Film & Foil Choosing the right film I
n today’s fast-moving packaging landscape, the choice of materials is more critical than ever. Enhanced shelf-life demands, sustainability pressures and faster machine speeds combine to create a challenging environment for converters, laminators and brand owners alike and selecting the right material can determine machine efficiency, shelf life, cost-effectiveness and sustainability. Before choosing a substrate, you must clearly define what the packaging must achieve. For example: • Does the film need a high barrier to oxygen, moisture or aroma?
• Is clarity or the material finish critical (for shelf-appeal or display packs)?
• Will the substrate be printed, laminated, metallised or sealed in a particular way?
• What speeds and sealing conditions will the converting equipment run at?
At Multiplastics we supply a wide range of films, foils and sustainable solutions: Polyester (PET), polypropylene (BOPP), polystyrene (OPS), high-barrier laminates, even paper and plastic-free alternatives, and
the right choice depends on matching your functional demands to the substrate’s properties.
Even the most technologically advanced film can underperform if it isn’t matched to the converter’s equipment. Factors to check include: • Sealing temperature, dwell time and whether the material is weld-seal or peelable
• Proper tension, web-handling and guiding - poor web control can cause wrinkles, edge defects or inconsistencies in the material thickness
• Printability and finish - some films may require more stringent handling to avoid surface defects
Our advice is to look at every aspect and never overlook any area, ask for technical
support and sample testing under the actual machine conditions you will use. Some substrates need very precise tension, but we are always happy to support our customers with trials, in most situations it is better to be present when trials are run so you can see any problems first hand. It’s always tempting to choose the lowest-cost, but we’ve seen many cases where a lower cost film leads to hidden costs further down the line. Downtime, higher wastage due to defects or bad winding and even delamination. Let alone the cost of product, shelf life or freshness leading to waste or returns. Sustainability has moved from the ‘nice-to-have’ to a core requirement. The flexible packaging industry is evolving fast: mono-material solutions, recyclable films, compostable and plastic-free substrates are all now part of the conversation. When specifying materials for your next job, ask: • Is the film recyclable (and is the supply chain able to process it)?
• Are you using PCR (post-consumer recycled) content?
• Does the structure avoid unnecessary multilayer combinations that hinder recycling?
• Are you in a regulated market (UK/EU) and aware of upcoming rules such as the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)?
The only constant in our industry right now is… change. Raw material costs, regulations, consumer expectations and recycling infrastructure are shifting rapidly. We’ve spent decades working across bakery, confectionery, envelopes, food, label and pet-food markets. We believe the best packaging outcome is born when you view substrate specifications not as a commodity purchase, but as a strategic design decision - one that can differentiate your pack, improve performance, reduce cost and support sustainability goals. If you are specifying films or foils for a new project, we’d welcome the opportunity to help you explore the options. We’ll work with you on performance, converting compatibility, cost/benefit and sustainability – so that the film or foil you select is the right one for today and the future.
14
Dec 2025/Jan 2026
www.convertermag.com
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