Cellophane Wrapping Services Key Terms

When packaging with cellophane, look for the real deal

By Suzanne J. Cone

Cellophane is a shiny wrapping material used in many food packages, but you might not realize that real cellophane is made of organic material, not plastic. Its cousin, shrink wrap is the plastic variety. Cellophane's low permeability to contaminants and its natural origins make it appealing for a variety of businesses.
However, some businesses (especially smaller ones) often don't have the capability to do their own cellophane wrapping of products. That's where companies that offer cellophane wrapping services and other packaging assistance can help.

Cellophane paper/film

Tasteless, biodegradable and non-toxic, cellophane wrapping paper (sometimes called cellophane film) is often used for wrapping food or other items where minimal environmental impact is a priority. True cellophane is made of cotton or other natural fibers, but some people use this term for the polypropylene material that closely resembles it.
Try: Paper Mart offers both natural, biodegradable cellophane and its plastic counterpart, but this retailer recommends real cellophane both for its ability to keep food fresh as well as its better look and crinkle.

Gauge

When applied to cellophane, the word gauge refers to the thickness of the film or paper. Heavy gauge cellophane (for example #140 ga), available from wholesalers, is thicker and more durable than the light gauge (such as #195 ga), usually sold in retail stores.
Try: GiftBasketBusiness.com offers tips on choosing and using cellophane for gift baskets and other products. (Scroll to the bottom of the page to see an explanation of cellophane gauges.)

Skin packaging

Skin packaging combines transparent cellophane overwrap with a card backing that can be hung for display. Skin packaging offers a lighter-weight, lower-cost alternative to plastic blister packaging while retaining much of the blister pack's damage resistance.
Try: You can find several photo examples of skin packages on the Assemblies Unlimited website, along with a list of other factors to consider when ordering this type of cellophane packaging.

Shrink wrap

For packages of odd shapes and sizes, or for multiple items that must be packaged together, shrink wrap may be the best option. A shrink wrap machine covers each item or group of items with shrink film that (when shrunk) tightly conforms to the object's shape.
Try: L & L Services offers shrink wrap along with many other cellophane wrapping services. A photo on its website gives an example of non-standard items that it can shrink wrap together.

Pouching

From snacks to juices, "pouching" is a popular option for many food products. A wrapping machine places a specified amount of the product into a cellophane pouch, which may have three or four sides, a zipper top or other configuration.
Try: The contract packaging services page of the Aaron Thomas Company website explains the differences between pouching and other types of cellophane wrapping.

Cello bags

Bags made of cellophane (for instance, to hold candy or other small items) are similar to pouches but aren't usually closed at the top. Some stand up, some lie flat and others are cone-shaped. A wrapping service can often print your company's logo or other design on each bag for a designer look.
Try: You can compare many types of cello bags on the wholesale cello bag page of the Box and Wrap website.