The usages of plastics in the packaging process

 

The plastic film is a vital packaging material, and it has a wide range of applications. It is used in packaging three types of applications such as food, non-food, and others. It is worth noticing that plastic films may differ by color and resin for any of these categories; it can even be made of one coating of plastic or up to ten coats according to the packaging requirement.

PET Films are an essential choice for packaging. The plastics may have different materials such as aluminum or paper if there is a need for that particular property.

The plastics mainly used in the packaging have a diverse portfolio, and each one has its specialties. Let's have a look at some of the common types.

1. PVC

PVC film is used in a stretch wrap (although in minimal quantities) and pallet wrap, shrink wrap (in meager quantities), certain bags and liners, duct tape, stickers, blood bags, and IV. bags

It is also used for the packaging of fresh red meat. It is semi-permeable because, as already stated, it only allows sufficient oxygen to go into the film to make the meat fresh and keep its shiny red color. PVC film is also a good oil and grease barrier. It is punch-resistant and has excellent clinging and excellent clarity.

2. PET

Chemically treated PET film is usually found for non-food applications such as film photography, x-ray, and magnetic audio and video capture. It is often used in photovoltaic, overhead, jet-film, and typically laminated items such as business cards and luggage.

Its primary packaging use, however, is metallic and in microwave packs, brick packs, and medical packaging (e.g., sterile wraps and pull-out packs, lidding material) packaging. It is also used in cigarette and tobacco packaging, as well as the stickers for the same.

Conclusion

PET is used for such applications because it has excellent mechanical characteristics such as toughness and rigidity, as well as excellent thermal characteristics, which can resist higher processing temperatures than certain other resins. PET Films also can be clear or pigmented, which is advantageous in specific applications.

How polyester and polypropylene films are used in different industries

 

In the modern era, electrical insulation is considered to be one of the most critical factors to design equipment or even a simple cable in mission-critical instruments. The right insulation material will provide immense stability and safety to the equipment or the environment where this equipment is used. Hence, designing and manufacturing the best Electrical Insulation film for a particular purpose is very crucial. Only the best brands offer quality insulation films.

Polyester electrical insulation films

Electrical insulation faces the biggest challenge of withstanding the heat produced when electricity flows and heat is generated. In this aspect, the latest polyester films prove to be the best options. Apart from providing the best insulation, these films are highly heat resistant.

The factors that are checked while choosing an electrical Insulation film are:

1.      Transparency

2.      Machinability

3.      Insulation properties

4.      Mechanical properties (tolerating wear and tear)

5.      Dimensional stability (to check whether it can be used in different shapes without compromising the integrity)

6.      Adhesion properties, etc.

It all depends on the insulation purpose required in a process. The films are either purchased from a standardized platform or prepared in a customized way.

Polypropylene films used in labeling and packaging

One of the most popular uses of polyester films is labeling and packaging. The changing needs in the packaging industry can be quite challenging. This is where the polyester films can work like charm. From providing transparency to hard plastic insulation, anything can be done with this packaging and labeling material.

One of the most fascinating packaging materials in this section is Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP) films. Matte BOPP Film can be customized in terms of ruggedness, transparency, fatigue resistance, moisture resistance, etc.

It can be used in manufacturing packaging labels, plastic ropes, food containers, laboratory items, medical-grade plastic items, performance textiles, etc. BOPP films can also be used in electrical applications and laminations. It has varieties of use in various industries.

Conclusion

As you can see how Polyester and polypropylene films are used for different purposes in various industries. polyester and polypropylene can be used as Electrical Insulation film, as well as, for packaging food items. 

 

How are Wrap Around Label Better than Normal Labelling Methods

In-mold labels use a pre-printed plastic label during the manufacturing process. The label becomes an integral part of the product after curing and serves as a decoration as well as information providing label. These labelling techniques ensure that the entire product is covered with this wrap around label for the product. Combining the decoration to the molding process cuts on the costs but can increase the manufacturing time.

This labelling method provides a complete wrap around label of the entire surface area of the container with minimal effort in full colour and various design options. Also, they are much better equipped to handle wear and tear and fading as they are a part of the container itself. They are also in most cases waterproof and made up of plastic so they can be recycled indefinitely. The only problem is that they are not available for anything other than plastic like paper, glass or metal containers.

There are mainly three types of in-mold label techniques used, they are:

• Injection molding: In this the label is printed separately and placed inside a mold. The plastic in a liquid form is then poured where it combines with the label and forms a part of the container itself. The label is on the outside of the container in this case and the can or container  is usually made up of an opaque plastic material. Many of the butter tubs and ice-cream packages are done through this method,

• Blow molding: This is similar to the glass blowing process where the hot plastic is placed inside a mold and blown up to the proportions of the mold where the label is kept that fuses as one with the inside walls. The label in this case gets imprinted to the inside of the container as the product can also be seen through the packaging and label. This is used mainly for shampoo bottles, ketchup bottles, liquid soaps and detergents where a waterproof label is required.

• Thermoforming: This process does not melt the plastic but uses sheets of two plastics, one for the label and the other for the package and fuse them together with suitable heat. This sheet is now stamped into a mold and the label and plastic container sheet bind together. Ice cream cups and coffee cups are made with this process.

Properties, Benefits and the Largest Manufacturer of BOPP Films

Adopting appropriate packaging technique as well as material for a particular product ascertains the products reach their destination in the pink of condition. There are mainly three kinds of packaging: Primary, Secondary and Tertiary.

• Secondary packaging consists of a corrugated cardboard
• Primary packaging materials consist of plastic, metal or cardboard
• Corrugated cardboard is the most popular kind of tertiary and secondary packaging material.
• Packaging films are actually utilized for the packaging of foodstuffs and fruits which keep them afresh for longer times.
• The nonperforated breathable BOPP film is considered to be a highly innovative product which capacitates the perfect packing of foods or fruits.

Thermal films include:

• BOPP / OPP thermal laminating films
• PET (Polyester) thermal laminating films
• Nylon thermal laminating films

The salient advantages of Label BOPP Film

• BOPP films offer outstanding moisture barrier and the metalized variant offers better oxygen barrier to product
• BOPP films play a pivotal role in foolproof food packaging and enhance the shelf life of products while reducing food waste.
• BOPP film offers consistent and excellent seal integrity as it has very narrow gauge spread
• Good heat seal strength, low level sealing initiation tem, all-inclusive sealing window, and outstanding machinability further offer advantages into contemporary food packaging industry for safeguarding overall food quality.
• Relatively very low carbon footprint in comparison to different other plastic packaging films substrate like polyester.
• Reprocessed granules of BOPP resin are very comprehensively utilized to make the injection molded parts, chair, table, automobile spares, and household items like sitting mats, etc.
• Excellent clarity, best dimensional stability and flatness, very low electrostatic charge, the ability of the barrier to water vapor, optimum performance on high speeding printing and resistant to harmful chemicals as well as pollution, and properties such as resistant to oils and grease are some other advantages.

Jindal Poly is India’s largest company manufacturing BOPP Film and Label BOPP Film. You can visit the company’s website for more details.