When it comes to assuring the safety, quality, and preservation of products, the materials used for packaging food and pharmaceuticals play a significant role. When compared to the many different materials that are utilised, films have garnered a large amount of appeal due to their adaptability and performance. In order to provide a full overview of the various types of films that are used in food and pharmaceutical packaging materials, the purpose of this article is to investigate the characteristics, applications, and benefits of these films.
Polyethylene Film
Due to the outstanding moisture barrier properties that polyethylene films provide, plastic films are utilised extensively in the packaging of food and pharmaceutical products. In addition to low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), they are also available in a variety of other forms. Because of their high heat sealability, chemical resistance, and flexibility, these films are well-suited for a variety of applications, including the packaging of fresh produce, sachets, and overwraps.
Films Made of Polypropylene
Polypropylene films are well-known for their great clarity, rigidity, and resistance to heat. Snack packaging, confectionery wrappers, and blister packs are all examples of frequent applications for these materials, which are utilised in the packaging of food and medicinal products that require transparency. Polypropylene films have great qualities that make them a barrier against gas and moisture, which is essential for maintaining product freshness and protecting it from outside influences.
Polyester Films
Polyester films, which are often referred to as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films, are utilised extensively in the packaging of food and pharmaceutical products due to their remarkable mechanical strength and barrier qualities. As a result of the outstanding oxygen and aroma barrier properties that these films possess, they are appropriate for use in packaging applications that need a long shelf life and the preservation of aroma. It is usual practice to employ PET films in the production of beverage bottles, trays and blister packs.
Polyvinyl Chloride Films
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) films are frequently utilised in the pharmaceutical packaging industry because to their exceptional chemical resistance and clarity. Due to the fact that these films offer an efficient barrier against moisture, oxygen, and light, they are appropriate for the purpose of preventing the degradation of delicate pharmaceutical items. Packaging materials such as blister packs, strip packs, and medicine packaging frequently make use of PVC films.
Polyamide Film
Because of their superior mechanical qualities and gas barrier performance, polyamide films, which are more frequently referred to as nylon films, are utilised in the packaging of food and pharmaceutical products. Due to the fact that these films have strong puncture resistance, resistance to moisture, and oxygen barrier qualities, they are suitable for use in packaging applications that require an extended shelf life. Plastic films made of polyamide are frequently utilised in the packaging of meat, as well as in vacuum packaging and modified atmosphere packaging.
To summarise, a wide variety of films are utilised in the production of food and pharmaceutical packaging materials. Each of these films possesses a distinct set of qualities and advantages. The unique requirements of the product, such as the film’s ability to block moisture and gas, as well as its mechanical strength and clarity, should be taken into consideration while selecting the film. In the food and pharmaceutical industries, having an understanding of the many types of films that are available enables manufacturers to select the packaging solution that is the most appropriate for assuring product safety, quality, and shelf life.
EVOH has excellent barrier properties against gases and oils, achieving high barrier effects against oxygen, water, carbon dioxide, odors, etc.
Due to the poor affinity between some base layer resins and functional layer resins, some adhesive layers need to be placed between these two layers to act as glue in order to form an “integrated” composite membrane.
The main material of K2B from Coaces contains vinyl acetate monomer in the molecular chain, which reduces the crystallinity of polyethylene and further improves the heat sealing performance of the composite film.
