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 Film | Common Uses |
PVA Coated High Barrier Film | Beverages, 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 Film | Composite packaging, replacement for aluminum foil, aesthetic packaging |

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 Film | Strengths | Weaknesses | Ideal Applications |
PVA Coated High Barrier Film | Excellent barrier properties, cost-effective | Limited availability | Beverages, juices, milk, soy sauce, vinegar |
Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene Film (BOPP) | High clarity, mechanical strength, air tightness | Poor heat sealability | Printing, outer layer in composite films, packaging |
Low Density Polyethylene Film (LDPE) | Chemical stability, heat sealability, moisture resistance | Poor oxygen barrier properties | Food packaging, inner layer in composite packaging |
Polyester Film (PET) | High rigidity, toughness, puncture resistance | Higher cost compared to other films | Retort packaging, high-temperature applications |
Nylon Film (PA) | High tensile strength, good oxygen barrier | Poor water vapor barrier, high moisture permeability | Greasy foods, meat products, vacuum-packed foods |
Cast Polypropylene Film (CPP) | Excellent transparency, good heat sealability | Less mechanical strength compared to BOPP | Gift packaging, meat packaging, cooking applications |
Metallized Film | UV protection, enhanced shelf life, aesthetic appeal | Less flexible compared to non-metallized films | Composite 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