Exploring the Different Types of Plastic Film and Their Applications (Part 2)

The Different Types of Plastic Film

Plastic films are used extensively in various industries due to their versatility and wide range of properties. In the following section, we will delve into the different types of plastic films, exploring their unique characteristics and applications.

PVA Coated High Barrier Film

PVA-coated high-barrier film is created by coating polyethylene film with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and nano-inorganic substances. This product provides excellent barrier properties at a low cost, making it ideal for packaging beverages, juices, milk, soy sauce, and vinegar. Furthermore, its barrier performance surpasses that of EVOH five-layer co-extrusion films, making it a cost-effective solution for aseptic packaging.

Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene Film (BOPP)

As you know, BOPP film is produced by co-extruding polypropylene and then stretching it in both the vertical and horizontal directions. This process enhances its physical stability, mechanical strength, air tightness, transparency, and gloss. BOPP film is widely used for printing and packaging due to its excellent clarity and toughness. However, it has poor heat salability and often requires lamination with other materials like polyethylene to improve its performance.

Low Density Polyethylene Film (LDPE)

LDPE film is made using blow molding and casting processes. Besides, it is a translucent, glossy, and soft film with excellent chemical stability, heat sealability, water and moisture resistance, and freezing resistance. LDPE film is commonly used as the inner film in composite flexible packaging materials, particularly for food packaging. Its main drawback is its poor barrier properties against oxygen.

Polyester Film (PET)

Polyester film, or PET, is made from polyethylene terephthalate and is known for its excellent mechanical properties, high rigidity, hardness, toughness, puncture resistance, and chemical resistance. PET film is used as an outer material for retort packaging due to its high resistance to both high and low temperatures and its good printability.

Nylon Film (PA)

Nylon film is highly durable with good transparency, gloss, tensile strength, heat and cold resistance, oil resistance, and excellent oxygen barrier properties. Additionally, it is commonly used for packaging hard items like greasy foods, meat products, fried foods, vacuum-packed foods, and steamed foods. However, it has poor barrier properties against water vapor and high moisture permeability.

Cast Polypropylene Film (CPP)

CPP film is produced by casting polypropylene, resulting in excellent transparency, uniform thickness, and good heat sealability. It comes in ordinary and cooking grades, with the latter capable of withstanding high temperatures. CPP film is used in gift packaging and meat packaging, where its transparency and high heat-sealing strength are beneficial.

Metallized Film

Metallized films, such as polyester aluminized film (VMPET) and CPP aluminized film (VMCPP), combine the properties of plastic films and metals. The aluminum coating provides shading and UV protection, enhancing the shelf life and brightness of the packaged contents. These films are widely used in composite packaging, often replacing aluminum foil due to their cost-effectiveness and aesthetic appeal.

Summary of Uses of Different Types of Plastic Film

Type of Plastic FilmCommon Uses
PVA Coated High Barrier FilmBeverages, juices, milk, soy sauce, vinegar
Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene Film (BOPP)Printing, packaging, outer film for composite film
Low Density Polyethylene Film (LDPE)Food packaging, inner film for composite flexible packaging, suitable for use in various industries
Polyester Film (PET)Retort packaging, high-temperature packaging, print substrate
Nylon Film (PA)Packaging for greasy foods, meat products, fried foods, vacuum-packed foods, steamed foods
Cast Polypropylene Film (CPP)Gift packaging, meat packaging, high-temperature cooking applications
Metallized FilmComposite packaging, replacement for aluminum foil, aesthetic packaging
Plastic film

Comparative Analysis of Plastic Films

To help you choose the right plastic film for your needs, here is a comparative analysis of the different types of plastic films, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and ideal applications. 

Comparative Table

Type of Plastic FilmStrengthsWeaknessesIdeal Applications
PVA Coated High Barrier FilmExcellent barrier properties, cost-effectiveLimited availabilityBeverages, juices, milk, soy sauce, vinegar
Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene Film (BOPP)High clarity, mechanical strength, air tightnessPoor heat sealabilityPrinting, outer layer in composite films, packaging
Low Density Polyethylene Film (LDPE)Chemical stability, heat sealability, moisture resistancePoor oxygen barrier propertiesFood packaging, inner layer in composite packaging
Polyester Film (PET)High rigidity, toughness, puncture resistanceHigher cost compared to other filmsRetort packaging, high-temperature applications
Nylon Film (PA)High tensile strength, good oxygen barrierPoor water vapor barrier, high moisture permeabilityGreasy foods, meat products, vacuum-packed foods
Cast Polypropylene Film (CPP)Excellent transparency, good heat sealabilityLess mechanical strength compared to BOPPGift packaging, meat packaging, cooking applications
Metallized FilmUV protection, enhanced shelf life, aesthetic appealLess flexible compared to non-metallized filmsComposite packaging, replacement for aluminum foil

Consult with Flexipack for Your Plastic Film Needs

Choosing the right type of plastic film for your packaging needs can be complex, given the variety of options and specific properties each type offers. At Hanpak, we understand the importance of selecting the most suitable film to ensure optimal protection, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness for your products.

For more information about Hanpak’s plastic bag products, please contact us:
Email: info@hanpak.com.vn
Hotline (Mobile/WhatsApp): +84 898 545 893
Our experienced sales team is ready to assist you. Contact us today to place your order and experience the quality and reliability that Hanpak offers

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