Month: December 2021

Get Familiar With BoPET Films: Origin, Applications & Benefits

Today’s industries have evolved to the extent that most of them have sub-sectors thriving under them. The same is the case with the flexible packaging sector. In a grander sense, it falls under the packaging category. However, owing to its wide range of futuristic products and the consequent growth of businesses, the sector is now emerging as a leading industry of its own.

One of the biggest contributors to this boom are the multiple types of polyethylene films that serve different purposes. Of all the films designed to be excellent flexible packaging solutions, a notable type happens to be BoPET films.

What Is A BoPET Film? 

First developed in the mid-1950s, originally by DuPont, Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI), and Hoechst, Biaxially-oriented Polyethylene Terephthalate films (BOPET), commonly known as PET films, are made from bidirectional stretching of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in order to create a more versatile version that is the best of both worlds. They are designed to be incredibly lightweight and provide excellent clarity.

They are usually either white or transparent and are quite popular for their reflectivity, high tensile strength, heat-resistance chemical and dimensional stability, gas and aroma barrier properties, and electrical insulation. In addition, they ate incredibly lightweight. They are also resistant to oils and grease, and they are difficult to puncture.

Primary BoPET Film Uses

BoPET films are a popular phenomenon in multiple industries, to name a few – sustainable energy, healthcare and hygiene, food and beverage, automotive, consumer electronics, and more. When it comes to BoPET film applications, the list is quite long. It is 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 longer shelf life.

Why are they one of the most sought-after films out there? They are highly versatile, not only for packaging but also for diverse applications such as solar panels, touch screens, capacitors, and identity cards. One of the most common is coffee foil packaging and pouches for convenience foods. A fun example would be the new-age Pop-tarts wrapped in silver BoPET. Here are some key applications of these multi-functional films in different industries-

1. Paper Applications:

-Metallized BoPET is used to beautify and strengthen book covers

-Makes for protective covering for buttons and badges

-Excellent packaging for comic books & card decks

-Used for protecting the spine of important documents

 2. Food Industry:

-In the making of laminates containing metallized BoPET foil, for example: coffee pouches

-White BoPET web substrate is used as lidding for dairy goods such as yogurt

-Clear BoPET web substrate is used as lidding for fresh or frozen ready meals

-Laminated sheet metal is used in the manufacture of cans

3. Science:

-Metallized BoPET films for the insulation in a Spacecraft

-As a physical barrier in CT Scanners (between the X-Ray tube, detector ring, and the patient)

-As a window material to confine the gas in detectors and targets in nuclear physics

-Used as amateur and professional visual and telescopic solar filters

4. Insulation:

-Providing insulation for houses and tents, reflecting thermal radiation

-In the making of aluminized proximity suits used by firefighters

-In the production of metalized emergency blankets to conserve a shock victim’s body heat

-Providing light insulation for indoor gardening

5. Electronics:

-As the diaphragm material in headphones, electrostatic loudspeakers, and microphones

-Used as the substrate in practically all magnetic recording tapes and floppy disks

-Used as packaging for audio media such as compact discs and vinyl records

-Clear and white BoPET films are used as core layers and overlays in Smart Cards

What Are The Key BoPET Film Benefits? 

1. Functional Yet Eco-friendly: 

One of the most important reasons for the rising popularity of BoPET films is that they fit well into the eco-friendly requirements. Consumers today are aware that conserving nature is the need of the hour. As a result, they are actively looking for sustainability features in the products they buy. Here is where BoPET films prove to be the ideal solution as opposed to regular plastic. The films are 100% recyclable and can be easily reprocessed into many other products for many different applications. Of all the options available in the market, these films are your best bet when it comes to keeping the products guarded against air pollution and toxic chemicals.

2. More Benefits, At Lower Costs: 

Despite the many benefits that Biaxially-oriented Polyethylene Terephthalate films bring to the table, they are more affordable in comparison to alternative options of the kind. These films, being one of the most effective solutions, help reduce costs significantly. Unlike other plastics, BoPET films do not require de-lamination and are naturally resistant to ultraviolet rays. They are known to best protect products from external damages and harsh weather conditions in the transportation and storage phases. This helps companies cut back on the costs dedicated to replacing the damaged goods. Given that they are sustainable, these films comply with most of the sustainability regulations across the globe. This makes the process of shipping a seamless one for businesses and manufacturers.

3. Looks Good, Feels Good: 

BoPET films are not only functional but also quite attractive in terms of aesthetic appeal. They give a stunning finish to the product packaging as they feature an excellent gloss and high transparency. The films come in multiple other finishes, textures, and ranges as well, for example – silk and matte. The best part is that they have the ability to stay wrinkle-free and shrink-free despite the long transit journeys and unwarranted climate conditions. The brilliantly transparent packaging also enables consumers to see what they are buying, increasing their faith in the brand.

4. A Treasure Trove To Choose From: 

The physical characteristics of BoPET films can be physically altered with ease during the production process to better suit the packaging or product requirements. This can be done by adding chemicals such as slip modifiers (surface modifiers) or color additives during the polymerization of the PET resin. Several surface finishes can also be created by external treatment. Through these altercations, the films that can be made are available in these varieties – clear, matte, metallizable, surface-treated, chemically coated, heat-sealable, green, and so on. They are also commercially available in a range of widths, thicknesses, and properties.

Ecoplast Ltd, Flexible Packaging Films Suppliers In India

With 40 years of experience, and an extensive range of quality packaging films, we are one of India’s largest suppliers of multilayer co-extruded polyethylene and co-polymer films. These premium films serve the flexible packaging industry as well as other specialty sectors across the globe. We hold expertise in designing and manufacturing Surface Protective Films that 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 BoPET film 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]

All About Window Protection Films: Purpose, Types & Uses

A lot goes into transforming a house into a home or making any given space more inviting. What comes to mind instantly are thoughtfully-designed interiors, aesthetic décor, framed memories, and every corner laced with comforts and essentials. While these big things are evident, it is the little things that make the bigger picture look better, or make it more functional. One of the best examples is a window – a little detail that makes a big difference by allowing you to welcome a little bit of outdoors inside, as well as guarding your space against the hazardous outdoor element when need be. This also applies in the case of keeping your cars protected.

A lot goes into creating the right set of windows that best complement the entire structure, and protect the room or car interiors. When it comes to windows, one of the most important things to consider is the protection as the panels are carved out of glass, a material that is as brittle as it gets. This is where premium protection films come to the rescue. They keep the glass panels from being vulnerable, enhancing their chances of staying intact without a scratch during the entire cycle – right from transport to storage to the installation phase.

Window protection films have evolved to become a common solution in the fenestration and infrastructure industry as well. What’s tricky here is choosing the ideal adhesive film for windows in accordance with the characteristics of the panel material and project specifications. To make the right choice, here are some of the popular types of protective window films.

Primary Types Of Window Protection Films

1. Safety & Security Films: 

First developed in the early 1970s to protect US Embassies abroad, safety and security films are now one of the most common categories that fall on top of the list of premium films. These are designed in a way that best protects the people from the tiniest shards of broken glass, in case of a panel crash. Moreover, it also strengthens the panel, making it much more challenging for intruders to break in through the windows. These films come in a range of thicknesses (starting from 4 mils up to almost 8-15 mil) to serve different applications like window protection for homes, schools, buses, offices, and such.

2. UV Blocking Films: 

Excess exposure to UV radiation not only has adverse effects on our skin and eyes but also does significant harm to the interiors in terms of weathering and discoloration. Good quality window films, when applied correctly, have the potential to block these damaging UV rays up to 95 to 99.9%. Without the premium films, the maximum protection that even the highest quality glass can provide is up to 25%. The films are brilliant at filtering out the harmful rays, allowing you to bask in the natural light without it harming your skin and the interior surfaces of your home or facility.

3. Anti-graffiti & Anti-scratch Films: 

Securing your property from any and every kind of damage (the graffiti aspect) should be the number one priority, especially for mega businesses. The right window protective films featuring a thickness of 4-8 mil can provide just that. They make for a transparent barrier designed to protect glass, and other smooth surfaces from damages caused by unwarranted craving, scratching, paint, as well as acid etching. They can absorb most of the carving and scratching damage, while the paint can be easily removed from the film without causing any damage to the base material. This ease of cleaning and maintenance helps businesses cut costs on time and money.

4. Decorative Films: 

This is where things take a creative turn. Apart from their functional features, decorative window films can do a wonderful job by filling in for the aesthetical requirements too. It is the perfect opportunity to add a tinge of your very own style to the entire setting. You can adorn the films with multiple decorative or informational aspects, for example – scenic landscapes or company logos and taglines – the choice is yours to make. The best part is that there is an impressive range at your disposal; or better yet, you can go with the custom-made films that best represent your brand or your personality.

5. Glare Reduction Films:

Another one of the fascinating features of window films is that they come in handy for glare reduction purposes. In this category alone, there is a wide range of glare reduction levels. The thinner ones are perfect to help you add a small layer of protection. On the other hand, the heavy glare reduction films serve as the right solutions when you have to block the interiors from the unpleasantly bright sun rays from penetrating through the window, or when you have to maintain cooler room temperatures. No matter the intensity of light you want to allow in, there is a glare reduction film out there with the right thickness to help you achieve it.

6. Privacy Films: 

One of the most obvious reasons for the existence of buildings, be it commercial or residential, is the need for privacy; a safe space that can shelter all the necessary wants and needs. However, ventilation is a must; and hence, windows are a must. Privacy window films can help bridge the gap between these two basic yet important requirements. Given that they are a popular solution, there are several types of privacy films available – right from mildly textured glasses to heavily frosted films. These can allow the necessary amount of light to sleep in while also ensuring privacy. Even if a relatively darker ambiance is required, there are complete block-out films available to specifically serve this purpose.

7. Insulating Films: 

These are perfect to help one sail through the ever-sunny summers and the prickly chilly winters – all without having to rely on the expensive affair of air conditioning or furnace. Insulation films have the ability to help keep rooms cooler, even when the sun is shining at its brightest. On the contrary, the films that are designed to insulate against cold can help cut back on the heavy costs associated with the constant use of room heaters. No matter the weather outside, insulating films can keep you comfortable in your homes or offices, by helping you maintain temperatures of your preference.

Ecoplast Ltd, One Of The Leading Adhesive Film Manufacturers In India

With over 40 years of industry experience, Ecoplast Ltd is home to a comprehensive range of surface protection films for Stainless steel, UPVC, Aluminum Composite Panels, Aluminum sections/profiles, PVC and Carpets, and more. They are exclusively designed to minimize abrasion, scratching, and damage throughout the storage process as well as during the delivery process. In addition, 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.

Browse through our extensive range of surface protection films online and select the one that best suits your requirements. For more information on our premium packaging products, contact us at: +91-22-2683 3452 / +91-22-2683 1403, or drop an email at: [email protected]

Laminating Film Rolls: All You Need To Know

We are now living in an ever-evolving world run by technology at its finest; a world where there is demand for only the best, and little to no room for anything else that falls short of perfection. Consumers today expect a product to live up to its highest potential, serving their needs and wants in a seamless way.

This new-age demand has paved the way for not just superior quality products, but also superior packaging that is designed exclusively to preserve these products. This premium protection is enabled by the flexible packaging industry through the many innovations that the sector is home to – one of the greatest gifts being that of ‘Laminating Film Rolls’. To better understand the role of laminating films, let’s first analyze the meaning, types, and benefits of laminating films, along with the factors to consider while buying the ideal one.

What Is A Laminating Film Roll?

With flexible packaging applications, the process of lamination becomes important when a single material is not enough to meet all of the product’s requirements. A composite made up of two or more layers of material is designed to achieve the desired results. For this purpose, different polymeric films can be laminated with other films, foils, and papers with a polymeric adhesion agent. This practice comes in handy when end-products have to have multi-functional features such as improved barrier to moisture and/or oxygen, improved shelf life, improved puncture resistance to name a few. From food menus to medical packaging to liquid foods packaging – these films cater to the needs of multiple businesses and industries.

What are lamination film rolls? As the name suggests, it is basically lamination film available in the roll form instead of a pouch form. These rolls are made available via laminating machines designed specifically to take rolls and require two lots of film – one for the top of the document and one for the bottom. Of all the options, roll laminating films are the most versatile, while also being the most affordable. The only challenge is selecting the right film for your products. Let’s explore the types of laminating films to help you make the right choice.

Primary Types Of Laminating Film Rolls

1. Thermal Laminating Films (Hot Laminating Films):

These films are also called standard laminating films or premium laminating films. They have to be exposed to high temperatures for long periods in order to seal and adhere to the material you are laminating. They generally have a melting point temperature between 230º F and 270º F. The films offer excellent strength, along with heat and chemical resistance, and are perfect solutions for the bonding of difficult surfaces, including rubber and polymer-based materials.

2. Pressure Sensitive Laminating Film (Cold Laminating Film):

These self-adhesive films stick and adhere to media or material without the use of heat.  They are easy to apply, no heat or equipment is needed for a bond to be made, and they perfectly fit into the role of attachment or mounting adhesives. They also function well in environments with temperatures between 59º F and 95º F. They are great solutions for bonding multiple materials like paper, plastic, metal, and concrete.

3. Low Melt Laminating Film:

Low melt films come under the thermal laminating category itself, but they have a lower melting point and are comprised of two adhesive types instead of one. The melting point temperature is generally between 180º F and 230º F. They make for perfectly transparent laminating, and stand somewhere in between thermal laminating and cold laminating. Given the crystal clear lamination feature, these films are the ideal choice for digital prints, photos, charts, art displayed, and such.

Top 3 Benefits Of Laminating Films

1. Enhanced Durability:

Laminating is one of the best ways to safeguard products, especially the paper packaging pouches or boxes to be used for food items or paper documents. The clear coating enhanced the durability of the product, keeping it safe from mishaps like leakage or spillage. Moreover, laminating films also make it much easier to keep the product surfaces neat and clean.

2. Multiple Features: 

Laminating films come with multiple features. They improve the strength of the base packaging material, making it more tear-resistant. They also help keep products safe from damaging elements like UV rays, moisture, gas, oxygen, and such. This works wonders when it comes to preserving the natural aroma and flavour of food products, keeping them fresh for long.

3. Premium Look:

Apart from making the packaging sturdier and reliable, laminating films hold the potential to give a sophisticated look and feel to the product packaging. One of the best advantages here is that these films come in different finishes as well. Using films with a gloss finish can amp up the visual appeal of the products; while a matte finish can add a hint of texture to the packaging.

What To Consider When Buying Laminating Rolls?

1. Core Size, Roll Width & Length:

Roll core size, width, and length – these are the three key factors you must consider. The kind of laminating film roll you should buy largely depends on the type of laminator you own. The comforting fact is that most laminators are thoughtfully designed to work well with different roll core sizes and lengths. The three standard core laminating film sizes are 1” (25mm), 2 ¼” (57mm), and 3” (75mm). The width varied from 9” up to 60”. When it comes to the length, most films have average standard lengths – make sure to not invest in a roll that is unusually long.

2. Film Grade:

Film grade refers to the degree of adhesive strength that helps the film adhere to the base material. Each type of laminating film has a unique film grade. When it comes to everyday applications, a standard film works well. However, for base materials that demand enhanced protection, high-quality films are the ideal solution, for example, the low melt films that come with stronger adhesive. Other promising options include non-thermal, super strength adhesive, and nylon laminating films.

3. Film Thickness:

The rapid advancements in the flexible packaging industry have paved the way for an impressive range of options with regards to laminating film thickness. Picking film rolls with the right thickness depends on how sturdy and rigid you want the laminating to be. The thickness of lamination film is measured in mils. The higher the mil count, the more sturdy (less flexible) the final output will be. One mil is equal to 1 / 1000th of an inch which is incredibly thin. A 1.5-mil film would be ideal for business cards, whereas a 10-mil film would be ideal for ID badges.

Ecoplast Ltd, One Of The Leading Lamination Film Roll Suppliers In India

Being one of the topmost laminating film manufacturers with a 40-year-old presence in the industry, we provide films that are exclusively adapted for high-speed lamination and have excellent anti-static qualities. They also feature strong adhesive anchoring, resulting in great paper bonding.

Our Lamination PE films are the ideal choice for the packaging of various FMCG products such as food, beverages, cosmetics, personal care, and hygiene products. Moreover, they can be complemented with one or more substrates, such as PET, BOPP, aluminium foil, paper (to name a few), depending upon the packaging system and the product to be packed. Our offerings include:

–C4 Grade Lamination Film – EcoGen™ 100 – A

–C8 Grade Lamination Film – EcoGen™ 101 – A

–1 Layer Grade Lamination Film – EcoGen™ 102 – A

–2 Layer Grade Lamination Film – EcoGen™ 103 – A

 

Explore our premium range of laminating films online. To know more about our products, contact us at: +91-22-2683 3452 / +91-22-2683 1403, or drop an email at: [email protected]

Telling Facts From Fiction: Myths About Sustainable Packaging

Industries today are soaring to newer heights with every innovation introduced to the market. As such, the markets are crowded with an impressive amount of data. While this information facilitates the art of effective decision-making for consumers and businesses alike, it brings with it an attention-worthy problem – that of misinformation. With an influx of information, especially in the world of the Internet, it becomes difficult to determine how much of what we read and hear is accurate, and how much is meant to trick us into believing false truths.

The rise of flexible packaging has opened up new avenues for the sustainable packaging industry to take the lead as well. But, being a technologically-driven sector, there is a lot of information about its products and the ways of the industry that usually gets lost in translation. To help keep you well-informed, here are some fascinating facts and statistics that vouch for the rising popularity of sustainable packaging, along with the myths that you must be aware of.

Sustainable Packaging Facts

1. The global sustainable packaging market size was valued at USD 274.15 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1% from 2020 to 2028. (Grand View Research)

2. According to Trivium Packaging’s 2021 Global Buying Green Report, 83% of consumers among younger generations showed a willingness to pay more for sustainable packaging.

3. More than half (54%) consider sustainable packaging when selecting a product – younger consumers (44 years and younger) are leading the charge.

4. Adjusting the packaging for one of IKEA’s products by 50% resulted in savings of 1.2 million Euros per year.

5. A 2019 survey by Accenture found that 72% of respondents said they are buying more eco-friendly products than they were 5 years ago, and 81% said they expect to buy more sustainable products over the next 5 years.

Now that we have clarity on the imminent growth of the sustainable packaging industry, let’s move on to some of the myths about eco-friendly packaging.

Top 5 Common Myths About Sustainable Packaging

1. Myth: Sustainable packaging comes at a heavy price

Fact: If implemented correctly, sustainable packaging can bring in a treasure trove of profits

One of the most common myths about packaging in terms of sustainability, is that it is an expensive affair. Any and every change for the better comes with a small price, but this one is fairly affordable. While the cost of initial packaging might be slightly higher than the other options, it proves to be a great investment in the later phases of a product life cycle. How? Consumers are now looking for the sustainability feature in products and are willing to pay an extra price. In a study, 55% of its respondents stated that they would spend at least 5% more on a product if it was contained in sustainable packaging. This helps businesses create products that are more aligned with what the consumer wants, while also contributing to a greater cause.

Moreover, the extra bit that businesses spend initially is easily covered during the storing, shipping, and transportation phases. Sustainable packaging involves moving away from excess packaging and optimizing the use of materials used. Ultimately, this helps firms save on material and transportation costs.

 2. Myth: Sustainable packaging means recyclable packaging

Fact: Sustainable packaging is an umbrella term for several eco-friendly packaging measures

Another important misconception about packaging is that recyclable packaging is synonymous with sustainable packaging. Yes, recycling strategies are a part of sustainable packaging, but there is more to it. However, when it comes to sustainability in its truest sense, firms have to now consider the entire product life cycle and not simply the post-consumer strategies like recycling. The conscious choices made at the designing phase to reduce the use of materials and eliminate the possibility of excess packaging are also a part of sustainable solutions.

Other processes need to be relooked as well to verify whether they can be modified to better fit into the eco-friendly bracket, for example, the manufacturing process, the manufacturing and transportation phase, and so on. Every little change made in the product design can make a great difference when it is finally produced in bulk.

3. Myth: There are many presentation limitations with sustainable packaging

Fact: There’s plenty of room for creativity in terms of shapes, sizes, colors, and designs

With the new-age flexible packaging, the possibilities are endless. Businesses and manufacturers have a variety of materials to choose from. To make matters merrier, most of these options can be tailored to best protect a product. The packaging also comes in a range of sizes, shapes, colors, and patterns. The fact that it can be customized according to the dimension of the product ensures reduction in excess packaging, ensuring less wastage in landfills.

Moreover, manufacturers have the liberty to get creative with flexible packaging as well. The packaging can be made to look incredibly appealing. In addition, the brand logo and tagline can be easily printed on many materials, enhancing brand visibility and recognition. Transparent packaging also plays its part in establishing trust in a brand as the consumers see what they are spending on.

4. Myth: Only today’s youth is concerned about human impact on the environment

Fact: Individuals of all ages are doing their bit to keep the earth ever-green

For decades now, individuals of all ages are making active efforts to contribute to protecting the environment. Some people have dedicated years of great work and expertise to come up with ways to bring consumers convenience and comfort, but not at the cost of the environment. Consumers of all ages across the globe are making more conscious choices about the products they buy and the services that they avail, and the number of people contributing to the cause is only rising by the hour.

Even when one takes a look at the leading environmentalists, it involves people from different generations and different countries, all fighting for one common cause – from Greta Thunberg to Vandana Shiva to Pierre Rabhi. Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Gen Z are doing their part to preserve earth’s natural resources, keeping it a beautiful and safe home for the generations to come.

5. Myth: One person cannot make a difference

Fact: It is a great start

Making significant efforts on an individual level can have a significant impact when it comes to preserving the environment. In addition, you also end up influencing the people around you. One sincere gesture becomes a source of inspiration for many observers, and that goes on to multiply. Before you know it, there’s an entire conscious community working actively together towards bringing bigger and better changes.

As a citizen of the planet first, one must never hesitate to do their bit. No matter how small the effort is, it is never insignificant. It adds to a bigger picture and is a step closer to a greener, cleaner tomorrow.

Ecoplast Ltd, One Of The Leading Packaging Films Suppliers In India

Get excellent packaging solutions for your products with Ecoplast India. With 40 years of experience, we are 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. We offer a comprehensive line of surface protection films for Stainless steel, UPVC, Aluminium Composite Panels, Aluminium sections/profiles, PVC and Carpets, and more. Here are our key offerings:

• EcoGen™ (Lamination Films)
• EcoProtect™ (Surface Protection Films)
• EcoBond™ (Adhesive Films)
• EcoPrime™ (Speciality Films)

Browse through our premium packaging films 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]