PVC, PE, and PVDC cling films are the most common cling films in daily life. In our daily business activities, cling film, as a fundamental and important kitchen item, plays a crucial role. Have you ever considered that the seemingly simple cling film actually encompasses a wealth of product knowledge and market potential?
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Today, I will share insights about the different materials, safety standards, and market trends of cling film. Understanding its material properties and safety is crucial when selecting imported cling film. This is related to our brand reputation and the health and satisfaction of consumers.
Through an in-depth analysis of various types of cling film in the market, we can better meet consumer needs and grasp market development trends. Next, I will detail the characteristics, advantages, and market potential of three common types of cling film. This will aid us in making wise purchasing decisions and enhancing business value.
Cling films on the market are primarily categorized into three types: Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) film, Polyethylene (PE) film, and Polyvinylidene Chloride (PVDC) film.
PVC cling film was widely used in the past due to its low cost and high transparency. However, its production involves a substantial amount of plasticizers, which can migrate during food packaging, especially when heated or in contact with oil, potentially contaminating food and harming health. Currently, PVC cling film has been largely discontinued in supermarkets but is still occasionally seen in small vegetable markets and fruit shops.
Currently, PE cling film dominates the market, with most cooked foods, fruits, vegetables, and other semi-finished products in supermarkets packaged using PE film. PE cling film is considered safe, reasonably priced, and possesses good barrier properties, effectively enhancing product preservation. Although PE cling film can be used for microwave heating, the PE material may melt at temperatures above 110 ℃.
PVDC cling film is currently considered a higher-quality option. It is characterized by high transparency, good gloss, self-adhesiveness, and excellent moisture and vapor barrier properties, enabling longer food preservation. Its raw materials are relatively safer compared to PVC and PE. With technological advancements, the cost of PVDC film has significantly reduced, although it remains higher than PE and PVC.
Simple testing methods to distinguish Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Polyethylene (PE), and Polyvinylidene Chloride (PVDC) cling films, including tactile tests, transparency tests, and combustion tests:
Touch: Use fingers to feel the thickness and toughness of the cling film. PVC films are usually thinner and tougher, PE films are relatively thicker and softer, and PVDC films are sturdy and thick.
Stretch Test: Gently stretch the cling film and observe its elasticity. PE films exhibit good stretchability, while PVC and PVDC films are less stretchable.
Visual Observation: Check the transparency and gloss of the cling film under light. PVC films are transparent with good gloss, PE films have average transparency and gloss, while PVDC films are highly transparent with excellent gloss.
Choosing the right cling film involves balancing safety, practicality, and environmental considerations. While PVC and PVDC offer certain advantages in food preservation, their health and environmental drawbacks cannot be overlooked. PE cling film emerges as a safer and more eco-conscious choice, but the quest for sustainability doesn’t stop there. Exploring alternative food storage solutions can further reduce our ecological footprint, leading to healthier lives and a healthier planet.
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.
There are two main types of stretch film, depending on the extrusion technique used.
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Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Applications:
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:
Applications:
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:
Bubble wrap
Bubble wrap ranges in price from 3 euros to 100 euros for a roll approximately 1 meter long.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Vci Bags Wholesale. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.