It is important to think about what film characteristics best complement your product. When looking at how to wrap a product, the important things to keep in mind are the balance between

• Moisture/Air Barrier or Breathability
• Folds vs. Sealing
• Product  Enhancement/Protection

Moisture or air may enhance a product, but some products need protection from one or both. Some products, like baked goods, require a small amount of air to pass through. Some films offer more barrier protection but they may not be able to deliver the crisp folds that make a wrap more attractive.

Crisp folds make for a more attractive gift wrap-style wrap but are, by their very nature, not a barrier to air. For this reason, sliced bread is often wrapped with perforated film that lets some air pass. Candy bars are often  flow wrapped (fin seal) since that does not permit any air to meet the product.

Films properties and look can be modified with coatings or laminates. Coatings and laminates can enhance the look of the film, its barrier properties and attractiveness of the product. Custom registered film can also be used for advertising the product being contained. At the same, the use of coatings or laminates can also modify the sustainability of the film. Laminates can add bulk and change the seal-ability of the film as well.

Melt point is also altered by coating or lamination. Adding laminates and coating can change the seal temperature too.

At the same time, a good film can be used to bundle products and reduce the use of heavier or bulkier materials such as corrugate.

Each film  has its pluses and minuses.  Tradeoffs in performance and sustainability are possible. Don’t forget to check the machinability of the your chosen film. Some machines cannot handle certain film thicknesses. And some films are not suitable to certain wrap styles.

Contact us for more information at sales@packagemachinery.com.