Laminadet packaging for food: know the types and its applications

Perfect for storing numerous types of products, laminated packaging is an excellent indication of material to preserve the packaged content, extend its shelf life and also offer a package with an attractive design for the consumer.  

To ensure its protective benefits, this packaging format undergoes a lamination process that creates internal layers of insulation. 

It is these layers that will protect the product when packaged; this protective shield makes laminated packaging one of the best options for packaging food for human or animal consumption. 

The benefits of laminated food packaging 

Laminated (also called flexible) packaging has four main functions: 

• Improve material strength, making it more resistant to tearing and other damage.
• Protect the product during the packaging, distribution and storage processes.
• Protect the product from external deterioration agents (light, humidity, gas).
• Avoid loss of product qualities, such as freshness and aroma.

To learn more about the benefits of laminated food packaging, visit our exclusive blog article on the topic.  

Next, see what are the laminate options and for which products they are indicated. 

Types of laminates for flexible packaging

The three most common types of materials used in the packaging lamination step are BOPP, PET and nylon). The difference between them is in the applications, in the price and in the finish.

BOPP lamination film – biaxially oriented polypropylene  

In BOPP lamination packages, the base material is biaxially oriented polypropylene.  

Lamination is accomplished by extrusion, coating an adhesive onto the film and wet or dry bonding to the substrate. The film has the properties of a BOPP film on the wide side and an adhesive on the other.  

BOPP films are available in a variety of shades and finishes such as matte, silky satin and high gloss, contributing to the look and feel of the finished product and creating an excellent moisture barrier and chemical resistance.  

What can you pack in the BOPP type: snacks, chips and cookies. 

Polypropylene (PP) laminating film

Polypropylene (PP) laminating films provide a clear, glossy finish.  

The combination of good performance and low price makes laminated polypropylene films ideal for various applications, especially where food aroma needs to be preserved.  

What you can pack in PP type: instant noodles, tagliatelle, spaghetti, cake mix, bread, peanuts and cookies. 

PET laminated film  

Another common laminating film is PET laminating film which is generally used for double-sided printing. 

PET films are available in matte and glossy finishes. They are used, for example, for menu cards and ID cards with magnetic stripes. 

What can you pack in the PET type: coffee, powdered milk and chocolate drinks. 

Automate the packaging step with Indumak 

Agility, economy, hygiene and waste reduction are some of the benefits that investing in Indumak’s automated solutions guarantees for the packaging process of your products. 

Visit our products page to discover all the lines of packaging machines, balers, baggers, palletizing systems and other accessories that promote maximum efficiency in this manufacturing stage.  

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