)

  • Types:
    • Biaxially Oriented Polyester (BOPET): Known for its high tensile strength, transparency, and excellent barrier properties, BOPET film is often used in high-quality packaging.
    • Amorphous Polyester (APET): Provides excellent clarity and is impact-resistant, so it is often used for food containers, trays, and cosmetic products.
  • Applications: Snack foods, pet foods, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and high-barrier applications.

4. Polyamide Films (Nylon)

  • Types:
    • Biaxially Oriented Nylon (BON): Offers high gas and moisture barrier properties, especially against oxygen, making it an excellent choice for food packaging. Heat-resistant and puncture-resistant, BON film packages are often used for vacuum-sealed products.
  • Applications: Medical devices, meat packaging, cheeses, and other high-barrier food products.

5. Aluminum Foil Films

  • Aluminum Foil films boast strong barriers to light, oxygen, and moisture. 
  • Applications: High-barrier packaging for pharmaceuticals, snacks, and products requiring a long shelf life, such as coffee.

6. Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol Films (EVOH)

  • EVOH Films are extremely resistant to oxygen and flavors, making them an ideal choice for preserving food. Due to its low moisture-resistant properties, EVOH is often combined with other layers, such as polyethylene or polypropylene, to improve its moisture resistance and provide a sturdier structure.
  • Applications: Food and beverage packaging, vacuum packs, and pharmaceuticals.

7. Polyvinyl Chloride Films (PVC)

  • PVC films can be rigid or flexible with substantial barrier properties. Durable and versatile, PVC does raise environmental concerns due to its production and disposal. 
  • Applications: Blister packs, cling wrap, and shrink films.

8. Biaxially Oriented Polyethylene Films (BOPE)

  • BOPE is made from polyethylene stretched in two directions (biaxially oriented) to enhance its properties. BOPE is flexible, moisture-resistant, and recyclable.
  • Applications: Food packaging, consumer goods, and labels.

Which Types of Packaging Films Are Right for Your Product?

Each type of packaging film has unique properties that make it suitable for different products and industries. When choosing the right packaging film, consider which properties are most important for your product:

  • Product protection
  • Food preservation
  • Durability
  • Industry regulations
  • Shelf life
  • Product branding and appearance
  • Environmental concerns

RubeeFlex Packaging: A Leading Packaging Film Supplier

Are you looking for practical, yet appealing flexible packaging for your product? At RubeeFlex Packaging, we work with multiple types of packaging films that do more than just hold your product. We help you choose the right flexible film packaging based on your product needs and business goals.

Extend the shelf life of your products and enhance your brand’s presence with our flexible packaging solutions. With a deep understanding of each type of film packaging, we use our years of industry experience to design the best packaging for your product.

Reach out to RubeeFlex today and get ready to elevate your packaging, transform your business, and drive growth.