Barrier films are essential elements in the packaging business because they shield a package’s contents from impurities, moisture, and other external variables that could degrade their quality and shorten their shelf lives. The purpose of barrier film is to act as a barrier against gases, water vapor, and other elements that could harm the packaged good. In the food and medical industries, where the goods’ safety and hygienic conditions are of paramount importance, barrier films are frequently used. The benefits of barrier films, their varieties, and their applications in many industries will all be covered in this article.
What is Barrier Film?
Barrier film, also known as laminating film, is a type of plastic film that is specially designed to provide a barrier against gases, water vapor, and other substances that may damage the packaged product There are various layers throughout the film, and each has its own characteristics and purposes. Polymers like polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyester are frequently used as the building blocks for the layers, which are then laminated to create a single sheet.
The kind and thickness of the layers utilized affect the barrier qualities of the film. For instance, films with high oxygen barriers are made up of layers that stop oxygen from passing through the film, whereas films with high water vapor barriers are composed of layers that are impermeable to moisture.
Benefits of Barrier Film
- Protection from Oxygen and Moisture: Barrier films provide great protection against oxygen and moisture, two of the most important elements that can reduce the quality of food. Food can become spoiled by oxidation and dampness can encourage the development of germs and mould. By creating a barrier that keeps oxygen and moisture out of the container, barrier films help keep products fresher for longer.
- Increased Shelf Life: Barrier films are used in packaging to protect products from outside influences, extending the shelf life of the products. For instance, when wrapped using barrier films, a product that would ordinarily have a shelf life of a few days may stay fresh for weeks or even months.
- Better Product Presentation: Barrier films are the perfect packaging material for products that need appealing labelling and packaging since they have a great surface for printing. Barrier films’ glossy, smooth surface makes it possible to print with excellent detail and use brilliant colours. For products whose ability to draw buyers in depends on the way they look, this feature is especially crucial.
- Cost-Effective: Barrier films, despite their many advantages, are affordable and simple to create, making them a great choice for companies trying to cut expenses without sacrificing quality. By increasing the shelf life of items and reducing rotting, the usage of barrier films may also help in the reduction of food waste.
Conclusion
Barrier films are a crucial part of today’s packaging because they shield products from external factors that could harm their quality and shorten their shelf lives. Increased product shelf life, oxygen and moisture protection, improved product presentation, and cost-effectiveness are the many benefits of barrier films. Businesses may select the ideal barrier film for their products depending on the necessary level of protection and the unique packaging requirements thanks to the variety of barrier films that are available.
