Category: Blogs

All You Need To Know About Post-consumer Recycled PE Films

The packaging industry has seen many new trends and technologies over the last few years; some stayed, some evolved for the better, and a few faded with time. Flexible packaging is one of the biggest innovations of the industry so far; one that is evolving with every passing day, efficiently serving the dynamic demands of today’s manufacturers and consumers. Above all else, consumers now look for two things in a product – multi-functionality and sustainability.

Flexible packaging has opened up many new avenues in terms of sustainability. The innovative solutions that the industry has to offer revolve around the needs of manufacturers and end users – be it in terms of enhanced protection or eco-friendly measures. When it comes to sustainable packaging, the leading ones on the list are compostable and recyclable packaging, with PCR plastic packaging following closely behind. What’s impressive is that it is speedily catching pace with the former two. Although fairly new, PCR plastic recycling is all set to outpace them in the near future.

Let’s learn more about this new-age packaging, starting with – what is PCR plastic; then moving on the many benefits of Post-consumer Recycled PE Films.

What Is Post-consumer Recycled PE Film?

Modern-day lifestyles often involve us buying things to satisfy our everyday needs and wants. The rise of E-commerce has made it all the more convenient for us to buy things online, leading to a number of boxes and bags stacked on top of each other in our garbage bins. Each delivery only adds to more wastage of all kinds – paper, cardboard, aluminum, and worse of all, plastic. However, there is now a way to transform discarded plastic packages into brand new ones that can be reused time and again. This brings us to the fascinating phenomenon called Post-consumer recycled PE films.

Post-consumer recycled plastic is created when other packaging products, thrown away by consumers, are reprocessed. The packages can be easily recycled and put to good use, all over again; for example, the cosmetic product bottles can be recycled to create new ones of the same kind. This keeps the plastic from settling into the ocean or making a permanent home in the landfills. If implemented correctly, PCR plastic recycling can create a brilliant loop that contributes to less wastage.

The process is as simple as it gets. Abandoned packaging is usually collected by local authorities or associations that are in charge of waste management. This material is then sent in bulk to the recycling facilities. There, it is often melted and moulded into new packages or even quality packaging films. The features of PCR films compete well with those of the features of common PET films. PCR films are incredibly durable, and are known to offer excellent protection against moisture and other harmful particles in the air. They provide great tensile and high impact strength as well.

The next grand question is – what is the actual difference between compostable packaging and post-consumer recycled plastic packaging? Packages that have the ability to completely break down in a compost environment, leaving no toxic element behind fall under the category of compostable packaging. For the disintegration to happen, the type of plastic had to be biodegradable in the first place. On the other hand, PCR packaging involves the creation of films using recycled packing materials. Why is PCR gaining popularity? It helps companies with keeping their promise of sustainability made to consumers who are all for eco-friendly solutions.

Features & Benefits of Post-consumer Recycled (PCR) Plastic

Given that no natural resources are used in the production of PCR plastic films, they make for durable solutions that are also nature-friendly and cost-effective – all at the same time. As there are fewer steps involved in the creation of the PCR films, the use of energy, water and fossil fuels is relatively less as compared to regular plastic films. This keeps the environment safe from excess wastage and pollution, contributing significantly to reducing the carbon footprint that is generally left behind after the production of regular plastic packaging products.

There are a number of industries that are now moving towards PCR packaging, to name a few – pharmaceuticals, healthcare and hygiene, cosmetics, instant food, dairy products, and such. sports nutrition. This warm welcome is primarily because manufacturers can provide consumers with durable packaging, all while ticking the sustainability box in the process. This makes their products all the more appealing to nature-loving consumers. They can be developed into lay flat pouches, stand up pouches, lay flat punches and roll stock with ease.

Moreover, much like the regular PE films, PCR packaging films bring a host of benefits to the table, including enhanced protection and barrier performance. They also work wonders when it comes to keeping the product and its packaging well-protected against the oxygen, moisture and other threatening elements. To sum up, here are some of the direct and indirect benefits:

1. Environment preservation along with consumer satisfaction

2. Reduction in companies’ carbon footprints

3. Consumer waste transformed into functional packaging products

4. Less load on landfill and plastic pollution in oceans

5. Less use of water, energy and fossil fuel consumption

6. Easy for brands to respect regulations related to product sustainability

7. Can be recycled after use creating an effective wastage reduction loop

8. PCR films are eco-friendly, effective and economical – all at the same time

Ecoplast India, Best Packaging Films Suppliers

With years of experience that has shaped our expertise, we are one of the most trusted and innovative suppliers of Multilayer and Speciality Polyethylene Films, including the ones produced from PCR plastic recycling. Ecoplast is home to tailored flexible packaging solutions – all designed in a way that ensures product protection.

We provide multilayer co-extruded polyethylene and co-polymer films to the flexible packaging industry as well as a variety of other specialty applications around the world. We also hold expertise in designing and manufacturing Surface Protective Films that guard 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 bene in search of premium protection for your products via flexible packaging, contact us at: +91-22-2683 3452 / +91-22-2683 1403, or drop an email at: [email protected]

Premium Packaging For Your Products: 5 Benefits of Pouch Packaging

There comes a point in the history of every industry where a new innovation gently guides it into the future and helps it sail ever so steadily towards growth. Since its very inception, flexible packaging has revolutionized the packaging industry at an impressive pace, and continues to contribute significantly to the rapid growth of the sector. One of the finest offerings of flexible packaging is pouch packaging.

What Is Pouch Flexible Packaging? 

In the hustle era, represented by busier schedules and fewer breaks in between professional activities, snacking is slowly becoming the way of life, making the need for quality single-serve and reusable packaging solutions all the more evident. Owing to its many advantages, pouch packaging has proven to be one of the most efficient and economical packaging solutions for brand owners operating in the packaged food industry.

Pouch packaging stands at the forefront of the flexible packaging industry. The laminated pouches are made from multiple layers of plastic films like polyethylene, which is the most common. Apart from PE, the other common materials that are used for pouching are PET, laminates, and some types of metal foils. Although most of the pouches are heat sealed, there are some out there that are bonded with adhesives.

The most common types of pouches crowding the market today are: 3 Side, zipper, stand up, retort, spouted, quad seal, and fin seal. Owing to their unquestionable versatility, pouches are used in almost every single industry – from the automotive industry to chemicals, dairy products, drinks, medicinal products, ready-to-eat meals, pet food and treats, produce, snack foods, and so much more. So, how exactly does this category of flexible packaging serve the manufacturers, vendors as well as the end consumers well?

Let’s explore some of the key benefits of using pouch packaging when it comes to protecting and best displaying products:

Top 5 Advantages Of Pouch Packaging

Gone are the days when only rigid or traditional packaging defined durability and came with the promise of keeping your product guarded. Today, pouch packaging is one of the best examples of the sturdy yet adaptable nature of flexible packaging products. Each one of their benefits come from the many features, to name a few – excellent chemical resistance, superior tear and puncture resistance, heat seal ability, easy opening and closure, moisture, oxygen and light resistance. Here are some of the main advantages of pouch packaging:

1. Ease Of Transporting & Storing:

When it comes to effective packaging for the retail or the e-commerce industry, one of the biggest challenges is linked to the transport and the storage of products. This is where pouches enter the picture as ideal solutions. Being lightweight in nature, they contribute significantly to reducing shipping costs, be it local or global.

Moreover, they are also easy to store owing to their ‘easy to stack’ feature. They bring a bounty of benefits to both vendors and consumers. Since most pouches come with the versatility and resealable feature, they happen to be one of the most sought-after packing types for end-users.

2. Eco-friendly Solution:

Consumers are now more inclined towards nature-friendly lifestyle choices. Hence, industries have to adapt to sustainable ways of serving their needs and wants. With competitors who are rapidly taking the eco-friendly road, firms are always on the look-out for newer, more effective sustainable solutions – pouch films being the go-to option for most of them. Once the original content is used up, the pouches can be easily reused to store other products.

Plus, the resealable zip locks that many pouches are equipped with. The opening and closing becomes an easier task – all while preserving the quality of the content inside and increasing its shelf life. Pouches layered with sustainable plastic like polyethylene films are easily biodegradable as well.

3. Gusseted Bottom Feature:

This feature makes things all the more convenient to both end-users and vendors. The gusseted bottom feature can be integrated in most flexible pouches. This proves to be very helpful for the manufacturers of liquid food. This is because the bottoms of these pouches expand as one pours any liquid into it, without losing its ability to best accommodate the liquid and maintain its quality.

As for the users, these pouches provide great stability while storing the liquid products. Gusseted pouches are highly suitable for packaging sauces and spreads, meat products, bulk candy, nuts, coffee, baked goods like bread, bagels, rolls, and cookies.

4. Enhanced Product Appeal:

Pouches not only serve a product during the post production process, but also at the marketing stage. They are versatile not just in terms of functionalities but also in terms of visual appeal. The pouches can be easily personalized – sharp looking logos and brand taglines can be printed on the pouches. Manufacturers have the liberty to design these pouches in any shape and size, tailored to their products.

The transparent pouches enable better visibility of products, making them more appealing to the consumers. Products that are visible in their true form through the packaging can catch their eye when they are simply sifting through similar products on the store shelves. Despite the fact that they ensure excellent product display integrity, pouches are an excellent alternative to other kinds of packaging in terms of affordability as well.

5. Improved Food Safety:

Pouches are an excellent fit for food packaging as they increase the shelf-life of the products, maintaining their true flavours, aromas and nutritional value; thereby reducing food wastage as well. To enhance the effectiveness of food products, manufacturers also have the option to complement the pouches with an additional layer of UV protection. Pouches layered with polyethylene packaging films bring an added advantage to the table. The films can make pouches more capable of keeping your food fresh by protecting it from air and the moisture that lingers in it. They also do a brilliant job of keeping the wet food from losing moisture and preventing dry food from absorbing it.

Just like us humans, moist products are privy to imperfections. Although home to a long list of advantages, much like any other innovation, pouch packaging also comes with a challenge or two. One of the decisions that is crucial to getting the entire pouch packaging process right is associated with selecting the right pouch packaging films; one that can easily feature strong seals, clean edges, hanger holes, tear notches, and is compatible with laser perforation and more.

Ecoplast Ltd – One Of The Leading Pouch Packaging Films Manufacturers

As industries are opening up and embracing the new wonders of flexible packaging, the need for effective pouch packing solutions is on the rise. With 40 years of experience, Ecoplast Ltd is one of the leading pouch packaging film suppliers. Our multilayer co-extruded polyethylene (PE) and co-polymer films are supplied to the packaging industry, as well as a variety of other specialty applications around the world.

Apart from providing excellent films for the food packaging industry, we also 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.

If you have been looking for pouch film manufacturers, contact us at: +91-22-2683 3452 / +91-22-2683 1403, or drop an email at: [email protected]

Know What’s Best For Your Product: Different Types Of Packaging Materials

In a world that sees new waves of innovations almost on a daily basis, consumer expectations are bound to rise with every technological advancement. To meet this growing demand, organizations today strive to consistently upgrade their products or build newer, better ones that best serve the needs and wants for their potential consumers.

However, a product can only bring the best of its benefits to a consumer, when delivered securely; in a way that does not diminish its value. This is where quality packaging enters as a viable solution. As the consumer needs and the range of products have evolved, the packing industry has had to evolve with it, in order to keep up with the ever-changing world. The sector is now a vast one with many sub-sectors that fall under it.

When it comes to the classification of packaging, the very first two methods of packaging that come to mind are traditional packaging and flexible packaging.

Traditional packaging began with the use of natural materials such as leaves, bamboo, gourds, coconut shells etc. Over the years, evolution played its part and paved the way for packaging with man-made materials, including fabrics, ceramics, metals, wood ware, paper etc. Finally, the need for more durable packaging solutions led to the introduction of wooden crates and boxes, stem baskets and barrels for transportation and storage. Much like before, even today traditional packing materials mostly contribute to protecting food items.

With the industrial revolution, came the gift of aluminum foil, followed closely by plastic and polyethylene. Owing to a long list of impressive features, they have now become the primary packaging material; bringing us to the era of flexible packaging. Today, many industries have moved on to flexible packing, because of its many features, to name a few – preserving the quality of food in terms of flavors, aromas and nutritional value, increased shelf life and enhanced consumer appeal. It involves the use of materials that can yield when filled or closed. It can be easily modified in terms of shape. Common examples include bags, pouches, shrink films, tubes, sleeves, and carded packaging. One of the most impressive things about flexible packaging is the impressive range of choices readily available; in terms of material, color, shape, patterns, and such.

The world of packaging today shelters a varied range of products. So, what is the secret to choosing the ideal one for you? Knowing the features and benefits of the key materials can help you make the right choice. Here is a list of the different types of packaging materials-

Primary Types Of Materials Used For Packaging

Since the packaging is what shields your products from external factors that keep it from serving its true purpose, it is important to pick the right material to best protect the product. As such, the very first step of packaging a product is to determine the ideal packaging material. Here is what you can choose from based on the characteristics of the product to be protected.

1. Sustainable Plastic:

Since plastic is incredibly flexible and can be manufactured to adhere to a multitude of properties, it is frequently the packaging material of choice. Plastic is flexible, lightweight, and durable. It can be created to be food-safe, transparent, or opaque, and can also be chemical and heat resistant. Polyethylene is one of the most-sought after types of packing material, and for all the right reasons. Because of its wide use, polyethylene has many names in the market – ‘plastic sheeting’, ‘poly sheeting’, or ‘poly film’. Polyethylene sheeting is your best bet when it comes to plastic protection. These films can be tailored to perfectly fit into a project’s requirement.

2. Glass:

Glass is widely used in the packaging of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food products, and alcoholic beverages. The market size of this industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.4% from 2021 to 2027. This growth is because of the increasing glass recycling rates in conjunction with the eco-friendly benefits of glass. Owing to its nonporous and nontoxic nature, glass has been used largely in the food and beverage industry for decades now. The material does a great job of keeping things from contaminating the food and drinks. This also leads to the preservation of the original flavors, keeping the products fresh for a longer time. Moreover, glass makes for premium packaging that is eye-pleasing as well; this helps attract more consumers. The best part? Almost all glass is recyclable.

3. Paper & Paperboard:

We come across paper packaging so often in our everyday lives that it almost goes unnoticed. Every time a delivery reaches our doorstep, we are more often than now, handed a product neatly wrapped in a cardboard or a paperboard box. Being affordable, light and easy to stack, the material is used largely in the retail industry. It also significantly contributes to the shipping industry, thanks to the rise of e-commerce. One of the best examples happens to be corrugated cardboard. It is known to have superior structural stability for shipping and storing. Paper packaging also comes in handy when it comes to marketing your brand and its products given that it is incredibly easy to print on paper-based material. And finally, paper and cardboard are easily recyclable, making them eco-friendly packaging solutions.

4. Aluminum:

One of the oldest and the finest options, aluminum packaging comes with a treasure trove of benefits. The material is flexible in the sense that it shelters cans, foil, and aerosol products. In its foil form, aluminum can also be used in multi-laminate constructions or as a blister pack or container seal. The material being nontoxic, is often used to package medications. Another advantage for the pharmaceutical industry is that aluminum packaging extends the shelf life of the products. Moreover, it is highly resistant to corrosion and offers excellent production against light, ultraviolet rays, oils, and oxygen. Being light and durable, it can be used with laminates to provide extremely thin barrier protection for food and beverages. This leads to the preservation of natural resources as fewer materials are involved in the making of this kind of packaging.

5. Steel:

Another one of the most recyclable materials, steel is largely used in the industrial manufacturing sector. Owing to its enhanced durability, the material is used in a variety of applications, such as containers and closures for foods, beverages, hygiene and personal care, automotive and industrial products, giftware and promotional products, and the list goes on. What makes it the ideal solution for shipping and transportation is that the containers can often be reused. The rugged road and the long distances through harsh weathers, they are perfectly capable of withstanding it all. Amidst its worthy competitors, tin-plated steel still stands to be one of the most common materials used in food cans.

Ecoplast Ltd – One Of The Top Packaging Films Manufacturer in India 

Every product today demands due attention; this makes packaging an important part of any production lifecycle. If you have been looking for excellent flexible packaging solutions for your products, Ecoplast Ltd is here to your rescue. With 40 years of experience, and an extensive range of premium packaging products, we are one of the leading flexible packaging companies in India.

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)

To explore the many flexible packing options that best protect your products, contact us at: +91-22-2683 3452 / +91-22-2683 1403, or drop an email at: [email protected]

All About Adhesive Films: Purpose, Types & Benefits 

The global flexible plastic packaging market size is projected to grow from USD 160.8 billion in 2020 to USD 200.5 billion by 2025, at a CAGR of 4.50% from 2020 to 2025. This dynamic is growing with every passing hour, and for all the right reasons. The sector now shelters products that are the very definition of innovation; one of its finest offerings being Adhesive films.

The world of adhesives is vast one, with a kind of product available for every industry need and purpose. To help you better understand the concept and the purpose of adhesives, let’s explore some of the primary types of adhesives-

Popular Adhesive Films Types

1. Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA):

PSAs do not require much pressure if they are to be deformed; they are flexible once cured, and can be used on wet surfaces. To put it in technical terms – they are low modulus elastomers and thermoplastic. They are a sought-after adhesive type for many reasons – they are easy to use; no heat or equipment is needed for a bond to be made, they perfectly fit into the role of attachment or mounting adhesives, and they function well in environments with temperatures between 59º F and 95º F. However, the beauty of these films lies in their versatility. They are great solutions for bonding multiple materials like paper, plastic, metal, and concrete. They also work wonders when it comes to light load applications, and are purchased as tapes or labels.

2. Heat Activated Adhesive:

Contrary to pressure sensitive films, these adhesives have to leverage external heat to activate the bond. The films have to be exposed to high temperatures for long periods to ensure the expected level of bonding. They can be used in continuous processes or cut into sheets, enabling precise layer placement prior to bonding. Another difference between the two is their natures, PSAs are thermoplastic while heat activated adhesive films are thermoset. Given the thermoset feature, they offer excellent strength, along with heat and chemical resistance. They are also customizable and are available with numerous backing materials. Heat activated adhesives are perfect solutions particularly when it comes to the bonding of difficult surfaces, including rubber and polymer-based materials.

3. Polyurethane Adhesives:

Polyurethane adhesives are a form of thermoplastic glue. These are usually brown in color or are transparent. Given that they are extremely durable and resistant to most forms of degradation, they have a very wide variety of applications. Here are some of the major industries that leverage the power of these adhesives – Transport, Laminating, Aerospace, Footwear, Construction, Pharmaceutical, Furniture, Flooring and Roofing, Rail, and the list goes on. Polyurethane adhesives are available in either a one part or 2-part adhesive. The 2-part adhesive sets much quicker. These films come with enviable features like easy application, ideal for sensitive substrates, proven versatility, excellent resistance to heat, water and chemicals.

4. Rubber-based Adhesives:

These are adhesives made using a rubber, either in its natural or synthetic form, as the base material. They are known to offer high initial grab or tack, and bond extremely well with a range of materials and surface types. Rubber-based pressure sensitive adhesives are usually solvent-based or hot melt adhesives, and can be used to make permanent or removable labels. They serve to be good solutions for low temperature applications and indoor applications. This is primarily because they are more vulnerable to UV light, high temperatures, moisture, and chemicals. They are also widely used in medical applications such as dressings and tapes. They are also actively present in the healthcare and cosmetics industry.

5. Acrylic Adhesives:

Much like pressure sensitive adhesive, acrylic adhesives are thermoplastics in nature as well; meaning that they go soft when exposed to heat. They remain soft at room temperatures and harden after the cooling process. Their ability to remain soft at normal temperatures allows them to bend easily under light pressure and bond quite well with the rough or inconsistent product surfaces. These adhesives are known to gel well with polar substrates such as metals, glass, polyesters and polycarbonates. They deliver good resistance to multiple temperature ranges and chemicals. The best part is that they can easily be removed and reinstalled in the application if done incorrectly.

Now that are aware of the most common types of adhesives in the realm of flexible packaging, let’s explore the many advantages of adhesive films for different sectors:

Benefits Of Adhesive Films

1. Food Industry:

The impressive range of adhesives make it possible for the food industry to adapt to the all-new era that is fueled by canned food and frozen products. From laminated product packaging to air-tight sealed closures – these adhesives come in handy for a variety of applications.

2. Medical Industry: 

From plasters to nicotine patches to the production of something as simple as paper tissues – adhesives play an important role in the medical industry as well. They enable tablets to be protected from the exterior elements that could hamper the desired effect.

3. Industrial Purposes: 

The aircraft and car manufacturing industries are the ones that have truly welcomed innovation in the form of bonding technology, especially via adhesives. Over time, they have proven to be reliable solutions, leading to them being used as structural materials as well.

Ecoplast Ltd, A Leading Adhesive Film Manufacturer In India

With an extensive experience of 20 years in the sector, Ecoplast Ltd is one of the leading adhesive film manufacturers in India. Our Ecobond™ collection features adhesive films used for manufacturing Aluminum Composite Panels. These panels are user-friendly materials made up of two aluminum coils. The two coils are held together tightly with a non-aluminum core to make it lightweight, durable and compact. The ACP sheets are available in different shades, textures, designs and sizes to meet the industry needs and purpose.

They are used for a variety of applications, both interior and exterior. Adhesive films are chosen based on the type of ACP to be manufactured (FR or Non FR), and the processing temperatures at which the lamination of ACP is undertaken.

The typical thicknesses used for exterior grades ACP are 32 mic and 50 mic though it can be customised into other thicknesses as well and depends on the Aluminium thickness and the overall sheet thickness. The interior application adhesive films are typically 20 mic and 25 mic due to the low thickness of AL used in the application. Films for FR ACP can be customised anywhere between 50 mic to 200 mic depending on the application and the Aluminium thickness. Here are our offerings:

–Low Temperature Adhesive Film
–High temperature Adhesive Film
–3D Panels / ACCP
–FR-A2
–FR-B1

If you are looking for the right adhesive film solutions, contact us at: +91-22-2683 3452 / +91-22-2683 1403, or drop an email at: [email protected]

Keep Up With The Latest Packaging Trends In 2021

Humans – one of the handful species that has made the most of evolution; that has adapted like no other. With every century, every decade, every year, and now, with every day, we welcome new innovations; well-led revolutions that contribute to changing the world for the better, bringing us comfort and convenience in their truest forms.

As people evolve, so do their ideas and perceptions; consequently, so do their needs and wants. To meet the desires and better address their concerns, industries evolve as well. Consumers now look for multiple things in a product – from an exceptional visual appeal to an equally functional value – they seek perfection.

Now, the fact remains that a product’s journey from production to distribution to marketing to finally landing on a consumer’s shelf is a long one. So, how do companies ensure that these products bring the expected value to the consumers, without it getting lost in transit? The grander question – in a competitive world full of products similar to yours, how do you ensure that your packaging is the one that is superior in quality, both in terms of appearance and usage?

One of the most effective ways to do so is flexible packaging, a fine result of innovation and technology. As highlighted before, evolution is everywhere, even in the packaging sector. Every year, we see new trends that flood through the gates of this industry. To help you keep up with them, here is a curated list of flexible packaging trends in 2021.

Top 5 Packaging Trends In 2021

According to Trivium Packaging’s 2021 Global Buying Green Report, 54% of the consumers that were a part of the survey take sustainable packaging into consideration when buying a product. People today are making conscious choices when it comes to consumption of products; they are actively opting for products that are designed, keeping the preservation of nature in mind. To cater to this rising demand for sustainable products, industries have to adapt to these all-new lifestyles and evolved perceptions of the consumers, paving the way for sustainable packaging trends. Let’s explore these new trends in packaging-

1. Reusable Packaging:

Packaging that can be returned or reused has been tried and tested on a small scale in the past as well. But it is now, with the evolution of technology, that it is possible to implement it on a larger, more significant scale. Crates, drums, pallets, and bulk containers – all of these packaging products can now be reused. Thanks to packaging that comes with zippers and seal top closures, consumers can keep using them for multiple things before they are discarded. Multiple firms belonging to different industries are now inclined towards this trend. After the consumption of products, the packaging can be returned back to the company. There are many tools out there today that ensure the smooth running of supply chains when it comes to returns.

2. The Rise Of Bioplastics:

This is the most significant one on the food packaging trends list. As the name suggests, bioplastics are born out of biodegradable materials such as starch, proteins, and polylactic acid (PLA) – a natural polymer made from corn starch or sugar cane. Of all the options available, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is the most recyclable one. It is essentially produced from feedstocks. But it is possible to replace some of its petroleum-based components with bio-based alternatives. Despite its many features, polyethylene packaging films and products also serve as a cost-effective solution. They are the ideal alternatives for disposable packaging.

3. Use Of Edible Films:

This one easily tops the list of the most innovative solutions so far. Be it films or coatings, the materials used to produce this kind of packaging are safe to be consumed along with the product. Here are the materials that are generally used – polysaccharides, proteins, and waxes. These have the unique ability to create a constant coating or film. These films not only improve the shelf life of the product, but also contribute to reducing the level of wastes produced by the packaging industry. Although it is still a fairly new phenomenon, it is being steadily accepted by multiple industries and certainly has carved a bright future for itself.

4. Refillable Parent Packaging:

The concept of refillable parent packaging is as simple as it gets – the company or its branch makes the product available in one place in bulk. Customers bring the necessary containers of their own and fill it up with the product. Organizations belonging to the personal care and cleaning industry are already implementing measures that are in line with this concept. Apart from reducing the plastic and compact packaging waste, it also helps firms cut down on the transportation and manufacturing costs.

This concept does require a lot of strategic thinking in terms of access to the target audience, but when implemented correctly, it can do wonders for the sustainable packaging industry. While refillable parent packaging revolves around retailer-to-consumer bulk buying, bulk dispenser refilling is a similar trend for the wholesaler-to-retailer market. Even the smaller grocery chains are keeping an open mind and welcoming this trend with open arms for the love of environmental sustainability.

5. Quality Coupled With Sustainability:

Taking the eco-friendly road no longer means that you have to pay an extra price or compromise on quality. In fact, both these aspects – quality and sustainability – go hand-in-hand when it comes to flexible packaging. Recyclable packaging materials like polyethylene allow you to adorn your products with attractive designs and patterns. 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. Thanks to technological advancements, your products can be easily wrapped in eye-catching packaging, enhancing its chances to be the chosen one among all that are sitting on the shelf.

Ecoplast Ltd, Your Go-to Packaging Film Suppliers In India

Looking for the right film packaging solution? Ecoplast India, one of the leading packaging film manufacturers, is where you are sure to find it. With over 40 years of experience in the industry, 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 premium products:

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

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]

Tailored For Excellence: Types Of Lamination Films For Packaging

Material, color, texture, shape, size, lifespan – any and every product out there comes with its own unique properties that allows it to best serve its purpose. To best protect these products and extend their lifespan to the fullest potential, their packaging has to be tailored to suit the multiple characteristics.

Moreover, there are instances with flexible packaging applications where a single material falls short on keeping the product protected for long. To address this, a composite made up of two or more layers of the material is ideal for better performance. This is where laminated films and packaging prove to be innovative solutions.

You come across common examples of laminated films almost every day – flavoured beverages, food items 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; which is why they are also called Barrier films.

Apart from improving the durability of the products, lamination films can also beautify it in a way that it ultimately adds to enhancing the overall user experience. Since the product’s appearance is the first thing that a consumer notices, the premium films can vouch for its superior quality, helping the product stand out on the shelf crowded with many similar ones. One of the most common film lamination processes involves blending various polymeric films with other films, foils, papers, and so on with a polymeric adhesion agent.

The flexible packaging industry is a vast one, sheltering categories and subcategories of products. In the case of lamination films, there is an impressive range of options that you can choose from, in accordance with the specifications of your products, Let’s explore the primary types of lamination films–

Different Types Of Lamination Films

1. Cold Lamination Films:

Cold lamination happens to be one of the most recent innovations. Cold adhesive is essentially pressure-sensitive. It is ideal for laminating products that may be heat-sensitive; for example: vehicle wrap vinyl. Cold laminating films come with superior adhesive qualities, and they can be applied over product surfaces by simply leveraging pressure, instead of heat. It is the responsibility of a release liner to protect the adhesive until it is ready to be applied, usually on a cold-roll laminator.

These films are most suitable for lamination on printed, unprinted and paper boards as well as for carton lamination. While they usually are on the higher side of the price range as compared to hot laminating films, they can be a more affordable solution if you use lighter machinery like non-heated laminators.

Key Features:

• Static & aging resistance
• Mould-proof
• UV protection properties
• Excellent air tightness

2. Thermal Lamination Films:

Technically speaking, the term ‘thermal’ is strictly reserved for double-sided encapsulation running at 130˚C. But today, people associate the term with any and every heated lamination process, making it a more general phenomenon. Thermal lamination films are surface coated with resin or a thermal adhesive that melts even in low temperature. This property of the film facilitates the process of paper products lamination simply by applying pressure and heat.

This type of lamination film is commonly used for single-sided applications like lamination of commercial products and packaging printers. Its malleability feature enables the laminator to separate and burst the sheets apart with ease. In addition, a thermal lamination film is compatible with coating techniques, such as spot UV, embossing or foil.

Key Features:

• Superior malleability
• Gives structural strength & thickness
• Ideal for regularly used products
• Receptive to embellishments

3. BOPP Lamination Films:

These lamination films are born out of a base material called BOPP (biaxially oriented polypropylene). Biaxially oriented Polypropylene is one of the most sought-after packaging materials out there, owing to its key features – foldable, soft, recyclable, easy to write-on and easy to wipe off the writing as well. Despite its many benefits, it is a cost-effective solution. The lamination is done by coating the adhesive on the film, followed by wet or dry bonding it to the product surface. Sometimes, BOPP is laminated with a layer of foil coating to help improve its performance.

These films are ultra-durable and boost an excellent resistance to moisture. They also have the added benefit of clarity, making it the ideal choice when it comes to retail packaging. Given that these films are available in multiple shades, thicknesses and finishes, they work wonders when it comes to enhancing a product’s visual appeal. Some other common uses include packaging for pesticide products and personal care and hygiene products.

Key Features:

• Superior moisture barrier
• High transparency
• Excellent gloss
• Great chemical resistance

4. PET Lamination Films:

Moreover, this type of film also has high tensile, tear, and impact strength that is retained even after lamination. The most common uses are menu cards and office or college ID cards. If your project demands durability, and heat resistance, then these films are your best bet. They are also available in matte and gloss finishes.

Key Features:

• Tough & flexible
• Excellent scratch resistance
• General purpose overlaminate
• Good thermal stability

Ecoplast Ltd, One Of The Top Lamination Film Manufacturers In India

With 40 year of experience in the industry, Ecoplast Ltd. is one of the leading lamination film suppliers in the country today. Our films are specifically designed for high-speed lamination, come with excellent anti-static qualities, and are recyclable. The films also have strong adhesive anchoring, paving the way for great paper bonding. We have a range of offerings when it comes to lamination films. Our EcoGen™ collection features the following premium products:

•  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

If you are looking for reliable lamination film packaging for your products, contact us at: +91-22-2683 3452 / +91-22-2683 1403, or drop an email at: [email protected]