Once your packaging solution has been determined, the next step is to determine the most suitable material structure to use. Each material has a certain physical, chemical and functional property which makes it suitable for different types of uses. As part of our packaging solution, we consider your product specific requirements and match them with the functional properties of a particular packaging material.
Each packaging solution is unique to your product and the shelf life you require.
Most packaging is made up of multi-layer material. Each layer has a unique purpose. The composition of materials used is primarily made up of an outside layer, which is a transparent barrier that is printable for you to brand with your marketing, a middle layer that provides high oxygen barrier protection so the integrity of your goods is maintained and an inner layer. The inner layer performs the function of sealing the product and providing a moisture barrier, whilst also providing additional strength and integrity to the package.
We have you covered when it comes to eco-friendly flexible packaging materials be it biodegradable, compostable or recyclable that you are after. Biodegradable materials are those that fully break down or decompose back into the soil, given the right conditions of light, bacteria and water. Compostable materials are also Biodegradable and break down quicker under the right composting conditions. Once fully broken down however, they return a nutrient-rich organic material back to the soil. Recyclable materials are those that can be broken down after use as one product and be reused to produce a new product. Let us help you select the right biodegradable packaging material for your product packaging.
Typically, there are two ways to structure the packaging material;
Following is a list of some of the materials we use, along with and a brief description;
Our eco-friendly flexible packaging Bioplastics are made from the all-natural, raw plant material, Cornstarch. The Biodegradable material structure is a single layer material that is certified 100% compostable and designed to break down quickly with light, oxygen, moisture and heat.
Polylactide Acid (PLA) – A by-product from Corn, made from the sugars found in the cornstarch. It is biodegradable, carbon-neutral, edible and degrades and blends harmlessly into landfill.
Corn kernels are broken down in hot water and sulfur dioxide separating the raw material into starch, protein and fiber. The kernels are grounded until the corn oil is separated from the starch. The starch contains chains of molecules that when mixed with citric acid, form a long-chain polymer which acts and replaces the traditional polyethylene that is used in traditional plastic films.
The material composition of a Biodegradable Bioplastic is typically a combination of;
Key Features
HDPE is the commonly used term for bags made from High Density Polyethylene. The material has several applications, but is most commonly used for supermarket carry bags and garbage bags. HDPE provides a highly efficient moisture barrier and chemical resistance.
HDPE is also a recyclable plastic and falls under the No. 2 of the plastic resin code. Recycled HDPE has many uses including being used in pallets, pipes and packaging. Due to the high density of the material, it has a ‘milkier’ appearance on a natural or clear bag than its low-density counterpart.
Key Features
LLDPE is the commonly used term for bags made from Linear Low-Density Polyethylene. LLDPE is a tough, flexible and predominantly transparent virgin material. It is easily recycled with other recycled materials and is predominantly black in colour.
LLDPE is used to make many thin and flexible products, and we use it for our range of dry-cleaning bags, carry bags, bread bags, produce bags, and many of our garbage bags. LLDPE is also the material used for most shrink wraps and stretch film.
Key Features
MET PET is where a PETfilm is laminated with metalized film. Metalized film is a thin, flexible material with a composition of both plastic (generally PP or PET) and metalized film (aluminium) layers. Designed to be very light in weight, it has a reflective silvery surface and a high barrier against oxygen and water vapour. Used primarily for packaging materials that require an extended shelf life.
Key Features
BioPolymer is a polymer produced from natural sources either chemically synthesized from a biological material or entirely biosynthesized by living organisms. Biopolymers can be divided into two broad categories, biodegradable and nonbiodegradable biopolymers. Alternatively, biopolymers can be classified as being either bio-based or fossil fuel-based.
Key Features
Bioplastics is a type of plastic that has been derived from either:
Bioplastics is still a relatively new packaging alternative to traditional plastics and depending on how the Bioplastic is derived can be 100% biodegradable and recyclable. This packaging material is not suitable for all food and pet food packaging requirements. Let us help you work out the best environmentally friendly packaging solution for you. Contact us today.
Key Features
Aluminium foil continues to be an important material with wide application across the packaging industry. With a high barrier against moisture, oxygen and other gases, as well as its ability to protect food from the impact of light, makes it a great packaging option that can sustain self-life stability of food. The closure chosen on the packaging and the composition of the food being packaged are important factors when it comes to the chemical stability of aluminium foil.
Key Features
MDPE is a thermoplastic and is part of the polyethylene family. It is defined by its density of 0.926-0.940 g/cm3, which is less dense than HDPE. It has good shock stress and drop resistance properties. MDPE is typically shrink film, packaging film and carrier bags.
KPET is a soft coated PET fill that have a transparent appearance. Providing a high moisture and Aroma barrier, as well as having good oxygen and oil resistance, it is ideal for food and pet food packaging.
Used in a variety of applications, this film is complex and usually forms part of a multi-layered structure, which is developed in conjunction with your specific product requirements. With a high tensile strength, this material is transparent in colour and hard to tear.
Polypropylene, a semi-crystalline thermoplastic is the ploymer used in manufacturing BOPP Packaging material. Known for its strength, resistance and ability to easily print or laminate on, it is ideal for branding and packing snack and fresh foods. It has a transparent appearance and in addition to being able to hold heavier weight, is waterproof. BOPP films offer a good balance between functionality and environmental impact versus many other plastic materials.
Metallized OPP film. Has all the good properties of OPP film, however also offers improved oxygen and water vapor barrier properties. It is however, not as good as MET-PET in terms of Barrier qualities.
Cast polypropylene has a higher gloss, greater transparency and a better heat resistance than polyethylene film. CPP film offers a lot of versatility in packaging. It is available in a variety of styles and can be used for multiple applications. CPP film is available with a polished or embossed surface, gloss or matte finish, stiff or flexible, clear or coloured (semi-transparent or opaque) or any combination of.
Nylon is a strong, durable material which is perfect for elevated-temperature cooking. It has a smooth, shiny, clear appearance, is flexible and can be printed on both the surface and reverse side. Usually used in combination in a 3-layer lamination.
EVOH is a flexible, crystal clear, glossy thermoplastic copolymer. Known for its excellent flex-crack resistance, it also has a high resistance to hydrocarbons, oils and organic solvents. It is the go-to material for barrier resistance to gases such as oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide, making it ideal for packaging perishable food and pet food products. Unfortunately, when exposed to moisture, EVOH loses its good gas barrier properties and therefore EVOH typically forms one component of a multilayer co-extruded film structure, with other materials that have a high moisture barrier property such as HDPE, PP and PET.
PVDC is a synthetic thermoplastic. It is clear (high gloss appearance) and flexible. It has superior oxygen and moisture barrier properties comparable to metallized films and therefore plays a critical role in any multilayer structure.
While not a material structure itself, it is a process ofheating a metal coating material like aluminium, until it vaporizes inside a vacuum chamber. VM provides the following packaging benefits;
© 2019 Favourite Packaging.
