The advent of flexible films revolutionized product labeling in so many ways. With it came a wide range of advantages that made it easy for manufacturers to reduce labeling costs. From extending shelf life and ensuring food safety to providing adequate heating, ease of use, barrier protection, superb printability and guaranteeing resealabity, the perks seem endless. But there is much more into flexible films than the said benefits. How in the first place should one go about choosing a flexible film? What should one take into account? Read on to find out.
Your Product
What kind of products do you wish to package? What will be the product weight, dimensions and shape? How will the product be packaged into the flexible film? Answer all these questions and you certainly will have an easy time choosing a flexible film for your product. Your choice of flexible film will have an impact on other vital labeling factors such as how easy or hard it will be for one to print labels on the film. Address all these concerns fully. You can then choose from any of the following main types of flexible packaging options.
Polyolefin
It is also known as POF. Its hallmark is its strength and durability. The fact that it is FDA approved for packaging consumables gives it an added advantage. Strangely, POF features an extremely thin shrink film which is at the same time strong. Its seal strength and high level of puncture resistant make it ideal for packaging a wide range of products. Then there is the versatility perk, which means the film makes it easy for you to package irregular shaped products. As far as printing is concerned, POF is easy to print on. Adhesive labels also work well with POF films. Lastly, Polyolefin is 100% recyclable so you do not have to worry about its impact on the environment.
High Density Polyethylene
Commonly referred to as HDPE, high density polyethylene features a high strength to density ratio, making it ideal for production of plastic bottles and corrosion resistant pipes. The properties should not come as a surprise as HDPE is made from petroleum products. It can be directly labeled or inscribed. It also makes it easy for one to use adhesive labels on them.
Linear Low Density Polyethylene
This is one of the most popular films in the packaging industry. It is also the most flexible film. LLDPs are ideal for packaging and labeling carrier bags, snacks and frozen food. Its shrinking properties make the film ideal for packaging irregularly shaped products as it offers more strength as well as conform-ability.
Other Factors To Consider
There are so many other factors to consider when it comes to choosing flexible films. With that in mind, consult your labeling service provider before choosing a film. Take into account too other factors such as whether the cost of printing and labeling alongside that of packaging. Be sure to also take into account whether your products will be manually packaged or automatically packaged.
