PE-Based Multilayer Film

Flexible packaging is used to deliver a product from the manufacturer or distributor to the retailer or ultimate consumer and protect that product during shipping, display, and storage. Multilayer flexible packaging is the combining of two or more layers into a composite web or tube that provides functional, protective, or decorative properties. The introduction of new polymers, the development of new processing equipment technology, and the emergence of new packaging applications have resulted in good growth rates in coextruded and laminated structures. Whatever the application or use, polymer materials are selected and the entire packaging structure is designed to meet the performance requirements specific to that particular application. These could include one or more of the following:

• specific performance properties,

• reduced cost, 

• reduced number of processes.

The requirement for specific performance properties sometimes cannot be met by one polymer or even with polymer blends extruded in a monolayer film. Blending may not be desirable if the polymers are incompatible. Coextrusion with a high-strength or high-barrier polymer can allow significant down gauging while maintaining or improving key properties. Heat-seal polymers can be incorporated into a film structure to improve packaging line efficiency or speed.