Are you entering the world of product packaging? If so, there are many items to consider and educate yourself on. One of the essential things to consider during this time is choosing the right type of packaging materials.
When you are looking to package a product, you need to decide which type of material you want to use. But, what material should you choose? Plastic, metal, cardboard, paperboard, foil, shrink film, bio-plastics, boxes, clamshells, or something else?
Once you have explored your options, you can choose the best material(s) for your packaging needs. But, you need to understand which supplies are appropriate for your applications.
Corrugated Boxes
Corrugated boxes are a staple of the packaging industry. For generations, corrugated boxes have been a go-to packaging material. They are used for packaging tons of products on packaging lines worldwide.
Corrugated boxes are often purchased preformed into a traditional rectangular box shape. Then again, they may arrive in flat stacks, in which case, the boxes must be put together by hand.
Stretch Film
Stretch film is one of the most common packaging materials in the world. Companies that have a shipping department are almost always using stretch film. They use it to contain their products on pallets before shipping.
This is done to protect products from collapse or damage during the shipping process. Stretch film achieves this goal with what is called “load containment.”
Shrink Film
Shrink film is used on millions of packaging lines in companies all over the world. It is one of the most popular types of packaging materials currently on the market. It is used to package a mind-boggling array of products.
There are different types of shrink film formulations. The most common formulations are polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), and polyolefin (POF). Each formulation is designed for specific applications. For example, polyolefin is the best shrink film to wrap food with.