According to a report from the Flexible Packaging Association (FPA), 75 percent of survey respondents say they expect to increase their use of heat seal adhesive technology in coming years compared to their usage. Additionally, heat seal adhesives overall ranked as the third highest growth coating segment, which the FPA stated is a sign they will continue to be used more across applications.
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Therefore, as a brand owner, it’s important to consider why converters are utilizing heat seal adhesive technology so frequently and how choosing packaging made with this technology can help you accomplish three key sustainable packaging goals.
Heat seal adhesive technology is an adhesive bonding process that uses heat to seal a variety of substrates together. These substrates include PET, PE, PP, PVC, PS, foil and paper. It can be customized for peelable or lock seals for lidding (tray and cup) as well as for labels, making it usable for a range of food, medical and industrial applications. Some key benefits of heat seal technology include:
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Processing versatility: Heat seal adhesives can be coated or extruded, which expands the converting options and simplifies the steps to creating your end-use package. For example, a converter can purchase a film with heat seal coating extruded by the film suppliers or custom formulate with a heat seal coating to better control the peel force via coat weight and application pattern. Having multiple sourcing options helps ensure supply security to you with the end-use package structure.
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Wide application use: Because heat seals are compatible with many substrates, you can use this packaging format for different end-use applications. Some applications already utilizing heat seal technology include dairy, produce, dual ovenable, shrink sleeve, microwave, condiment, blister and sterilization applications. Along with being able to expand the types of products you’re able to package with just one format, rest assured that your package will have been made in an energy efficient way, and your converter can reduce SKU complexity by relying on one heat seal technology for multiple package structures.
Sustainability Goal #3: Recyclable Compatibilities
Heat seal technology enables the end user to cleanly peel the lidding away from a tray or cup, allowing the tray or cup to be recycled without adhesive contamination. Heat seals are capable of this by adhering better to the film than the rigid plastic to prevent cohesive failure when peeling off the lid. This is why it’s also encouraged for converters to consider using heat seal technology with paper or CPET trays and single-ply lidding to enhance recyclability.
With a portfolio of both coating and extrudable solutions, Bostik can easily help reach your sustainable packaging goals with heat seal technology for your desired packaging format. Our solutions are compatible with recyclable substrates such as PET, APET, CPET, PETG, PVC, PS, PP paper and foils, offering dual functionality to ensure your packaging provides the right performance levels.
Aquagrip® and Pureseal® are water-based coatings suitable for high-temperature food and medical applications and shrink labels, with the ability to withstand microwaving, ethylene oxide (ETO), steam sterilization.
Vitel® solutions include both solvent based coatings and extrudable options for food and medical lidding applications. Our patented polyester resin technology also allows for dual ovenable capabilities.
Are you interested in learning how heat seal technology can help address sustainable goals specific to your packaging needs? Contact a Bostik expert to learn how we can help your brand improve its overall sustainability.
*based on internal testing
Other Relevant Content:
On-Demand Webinar: Heat Seal Benefits Unveiled: Markets, Benefits and Applications
On-Demand Webinar CoPET Heat Seal Coatings for Sustainable Packaging Design
On-Demand Education Series: Heat Seal Solutions with Bostik Vitels®
Lower Costs with a Smart Heat Seal Coating
Here are the main criteria to consider and questions to ask when selecting plastic film for industrial packaging:
The type of load:
What type of product are you wrapping? Is it a dry or wet product? What’s its size and weight? Select film thickness, width, and length according to the size and weight of your products. Also, take into account how smooth they are and possible sharp corners that could tear the film.
The type of plastic:
This depends on the nature of the product to be packed. Commonly used plastics include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Each has different properties in terms of strength, transparency, and flexibility.
Desired function:
What will your film be used for? Packaging, protection, heat retention, sealing, etc.?
Some films have specific properties that make them resistant to chemicals, UV, or heat. Others are more transparent. Some also have electrical conductivity properties.
Duration of use:
How long do you expect your film to last, whether in transit or in long-term storage?
Respect for the environment:
More and more plastic films are recyclable or biodegradable. Naturally, we advise you to opt for this type of product for obvious environmental reasons.
In industrial applications, several types of plastic film are used, depending on their specific properties and applications. Here are some of the types of plastic film commonly used:
Stretch film
Stretch film is a versatile material, often made from extruded polyethylene in one or more layers, depending on its intended use. It is known for its flexibility as it can stretch from 125% to 500% of its original length.
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There are two main types of stretch film, depending on the extrusion technique used.
- Cast
- This film is suitable for standard, even heavy loads with low-profile angles.
- It offers good adhesion, high lengthwise strength, high transparency, and silent unwinding, and is generally compatible with automatic wrapping machines.
- Blown
- This film is suitable for heavy, angular, and uneven loads.
- It offers very good adhesion, high strength in length and width, limited transparency, the ability to withstand low temperatures, and enhanced durability.
Advantages:
- Strong, puncture- and tear-resistant
- It adheres without sticking to the load.
Disadvantages:
- To effectively secure a load, the stretch film must be carefully stretched, which can make the packaging process more complex.
- However, some stretch film can be pre-stretched before use to simplify the packaging process.
Applications:
- Stretch film is used to wrap and secure pallets of products in the logistics industry.
- It is also commonly used for packaging fresh produce and foodstuffs.
Plastic film is a versatile product whose properties are largely influenced by the plastic of which it is made. Here are the main plastics used in the manufacture of plastic film:
Polyethylene (PE)
It is one of the most commonly used plastics in industry. It can be produced in single-layer or coextruded versions to meet a variety of needs. It shrinks at temperatures of around 150°C.
There are two types of PE: low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). PE film is generally 40 to 50 micrometers thick, but thinner versions are available, notably LDPE, which also has non-stick and anti-slip properties.
Advantages:
- PE film is renowned for its moisture resistance.
- It is flexible.
- It is transparent.
- It is the most economical.
Applications:
- Food packaging
- Bulk packaging
- Beverage can packs
- Packaging for furniture, household appliances, etc.
The color of the plastic film is an essential aspect of the packaging. Each color has its own specific use. The color you choose will depend on the company’s needs, the type of products packed, and the environments in which these products are stored or transported.
Transparent film
This is particularly useful for identifying packaged products. In a warehousing or production environment, transparency means you can quickly see which products are contained on pallets without having to remove the film. This improves efficiency and inventory management.
Black film
This provides effective protection against light. It is therefore used to protect light-sensitive products (photosensitive materials, chemicals). In addition, black plastic film offers a degree of privacy, as it conceals the pallet’s contents.
White film
This is similar to black film in terms of light protection. It has the added advantage of effectively protecting products from UV rays. This feature is important for products that could be damaged by prolonged exposure to the sun.
Translucent blue film
This film is commonly used in food packaging. The color blue is often associated with freshness and food safety, making it a popular choice for products intended for human consumption.
Other plastic film colors can be used to help identify products in a storage environment, allowing them to be distinguished at a glance and saving time during order picking. Red, for example, is one of these colors.
Cost can vary considerably depending on film type, thickness, and material. Here are some price estimates for the three main types of film:
Stretch film
Stretch film prices can range from 3 euros to over 100 euros per roll.
For film that is applied manually, prices range from 3 euros to over 50 euros, depending on the size of the roll. Less expensive film is generally suitable for light loads, while more expensive film is suitable for heavier loads or specific uses.
If you wish to apply your film with a wrapping machine, prices range from 30 euros to over 90 euros per roll.
Shrink film
Shrink film is available at prices ranging from 20 euros to over 400 euros per roll.
The price difference depends mainly on the width of the roll (prices increase with width) and the thickness of the film.
Examples:
- Very fine POF (10-15 microns) are more expensive, from 160 euros to 300 euros.
- PE film (40-50 microns) ranges in price from 60 euros to over 120 euros.
- PVC film (20-30 microns) ranges from 50 euros to over 100 euros.
Bubble wrap
Bubble wrap ranges in price from 3 euros to 100 euros for a roll approximately 1 meter long.
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- Standard bubble wrap costs between 3 euros and 20 euros.
- Antistatic bubble wrap costs between 5 euros and 30 euros.
- Anti-corrosion bubble wrap is available from between 10 euros to 50 euros.
- Isothermal bubble wrap ranges in price from 20 euros to 80 euros.
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