Glossary

Industry-specific terms and definitions for easy reference in the
plastics and packaging sector

1. Abrasion Resistance

The ability of a film surface to withstand rubbing and scuffing during handling and processing. In ECOPROTECT® films, it keeps printed ink from fading or “ghosting”.

2. ACP (Aluminium Composite Panel)

A lightweight, durable panel made of two aluminium coils bonded tightly to a non-aluminium core. It is used for interior and exterior cladding, partitions, false ceilings and signages.

3. Acrylic Adhesive

An adhesive system used in ECOPROTECT® films, available as water acrylic and solvent acrylic. Water acrylic is used on most surfaces, while solvent acrylic is used for carpet applications.

4. Adhesion Build-Up

An increase in adhesive strength over time when the adhesive reacts with a high-tension surface, such as artificial stone slabs. It makes the film hard to remove and can leave residue.

5. Adhesive Anchoring

How firmly the film’s adhesive layer bonds to the substrate it is laminated to. ECOGEN™ films are designed for strong adhesive anchoring, which gives excellent paper bonding.

6. Adhesive Coat Weight

The amount of adhesive applied per unit area of a film, usually measured in grams per square metre (gsm). It directly influences adhesion value, so a higher coat weight generally gives stronger adhesion.

7. Adhesive Film

A film that provides reliable bonding between different materials. ECOBOND® bonds aluminium sheets to core materials in ACP, and ECOPRIME® bonds fabrics and foams under heat and pressure.

8. Adhesive Residue (Adhesive Transfer)

Adhesive or film material left behind on a surface after the protective film is removed. ECOPROTECT® films are designed for residue-free, tear-free removal.

9. Adhesive System

The type of adhesive used on a film: water acrylic, solvent acrylic, natural rubber or glueless co-ex. Ecoplast recommends it based on the surface, the number of operations and weather resistance.

10. Adhesiveless Protective Film

A glueless film (ECOCLEAN®) with no adhesive coating. Its adhesive layer is a tacky resin co-extruded with the other layers, so it becomes an inseparable part of the film and leaves no residue.

11. Air Ring

A blown film extrusion component that blows cool air around the film bubble as it leaves the die. It controls cooling and expansion, giving uniform thickness and good physical properties.

12. Aluminium Foil Laminate

A multilayer structure in which aluminium foil is bonded to films such as PET or PE. It acts as a moisture barrier, as in jelly-filled telecom cables using ECOPRIME® 108-A1.

13. Aluminium Profile Protection Film

A self-adhesive film that protects aluminium sections from scratches, swarf and damage during cutting, drilling and transport. ECOPROTECT® versions offer 3 to 12 months of UV protection and residue-free removal.

14. Anti-Block Additive

An additive mixed into the film resin to stop film layers from sticking to each other. It helps rolls unwind smoothly and handle easily.

15. Anti-Static Properties

The ability of a film to resist building up static charge. This helps with smooth high-speed lamination and reduces dust attraction and handling problems.

16. Auto Gauge Control

A system on the extrusion line that measures film thickness in real time and adjusts it automatically. It keeps thickness uniform and reduces waste.

17. Automotive Headliner

The fabric-covered inner roof lining of a vehicle. ECOPRIME® 101 adhesive film bonds fabrics, foams and fibres to it under heat and pressure.

18. Barrier Properties

A film’s ability to block the passage of moisture, oxygen, UV light and other contaminants. Good barrier properties protect product freshness and shelf life.

19. Black and White (B/W) Film

A two-tone protective film with a black layer underneath and white on top. The black layer gives a superior UV shield, while the white side reflects heat.

20. Blister Packaging

A pack with a thermoformed cavity that holds individual tablets or capsules, sealed with a backing foil. Triplex blisters use PVC, PE and PVDC layers for higher barrier protection.

21. Blocking

The unwanted sticking of film layers to each other, usually in rolls. It makes unwinding difficult and can damage the film, which is why anti-block properties matter.

22. Blow-Up Ratio (BUR)

The ratio of the final film bubble diameter to the die diameter in blown film extrusion. It affects film width, thickness and strength in both directions.

23. Blown Film Co-Extrusion

A process where several polymer layers are extruded together through a circular die and inflated into a bubble. Ecoplast uses 3-layer blown co-extrusion plants.

24. BOPP (Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene)

A polypropylene film stretched in both directions for high clarity, stiffness and strength. It is a common outer layer in laminates with ECOGEN™ sealant films.

25. Bubble (Film Bubble)

The inflated tube of molten film that rises from the die in blown film extrusion. It is cooled, flattened and wound into rolls.

26. C4 Grade LLDPE (Butene)

A linear low-density polyethylene made with butene as the co-monomer. It offers good sealing and strength for general packaging, as in ECOGEN™ 100-A.

27. C8 Grade LLDPE (Octene)

A linear low-density polyethylene made with octene as the co-monomer. It gives higher toughness and better seal performance than C4, as in ECOGEN™ 101-A.

28. Cable Wrapping Film

A PE or copolymer film laminated with aluminium foil or steel tape for wrapping cables. It gives a moisture barrier, bonds well with metals and seals well at low temperatures.

29. Cavity Forming

The shaping of pockets in a blister film during thermoforming. The intermediate PE layer in a triplex structure allows deeper cavities.

30. CI Flexo Printing

Flexographic printing on a central impression drum, where the film stays on one large drum for all colours. It gives accurate colour registration on flexible films.

31. Circular Economy

An approach that aims to eliminate waste by keeping materials and products in use for longer. Ecoplast supports it through recyclable PE and PCR films like ECOPRESERVE®.

32. Clear Transparent Film

A colourless film that lets you see the surface underneath. It allows fast visual inspection and shows off coloured and textured finishes.

33. Co-Extruded Film

A film made of two or more polymer layers extruded together into one structure. Each layer adds its own property, such as sealing, strength or adhesion.

34. Co-Extrusion

The process of extruding multiple polymers through a single die to form a layered film. It combines properties without needing separate lamination.

35. Coating Head

The part of a coating machine that applies adhesive or other coating evenly onto the film surface. It controls how uniform the coating is.

36. COF (Coefficient of Friction)

A measure of how easily a film surface slides against another surface. Swift-Guide™ films are designed with ideal COF for smooth movement on conveyors.

37. Cohesive Strength

The internal strength of an adhesive or film layer that keeps it from splitting within itself. High cohesive strength helps prevent residue on removal.

38. Cold Seal

A seal made using pressure-sensitive coatings without heat. It is used for heat-sensitive products.

39. Converting

The processing of rolls of film into final forms, such as slitting, printing, laminating or making pouches. It is the last stage of film manufacturing at Ecoplast.

40. Copolymer

A polymer made from two or more different monomers. ECOPRIME® 108 copolymer films are designed for excellent bonding with metals.

41. Corona Treatment

An electrical discharge treatment that raises a film’s surface energy. It improves ink, adhesive and lamination bonding, as on ECOPRIME® 113 for PVC.

42. Crystallinity

The degree to which polymer chains are arranged in an ordered structure. It affects film stiffness, clarity and sealing behaviour.

43. Custom Print

Printing of a customer’s brand, logo or instructions directly on the film. Ecoplast offers up to 3 colours with design assistance.

44. Dart Impact Strength

The resistance of a film to impact from a falling object, measured by a dart drop test. ECOPRIME® high dart films suit heavy 3 to 10 kg packs.

45. Deburring

The removal of sharp edges or burrs after cutting or machining profiles. Films must hold strong shear strength so they do not lift during this process.

46. Decorative Laminate Protection Film

A film that protects HPL, CPL, MDF and similar laminates from damage and contamination. ECOPROTECT® versions are heat, scratch and chemical resistant.

47. Defect Detection

The identification of flaws such as gels, streaks or print errors during production. Automated systems catch them at high press speeds.

48. Delamination

The separation of layers in a laminate. It happens when bond strength is too weak or the lamination was done poorly.

49. Die Gap

The opening between the die lips through which molten polymer exits in extrusion. It influences film thickness and quality.

50. Duplex Blister Structure

A blister laminate with two layers, usually PVC and PVDC, without an intermediate PE layer. It cannot form deep cavities, which a triplex structure can.

51. Dwell Time

The time a film stays in contact with heat or pressure during sealing or forming. ECOPRIME® 113 is designed to work across a wide range of dwell times.

52. Dyne Level

A measure of a film’s surface energy in dynes per centimetre. A higher level means better wetting and adhesion for inks, coatings and adhesives.

53. Easy-Peel Film

A sealant film that forms a secure seal yet opens with light, uniform force. It makes packs easy to open without tearing.

54. Easy-Peel Lidding Film

A sealant layer for lids on PE and PP containers that peels off cleanly without spills. ECOPRIME® 102-A1 is easy to use, even for the elderly.

55. Elongation at Break

The percentage a film can stretch before it breaks. ECOPROTECT® data sheets list it in MD and TD to show flexibility.

56. Emulsion (Water-Based) Adhesive

An adhesive made of polymer particles dispersed in water. It dries by water evaporation and is solvent-free, as in water acrylic ECOPROTECT® films.

57. EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility)

An Indian regulation making producers responsible for collecting and recycling their plastic packaging waste. It pushes brands toward recycled content and recyclable films.

58. EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate)

A flexible copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate with good adhesion and low-temperature sealing. ECOPRIME® 108-A2 is an EVA-based film for cable armouring.

59. Exposure Period (UV)

The length of time a film stays on a surface in sunlight without breaking down or leaving residue. ECOPROTECT® films offer 3, 6, 9 and 12 months.

60. Extrusion

A process where melted polymer is pushed through a die to form a continuous film. It is the first stage of Ecoplast’s film manufacturing.

61. Film Gauge (Thickness)

The thickness of a film, normally in microns. Gauge affects strength, barrier and cost, and ranges from 35 to 100 microns in ECOPROTECT®.

62. Fish Eyes

Small round defects in film caused by unmelted polymer or contamination. They affect clarity and appearance.

63. Flexible Packaging

Packaging made from flexible materials such as films, pouches and laminates. Ecoplast’s multilayer films serve this industry widely.

64. FMCG Packaging Film

Film used to pack fast-moving consumer goods like food, beverages, cosmetics and hygiene products. ECOGEN™ films serve this as the heat seal layer.

65. Food Safety Management System (FSMS)

A system of controls that keeps food-contact products safe from contamination. Ecoplast lists food safety management among its certifications.

66. FR / Non-FR ACP

Fire-retardant (FR) and non-fire-retardant aluminium composite panels, which use different core materials. ECOBOND® adhesive films are tailored for both.

67. Frost Line

The point on the film bubble where molten film turns solid. Its height influences film clarity, strength and thickness.

68. Gauge Variation

The difference in thickness across a film’s width or length. Low variation means better consistency in lamination, printing and use.

69. Glass Protection Film

A self-adhesive film that protects glass from paint, dust and damage during construction. It peels off without residue and resists weather for up to 3 to 12 months.

70. Gloss

The shine of a film surface, measured by how much light it reflects. High gloss gives a premium look, as in ECOPRIME® high clarity films.

71. Glueless Co-Ex Film

A protective film where a tacky resin layer is co-extruded into the film instead of coating adhesive. ECOCLEAN® leaves no residue.

72. Gravimetric Dosing System

A feeder that weighs raw materials and mixes them accurately by weight. It ensures a precise, consistent film formulation.

73. Haze

The cloudy or milky look in a transparent film caused by light scattering. Lower haze means higher clarity.

74. Heat Seal Layer

The innermost layer of a laminate that touches the product and seals under heat. ECOGEN™ PE films form this layer.

75. Heat Seal Strength

The force needed to pull apart a heat-sealed joint. It shows how secure a pack seal is.

76. High-Speed Lamination

Bonding films together at fast line speeds without losing quality. ECOGEN™ films are adapted for it, with good adhesive anchoring.

77. Hot Tack

The strength of a heat seal immediately after sealing, while still hot. It matters for packs filled soon after sealing on fast lines.

78. Hot-Melt / Thermal-Activated Adhesive Film

An adhesive film that becomes sticky when heated and bonds materials under pressure. ECOPRIME® uses it to bond foam, fabric and fibre.

79. IBC (Internal Bubble Cooling)

A system that cools the film bubble from the inside as well as outside. It improves film quality, uniform thickness and output.

80. ISO 14001 (Environmental Management System)

An international standard for managing a company’s environmental impact. It shows commitment to environmental responsibility.

81. ISO 9001 (Quality Management System)

An international standard for quality management. Ecoplast is ISO 9001:2015 certified, covering consistent processes and quality control.

82. Kinetic COF

The friction between two surfaces while they are sliding against each other. It shows how smoothly a film moves on machines and conveyors.

83. Laminate

A material made by bonding two or more layers together. Each layer brings a property such as barrier, strength or sealability.

84. Lamination

The process of bonding layers of film, foil or paper together using adhesive or heat. It builds multilayer structures for packaging.

85. Lamination Film

A PE film used as the sealant layer in a laminate with substrates like PET, BOPP, foil or paper. ECOGEN™ is Ecoplast’s range.

86. Lay-Flat Pouch

A flat pouch without a gusset that is sealed on its edges. ECOPRESERVE® PCR film can be developed into this format.

87. LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)

A flexible, soft polyethylene with good clarity and sealing. It is widely used in surface protection films for carpets and ducts.

88. Lidding Film

A film heat-sealed on top of a container as a lid. ECOPRIME® lidding films use an easy-peel sealant layer.

89. LLDPE (Linear Low-Density Polyethylene)

A polyethylene with higher strength and puncture resistance than LDPE. It is widely used in lamination and sealant films.

90. Low Tack / High Tack

The initial stickiness of an adhesive. Low tack suits sensitive surfaces, while high tack suits textured or rough ones, as in the ECOPROTECT® ACP range (LT, HT, SHT).

91. Machinability

How well a film runs on packaging or processing machines. Good machinability means smooth, consistent performance with less downtime.

92. Machine Direction (MD) / Transverse Direction (TD)

MD is the direction the film travels through the machine, and TD is across its width. Strength and elongation are tested in both.

93. Masking Film

A temporary film that covers surfaces during painting, coating or construction. It is removed afterward to leave the surface clean.

94. Melt Flow Index (MFI)

A measure of how easily melted plastic flows under set conditions. It guides resin choice and processing behaviour.

95. Metallocene PE (mPE)

A polyethylene made with metallocene catalysts for uniform structure. It gives better sealing, clarity and strength, as in ECOGEN™ 102-A and 103-A.

96. Micron

A unit of length equal to one-thousandth of a millimetre. It is used to express film thickness.

97. Mono-Material Packaging

Packaging made from a single polymer type, such as all-PE. It is easier to recycle than mixed-material packs.

98. Multilayer Film

A film made of several layers, each with a different function. Ecoplast designs multilayer structures for specific application needs.

99. MVTR (Moisture Vapour Transmission Rate)

The amount of moisture that passes through a film over time. A lower MVTR means a better moisture barrier.

100. Non-Slip PE Film

A PE film with a natural non-slip surface that helps with even coating and handling. ECOPRIME® 113 is one for triplex blister packaging.

101. Optical Properties

The visual qualities of a film, such as clarity, gloss and haze. They decide how clearly the product shows through.

102. Orientation

The alignment of polymer chains from stretching a film. It changes strength, stiffness and clarity.

103. OTR (Oxygen Transmission Rate)

The amount of oxygen passing through a film over time. A lower OTR protects products from oxidation and spoilage.

104. PC / PMMA / PS (Plastic Sheets)

Polycarbonate, acrylic and polystyrene sheets used in signs, displays and electronics. ECOCLEAN® glueless films protect them.

105. PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled) Material

Plastic reprocessed from household or commercial waste. ECOPRESERVE® 100-A1 contains 20% to 40% of it.

106. Peel Adhesion (Peel Strength)

The force needed to peel a film off a surface. ECOPROTECT® lists it as adhesion value in gms/25mm.

107. Perforation

Small holes or tear lines made in a film. They allow easy tearing or breathability.

108. PET (Polyester) Film

A strong, clear, heat-resistant film used as an outer layer in laminates. It is paired with sealant films like ECOGEN™.

109. Polyethylene (PE)

A widely used plastic known for flexibility, toughness and moisture resistance. It is Ecoplast’s core film material.

110. Polyolefin

A family of plastics made from olefins, including polyethylene and polypropylene. Ecoplast specialises in multilayer polyolefin films.

111. Polypropylene (PP)

A plastic with good stiffness, heat resistance and clarity. It is used in packaging, containers and lidding.

112. Pre-Coated Metal

Metal sheets or coils factory-coated with paint or film before fabrication. ECOPROTECT® films protect their finish during processing and transit.

113. Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive (PSA)

An adhesive that sticks with light pressure and needs no heat or solvent. Self-adhesive protection films use it.

114. PSTC Test Method

A standard test method from the Pressure Sensitive Tape Council for measuring properties like peel adhesion. It allows consistent comparison of adhesive tapes and films.

115. Puncture Resistance

A film’s ability to resist being pierced by sharp objects. Crisp-Cut™ films are designed for ideal puncture resistance.

116. Push-Through Pack (PTP)

A blister pack where the tablet is pushed through the backing foil. ECOPRIME® 113 gives the flawless push-through effect.

117. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

A rigid plastic used as the base layer in blister packs. It is thermoformed to hold tablets and laminated with PE and PVDC.

118. PVDC (Polyvinylidene Chloride)

A coating with very high barrier against moisture and oxygen. It is used on PVC in blister packs.

119. Quality Management System (QMS)

A set of processes and controls that ensure consistent product quality. Ecoplast’s QMS is ISO 9001:2015 certified.

120. Recyclability

How easily a product can be collected and reprocessed into new material. ECOPRESERVE® uses recyclable polyethylene.

121. Release Coat

A coating on a film or liner that lets adhesive peel off easily. Silicone is the most common.

122. Release Film

A film that protects an adhesive surface and peels off cleanly before use. ECOPRIME® HD release film is used on band-aids and plasters without stretching or tearing them.

123. Release Liner

A backing layer that covers an adhesive until it is applied. It releases easily without damaging the adhesive.

124. Rewinding

Re-rolling film from one roll onto another in the required width or length. It is done during converting.

125. Roll Forming

A continuous process that shapes metal strips into profiles through sets of rollers. Protective films must stay in place through this.

126. Rollstock

Packaging film supplied in rolls for form-fill-seal machines. ECOPRESERVE® PCR film can be developed into it.

127. Rotogravure Printing

A high-quality printing method using engraved cylinders to transfer ink. It gives sharp, consistent results on long runs.

128. Rubber-Based Adhesive

An adhesive made from natural or synthetic rubber, with high tack and strong initial hold. ECOPROTECT® uses natural rubber for textured and demanding surfaces.

129. Runnability

How smoothly a film runs through machines without breaks, wrinkles or jams. ECOGEN™ features it for minimal downtime.

130. Sandwich Printing

Printing between two film layers, so ink is sealed inside. It protects print from scratching and wear.

131. Seal Initiation Temperature (SIT)

The lowest temperature at which a film begins to form a seal. A low SIT allows faster pouching and saves energy.

132. Shelf Life

The period a film or product stays usable under proper storage. It depends on conditions such as temperature and humidity.

133. Silicone Coating

A thin silicone layer that gives a non-stick release surface. It is used on liners and release films.

134. Slip Agent

An additive that lowers surface friction so film slides easily. It improves handling on packaging machines.

135. Slitting

Cutting wide film rolls into narrower rolls of the required width. It is a key converting step.

136. Solvent-Based Adhesive

An adhesive dissolved in solvent that dries as the solvent evaporates. ECOPROTECT® uses solvent acrylic for carpet films.

137. Solvent-Based Lamination

Bonding layers using a solvent-borne adhesive that is dried before joining. It is a common method for flexible packaging laminates.

138. Solventless Lamination

Bonding layers with a solvent-free adhesive that is cured after joining. It is faster and has no solvent residue.

139. Stainless Steel Protection Film

A film that protects stainless steel from scratches and contamination during production and installation. It suits mill, polished, brushed and mirror finishes.

140. Stand-Up Pouch

A flexible pouch with a bottom gusset that lets it stand upright on shelves. ECOPRESERVE® PCR film can be developed into this format.

141. Substrate

The base material a film is applied or laminated to, such as PET, foil, paper or metal. It decides the choice of film and adhesive.

142. Surface Energy

A measure of how well a surface lets liquids, inks or adhesives spread and stick. High surface energy means better bonding.

143. Surface Printing

Printing on the outer surface of a film. Print-Armour™ gives it high scuff resistance.

144. Surface Protection Film (SPF)

A temporary film that guards surfaces from scratches and contamination during production, storage, transit and installation. ECOPROTECT® is Ecoplast’s SPF range.

145. Sustainable PE Film

A polyethylene film designed to reduce environmental impact while keeping strength and performance. ECOPRESERVE® uses recyclable PE and PCR content.

146. Tack

The initial stickiness of an adhesive on light contact. It decides how quickly the film grips a surface.

147. Tacky Resin

A sticky resin co-extruded into ECOCLEAN® films, replacing coated adhesive. It becomes an inseparable part of the film.

148. Tear Strength (Elmendorf)

The force needed to continue a tear in a film, measured by the Elmendorf method. It shows how well a film resists tearing.

149. Tensile Strength

The maximum pulling force a film can take before breaking. ECOPROTECT® data sheets list it in MD and TD.

150. Thermoforming

Heating a plastic film and shaping it into a form using a mould. It is used to make blister cavities.

151. Trap Printing

A printing option where ink is trapped between the film layers. It protects the print from abrasion.

152. Triplex Blister Laminate

A blister structure of PVC, PE and PVDC layers. The PE layer allows deeper cavities and high barrier protection.

153. Unwinding

Pulling film off a roll during processing or application. ECOPROTECT® films unwind easily, uniformly and quietly.

154. uPVC Profile Protection Film

A film that protects uPVC door and window profiles from damage during production, assembly, storage and installation. It is available for white, foil-laminated and lacquer-finished profiles.

155. UV Stability (UV-Stabilised Film)

A film’s ability to resist breakdown from sunlight. Glow-Guard™ films block UV so surfaces stay safe outdoors for up to 12 months.

156. Virgin Resin

New plastic resin that has not been recycled or used before. It gives consistent quality and is used in food and pharma films.

157. Water-Based Adhesive

An adhesive that uses water as its carrier instead of solvent. ECOPROTECT® uses water acrylic on most surfaces.

158. Weather Resistance

A film’s ability to withstand sun, rain, heat and humidity. Ecoplast tests it in its weatherometer.

159. White Opaque Film

A white, non-transparent protective film that reflects light and heat. It avoids black residue risk during welding and deburring.

160. Wide-Width Film

Film made in large widths so fewer joins or rolls are needed. It suits large surfaces and high-volume converting.

161. Zero-Residue Removal

Peeling off a film without leaving adhesive or film material behind. It keeps the surface clean and ready for use.

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