Month: September 2021

Packaging Products Par Excellence: Benefits Of Flexible Packaging

Each year brings with it a wave of innovations, but only a handful of them stand the test of time. Flexible packaging is an innovation that has come a long way since its inception. Given its wide range of applications, it is a significant part of multiple industries today; to name a few – retail, institutional food and non-food sectors, cosmetics and toiletries packaging, medical and pharmaceutical applications, protection for industrial materials, shrink and stretch films, retail shopping bags, consumer storage bags and wraps, and trash bags.

Here are some numbers that vouch for the fast-paced growth of the flexible packaging industry – the market in India is poised to grow by USD 12.72 billion during 2021-2025, progressing at a CAGR of almost 11% during the forecast period. So, what is the reason behind this success?

Growing urbanization and the rising proportion of middle-class consumers are two of the primary factors that contribute to the industry growth. Owing to its long list of impressive features, flexible packaging serves as the ideal solution. Let’s explore some of the advantages of flexible packaging:

Top 8 Benefits Of Flexible Packaging

1. Sustainable Solution:

One of the very first flexible packaging benefits is the fact that it is an eco-friendly solution. As the world is slowly yet steadily taking the more responsible road, innovations like these make the journey much easier. The production of flexible packaging does not involve overconsumption of natural resources. The amount of waste produced and energy consumed in the making of these films is a lot less compared to that of rigid containers and/or glass. It also generates fewer greenhouse gas emissions throughout its distribution than traditional packaging. Moreover, this also helps companies make good on their claims of eco-friendly practices.

2. Easily Recyclable:

Often, when you hear the word packaging, you think of plastic material; when you think of plastic material, you think of how tough it is to recycle it, and how much harm it can cause to the environment. But with flexible packaging, the opposite is true. It is incredibly easy to recycle and helps keep used pouches or bags out of landfills. Films or products born out of flexible packaging material are often designed for reuse, thanks to zipper and seal top closures. This way, consumers can keep using them for multiple things before they are discarded.

3. Enhanced Product Preservation:

The best part about most flexible packaging products is that they contribute to increasing a product’s shelf life, as well as help them maintain their true flavors and aromas. How? These films or packages are equipped with a durable barrier protection. In some cases, they are supplemented with an additional thin layer of protection. As this barrier provides resistance to moisture, vapors, dust, and UV light, it guards the freshness of the products like no other, enabling consumers to make the most of them.

4. Consumer Convenience:

Industries are well aware of the fact that the key to quick business growth is customer satisfaction. A happy customer is assured profit. Today, consumers look for multiple features in any and every product; flexible packaging offers them just that, and more. Most flexible packaging products include spouts, zip locks and resealable seals. These little features bring so much more value in terms of comfort and convenience for the consumers. Apart from bringing them the ease of storage, flexible packaging enhances the overall shopping experiences as well.

5. Attractive Packaging Designs:

Another important feature that consumers are sure to appreciate is variety. Apart from quality and durability, the appeal of the product also lies in its look and feel. Most consumers with the right purchasing power go for the product that looks better. Unlike traditional packaging, flexible packaging can facilitate attractive designs – be it your average shopping bag or fancy container lid. It also helps companies explore and experiment with their packaging strategies, and allows them to set their product apart from the rest of the competition. If your product is wrapped in eye-catching packaging, it is sure to be picked off the shelf sooner rather than later.

6. High-value, Low-cost:

As its production requires the use of fewer materials, flexible packaging proves to be an inexpensive solution as compared to traditional packaging; despite the many benefits it brings to the table. Since the films and the packages are made of multiple layers blended together, they expertly tamper-proof and tear-proof the product to be protected, thereby reducing the wear and tear costs. What makes flexible packaging even more cost-effective is that it also ensures a higher product-to-package ratio, lowering manufacturing costs. To add to this, being lightweight, flexible packaging products ensure reduced shipping costs as well.

7. Lightweight:

Regardless of the form or the size of the packages, flexible packaging is usually lighter in weight (almost up to 70% lighter) as compared to conventional packaging. Its lightweight quality brings a whole different series of benefits. The first being that they are easy to transport. If stored appropriately, light objects are also less likely to get damaged during shipping. The lightweight nature of flexible packaging allows companies to ship more with higher profit margins. It also enhances customer experience as they can carry more with less effort.

8. Highly Customizable:

Flexible packaging involves any package made of materials that can yield when filled or closed. It can be easily moulded in different shapes and sizes. The use of adaptable film materials like chloride, polyolefin and polyethylene that bends easily makes flexible packaging a customizable solution. Moreover, companies can create unique packaging for their products to make them look more appealing. The best customization benefits is its ability to be printed with high-quality colors and logos. This helps with enhancing brand recognition by adorning the package with relevant, clear designs and messaging.

Ecoplast Ltd, Flexible Packaging Manufacturers In India

With close to 40 years of experience, Ecoplast Ltd is one of the leading flexible packaging companies in India. We hold expertise in designing and manufacturing Surface Protective Films that best protect products such as steel, aluminum panels / profiles, carpets, tiles, glass, and all kinds of substrates from dust, scratches and other environmental impacts. Here are our offerings:

• Ecogen™ – Lamination Films
• Ecoprotect™ – Surface Protection Films
• Ecobond™ – Adhesive Films
• Ecoprime™ – Speciality Films

If you have been in search of the right flexible packaging manufacturers, our extensive range of premium films is at the ready. Browse through our premium products online, and select the ones that best suit your requirements. If you have any further questions, contact us at: +91-22-2683 3452 / +91-22-2683 1403, or drop an email at: [email protected]

Know Your Options: Explore Flexible Packaging Film Types

India is a fast-developing country that is home to many industrial revolutions; each one brings us a few steps closer to a convenient tomorrow. The packaging industry is one of the best examples of this phenomenon. With the introduction and the inevitable success of flexible packaging, the industry is reaching new heights. Now that the e-commerce industry is soaring high, the scope for the flexible packaging industry looks quite promising.

According to the Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP), packaging consumption in India increased 200% in the past decade, from 4.3 kgs to 8.6 kgs per person per annum (pppa). The industry is expected to reach US$ 204.81 billion by 2025 from US$ 50.5 billion in 2019 at 26.7% annually.

For those who are new to the sector, let’s start with the basics – what is flexible packaging? As the name suggests, flexible packaging involves any package made of materials that can yield when filled or closed. It can be easily modified in terms of shape, as and when required. This kind of packaging is used for consumer products, as well as in industrial applications. Common examples include bags, pouches, shrink films, tubes, sleeves, and carded packaging.

One of the fascinating things about flexible packaging is the impressive range of choices readily available. Each type of flexible packaging material serves a very specific purpose when it comes to protecting or enhancing the appeal of different products. The varied types also have different properties, and their use depends on the nature of the product that needs packaging. Let’s take a closer look at the different types of films:

Primary Flexible Packaging Film Types

1. Linear Low-density Polyethylene (LLDPE):

Being the most flexible of plastic sheeting films, LLDPE has earned the first spot on the list. With an impressive potential to absorb impact without puncturing or tearing, it is essentially an evolved form of LDPE. Apart from flexibility, these films are also best known for their durability and their chemical resistance properties.

The most common examples are plastic bags, plastic wraps, pouches, toys, covers, lids, pipes, buckets and containers, and. In addition, they are also widely used for pond liners and backing for carpets, and in the covering of cables, geomembranes, and mainly flexible tubing.

2. Low-density Polythene (LDPE):

First introduced as a packaging film in 1933, LDPE is an incredibly flexible and lightweight plastic material. In its true sense, it is a thermoplastic made from the monomer ethylene. These films are best known for their low temperature flexibility, durability, corrosion resistance, chemical and impact resistance.

Moreover, they are quite easy to fabricate by using a high-pressure process via free radical polymerization. They are the most sought-after in the food packaging industry because they ensure compliance with food safety standards, and are recyclable. LDPE is also used to manufacture lids for canned products, grocery bags, and plastic wraps and films. It also works well for processing techniques such as extrusion, blowing or injection.

3. Bi-axially-orientated Polypropylene Polymer (BOPP):

These films exhibit unquestionable durability and resistance to moisture, along with the added benefit of clarity, making it the ideal choice when it comes to retail packaging. BOPP is usually complemented with a layer of foil coating. This helps improve its performance significantly.

Today, BOPP films are innovative solutions that are mostly commonly used to manufacture clear wraps and a range of snack food packages. Some other common uses include packaging for pesticide products and personal care and hygiene products. Being easily recyclable, these films help companies stay true to the sustainability commitments made to consumers.

4. Bi-axially-oriented Polyethylene (BOPE):

BOPE is the ideal solution when it comes to the packaging of products that require a high degree of stiffness. Some of the best features of these films are good puncture resistance, excellent heat-seal strength, durability, moisture-resistance, along with the added benefit of transparency and high gloss and. Production of these films is relatively low cost.

Today, BOPE films are innovative solutions that are often used for items such as shopping bags, pharmaceutical packaging, as well as for liquids and spices. Being recyclable, these films help companies stay true to the sustainability commitments made to consumers. What’s more, despite the long list of advantages, these films are inexpensive.

5. Biaxially-oriented Polyethylene Terephthalate (BOPET):

BOPET films, usually either white or transparent, were first developed in the mid-1950s. They are made from stretched polyethylene terephthalate (PET). They are popular for their transparency, reflectivity, high tensile strength, chemical and dimensional stability, gas and aroma barrier properties, and electrical insulation.

It is also widely used as a surface film in laminations. When you laminate any product packaging using BOPET foil, it helps protect food against oxidation, meaning that the food products do not lose their true aromas and flavor, and can maintain a longer shelf life. One of the most common are coffee foil packaging and pouches for convenience foods. A fun example would be the new-age Pop-Tarts wrapped in silver BOPET.

6. Biaxially-oriented Polyamide (BOPA):

Much like BOPET, BOPA is also known for excellent tensile strength, durability, aroma barrier and puncture-resistance properties. But, of all, its most esteemed feature is its high degree of transparency. It is a good barrier against oxygen and certain chemical substances as well.

These films are an ideal choice for the packaging of frozen and cooked foods, vegetables, aquatic products and medical machines, electronic products, etc. In addition, it is also suitable for agricultural and some medical products.

7. Laminates:

Laminated film for food packaging is almost an everyday phenomenon – flavoured beverages, foodstuffs such as sauces, and preserved foods and powders are often found in such laminated packaging.

These films usually comprise a multi-layer structure, with one of the polymer films or paper supporting the aluminium or metalized films. They are also designed to provide an excellent odour or aroma barrier.

Ecoplast, Your Go-to Flexible Packaging Manufacturers In India

Leverage the true power of packaging with Ecoplast Ltd – one of India’s largest suppliers of multilayer co-extruded polyethylene and co-polymer films to the flexible packaging industry as well as a variety of other specialty applications across the globe.

If you have been in search of the right packaging films manufacturers in India, our extensive range of premium films is at the ready. Browse through our premium products online, and select the ones that best suit your requirements. For any further queries, contact us at: +91-22-2683 3452 / +91-22-2683 1403, or drop an email at: [email protected]

How To Choose Excellent Surface Protection Films In India?

As technical as the term – ‘surface protection films’ sounds, it is a product that we come across every single day. The most common examples would be our mobile or TV screens, or any other new electronic appliances that we bring home.

These self-adhesive surface protection films are best known for their unquestionable strength and durability. They are specifically designed to protect surfaces against dust, dirt, fingerprints, environmental contamination, scratching and abrasion. They are also called multi-surface protection films as they are made from thin-film layers bonded together to form a strong shield.

Given their common usage and a demand that is increasing by the hour, there is plenty to choose from when it comes to surface protection films. Today, these films differ depending on thickness, material, and adhesive strength. This availability in abundance, and in a wide range makes picking the right film a challenging task. To help make it a little easier, here are the key factors that you must consider when choosing the ideal surface protection films that best cover your requirements-

6 Tips To Choose The Right Surface Protection Film

1. Consider The Type Of Surface:

Not all your products or equipment is born out of the same material. Metal, plastic, glass, granite / stone, carpeting, painted surfaces – given that the texture of each one of these materials is different, they call for different kinds of protection films. You have to analyse whether the texture is smooth, embossed, matte, coated, and such. It is important to first determine the properties of the material to be protected before choosing the films. They have to be compatible with the textures of the surfaces to best protect them.

2. Elements That The Surface Needs Protection From:

The next important factor to consider is what exactly does your product surface need protection from. Be it dirt or humidity in the air – every element affects the surfaces differently. The films required to protect surfaces from dust are different from those that work against high temperatures, pollution, UV rays, scratches, and such. If there are multiple surface damaging elements involved, have no worries; there are plenty of multi-use films available in the market.

3.  Indoor / Outdoor Application:

Knowing whether the surface is going to be situated indoors or outdoors is key to selecting the right surface protection film. Surfaces placed outdoors will naturally be more exposed to harsh sunlight surfaces, and so, would require films with UV protection properties. As the seasons shift, the films should also have the potential to prevent damage from rainfall, meaning that they have to be waterproof. If not chosen wisely, the protection film may peel off in a matter of days, post application.

4. The Desired Period Of Protection:

The ideal surface protection film largely depends on the duration period of the requirement. Films with strong adhesion properties will work best for long-term protection. On the other hand, they might not prove to be the right solution if the protection has to be for a shorter period of time. Peeling them off the surface will be a trick because of the excessive stickiness.

5. Treatment Required For Certain Surfaces:

Not all surfaces are easy to manage, some require pre-application treatment so that the films fit well right. At times, it is the only way to ensure absolute protection. Before choosing the film, decide on whether the surface needs any further treatment. If yes, what kind of treatment will be best for that particular surface. Furthermore, in case of complex surfaces, you may also need to call in the experts to effectively apply the film to the surface.

6. The Effects Of Transportation:

When migrating equipment from one place to another, more often than not, we see cases of collateral damage – nothing too significant, but costs you something nevertheless, especially when transporting to remote places. You can ensure extra protection for surfaces during transports by leveraging the power of thicker protection films. You must also consider the effects of transportation on the films. If they are being brought to you from a distant location, custom shipping tapes are your best bet.

Key Questions To Ask Surface Protection Film Manufacturer Before Buying

To have the right answers, it is imperative to ask the right questions. Once you have clarity on your requirements, the decision-making in terms of choosing the right products becomes much easier. Same is the case with surface protection films. Here are some of the key questions you must ask before making a choice-

1. Is the surface area clean and dry?
2. Is the texture of the surface rough or smooth?
3. How long does the film have to protect the surface?
4. Is the surface painted / does it have a coating?
5. What type of surface needs to be protected?
6.  Will the film be used outdoors or indoors?
7. Will the film be exposed to higher temperatures?
8. What will be the scope of the project?
9.  Will the transportation affect the film?
10. Will the film be used in a safety or security application where it has to protect workers from shattering glass?

Ecoplast, A Leading Protection Film Manufacturer In India

Ecoplast, one of the leading surface protection film manufacturers in Gujarat, India, offers a comprehensive line of surface protection films for Stainless steel, UPVC, AluminIum Composite Panels, AluminIum sections/profiles, PVC and Carpets, and more.

Our protection films, EcoProtect™ are exclusively designed to minimise abrasion, scratching, and damage throughout the storage process as well as during the delivery process. They are resistant to the stresses of manufacturing operations such as cutting, bending, and deep drawing, as well as the effects of mechanical handling during production and transit.

Key Advantages:

• Provides weather resistance when used outside
• The protective coating peels away effortlessly
• When the protective layer is removed, the quality of the surface is preserved without leaving any residue or stains
• Throughout the product’s life cycle, uniform and stable adherence is achieved

Browse through our extensive range of surface protection films online and select the one that best suits your requirements. If you have been in search of the right surface protection film suppliers in India, contact us at: +91-22-2683 3452 / +91-22-2683 1403, or drop an email at: [email protected]

Discover The Many Perks Of Polyethylene Films: Production, Types & Uses

As much as we love stepping out and breathing in the fresh air, fact remains that it is not just revitalizing oxygen in the air. It also contains specks of dust, spoilage bacteria, humidity and other unwarranted particles. While our bodies are trained to survive and thrive despite it all, the food and the products that we consume are unfortunately not. This is where polyethylene films come to our rescue. Let’s explore what a polyethylene packaging film is, along with its uses, types and many advantages-

What Is Polyethylene Film?

To put it simply, a Polyethylene (PE) film is essentially a plastic film made from hydrocarbons, which is mainly obtained from natural gas or petroleum. Because of its wide use, polyethylene has many names in the market – ‘plastic sheeting’, ‘polyethylene sheet’, ‘poly sheeting’, or ‘poly film’.

It is a direct product of petroleum, which is why its costs are subject to the change in accordance with the oil prices. Usually, it is made available in rolls. Polyethylene sheeting is your best bet when it comes to plastic protection. The beauty of these flexible films lie in the fact that they can be tailored to perfectly fit into a project’s requirement. This is done with the help of additives such as U.V. inhibitors, fire retardants, and other anti-static additives. These additives are adept at changing the functionality of the film, ensuring that it best serves its purpose.

What is polyethylene film used for? With its multiple features and unquestionable benefits, the list of polyethylene film uses is rather long. These films are then used in construction as vapor retarders, window films, flooring and countertop protection, and even in roofing. They can also be used to seal off rooms, cover building materials, and be used in lead abatement projects. It works wonders when it comes to slowing down run-off on hills, and keeping lead out of the ocean during shipbuilding projects.

What Are The Common Polyethylene Film Uses?

Apart from being the most sought-after plastic film, it is the most cost-effective labeling material out there. This is one of the primary reasons for the polyethylene film’s increasing demand. It is used for a wide range of applications, to name a few primary ones:

• Packaging
• Manufacturing Plastic Products
• Manufacturing Labels
• Protecting Machinery / Equipment
• Covering Surfaces In Indoor Painting

 

What Are The Polyethylene Film Types?

Polyethylene films come in enviable variations. It can also be manufactured in different colours or be transparent. In addition, plastic sheeting comes in a wide range of thicknesses. The thicker the virgin film, the stronger it is. The film gets thicker as the numbers of mils increase. The three most common types of polyethylene are:

1. Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)

This one is commonly used to manufacture plastic products like shopping bags. It is a highly flexible material with unique flow properties.

2. Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE)

This one is more or less the same as LDPE. The only difference is that it can be altered by adjusting the formula constituents using less energy during production. This potential gives it a winning edge over LDPE.

3. High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

This type of plastic has a denser form, and the end-result is usually stiff plastic, thanks to its highly crystalline structure. It is commonly used to manufacture garbage bins, milk and laundry detergent holders, cutting boards, and the likes. The HDPE plastic does a great job of protecting the groundwater from toxic chemicals from oil drilling or from landfills.

 

7 Advantages of Using Polyethylene Film

Its many advantages are what makes a polyethylene film a preferred choice. The below listed advantages vouch for their dependability-

1. Assured Protection:

The first and foremost responsibility of a polyethylene film is to provide excellent protection. It is leakage-proof, and great for heat sealing; meaning that it can be wrapped around the product and secured with an airtight seal. PE is quite popular in the electronic industry as it provides excellent protection from moisture and tampering, keeping the electronic components safe.

2. Extremely Lightweight:

The best part about these films is their easy management in terms of transport and storage. They are incredibly lightweight, and require very little storage space. Its easy transportation contributes to reducing the carbon footprint significantly.

3. Superior Flexibility:

Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) is soft, puncture-resistant, highly transparent, and heat seal-able, making it the ideal choice for wrapping products, tubing, and packaging of auto parts. The slightly denser version of LDPE is used to manufacture packaging bags for sharper objects.

4. Impact Resistance:

Poly sheeting is highly suitable for boat construction and protecting large containers that sail the uncertain sea waters. Why? It is chemical and impact-resistant, low maintenance, and facilitates buoyancy.

5. Highly Adaptable:

Polyethylene can be tailored to suit different needs. It comes in different colors, clarities, and thicknesses. It can best display the products, as well as keep them sheltered, if required. This PE trait makes it easier to advertise a product.

6. Low-cost Solution:

High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is extremely easy to process, yet economical. It is an opaque packaging leveraged for your everyday products like shampoo bottle, lotion bottles or flower pots; products that also demand a certain degree of marketing appeal.

7. Excellent Rigidity:

Given that they have a solid structure and are moisture-resistant, they are used to manufacture water bottles (along with the bottle caps), vegetable oil bottles, and milk cartons. Of all the plastic offerings, PE wears the crown when it comes to excellent rigidity.

 

Ecoplast India, Polyethylene Film Manufacturers In India

Ecoplast Ltd is one of India’s most respected and largest polyethylene film suppliers (multilayer co-extruded polyethylene and co-polymer films) We cater to the flexible packaging industry as well as a variety of other specialty applications around the world.

Over the last two decades, Ecoplast has also proved its expertise in designing and manufacturing Surface Protective Films which protect products such as steel, aluminum panels/profiles, carpets, tiles, glass, and all kinds of substrates from dust, scratches and other environmental impacts. Our four key offerings are:

• Ecogen™ – Lamination Films
• Ecoprotect™ – Surface Protection Films
• Ecobond™ – Adhesive Films
• Ecoprime™ – Speciality Films

Browse through our premium PE products online and benefit from their many features. If doubts still linger, feel free to give us a call at: +91-22-2683 3452 / +91-22-2683 1403, or drop an email at: [email protected]