Plastic Film Key Terms

Understand the basic vocabulary for plastic film products

By Howard Robertson

A plastic film refers to a plastic sheet, which has a thickness of less than 10 mm. You can make plastic films from polyethylene or other resins of various densities. Plastic film products have applications in the packaging industry. Plastic films are available in a wide array, depending on the product to be packed.

For buying plastic film products, you must be conversant with technical terms related to plastic film products. This guide aims to acquaint you with plastic film related terminology, such as LDPE films, HDPE films, polyester films and PCV films.

LDPE/LLDPE films

LDPE (Low Density PolyEthylene) or LLDPE (Linear Low Density PolyEthylene) plastic films have high clarity and flexibility. These films also have high moisture and gas bearing capacity. These films are useful for manufacturing products, such as carton liners, envelopes, industrial liners, shipping sacks, textile bags and construction films.
Try: To learn more about LDPE and LLDPE resins, read through information at Blueridge Films, Inc., a manufacturer of plastic films.

HDPE films

HDPE (High Density PolyEthylene) films are useful for packing that must retain its shape, as these films are stiffer than other plastic films. T-shirt bags, trash bags and cereal bags are generally manufactured from HDPE films.
Try: For further information about HDPE films, you can read through information at HDPE Film.

PVC films

A PVC (PolyVinyl Chloride) film has excellent clarity. PVC films are used for packaging food items, as these films are semi-permeable and allow enough oxygen to pass through the packing.
Try: You can read through information about PVC films at Bikudo.com, an online directory of manufacturers of industrial products.

Polyester films (or PET films)

PET films are useful in non-packaging applications, such as photographic and X-ray films, magnetic audio and video recording films. PET films are stronger and tougher than other plastic films. These films can withstand higher processing temperatures.
Try: To learn more about PET films, read through the glossary at King Tint, a commercial and residential tinting services provider.

EVOH films

EVOH (Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol) films are high barrier films. However, their applications in the packaging industry are limited, as these films are highly hygroscopic.
Try: CeeT, a manufacturer of packaging films, provides information about EVOH packaging films.

PP films

PP (PolyPropylene) films have high melting points, making them useful in packages that require sterilization at high temperatures. A PP film has high gloss and tensile strength that makes it a good option for packaging snack foods, cigarettes and sanitary goods.
Try: The Composite Panel Association (CPA), an association for the composite panel industry, offers information about PP films.