What Is The Difference Between Forming And Non-Forming Film?

Films play an important role in flexible packaging across a variety of industries including food and beverage because they establish the product’s safety as well as its safety, presentation, and shelf-life. Films come in many different varieties, but only two movie forms are generally utilized in the flexible packaging market, namely, forming (thermoform) films and non-forming (nonthermoform) films. While both films are packaging materials made with thermoplastic materials, they have very different uses, properties, and functions. To know the difference between forming and non-forming film is necessary in order to make the best, appropriate packaging choice for the product being produced. 

This full article is to explain in detail what forming film is, and also non-forming film, and their characteristics, uses, and advantages.

What Are Forming Films?

Forming films are a type of packaging material designed to form molded cavities that can secure a product. They are typically referred to as the bottom web of the thermoform-fill-seal (TFFS) packaging machine, that are heated and stretched into shape during the thermoforming process. In general, forming films have:

• Flexibility: They stretch and take the product shape.
• Strength: They provide durability and puncture resistance.
• Protection: They keep the product safe by forming a secure pocket.

What Are Non-Forming Films?

Non-forming films differ from forming films, as they do not mold or stretch while being sealed and instead continue to be flat, which are then used as the top web or lid. They are sealed to the forming film, creating a secure enclosure around the product. The key characteristics of non-forming films include:

• Rigidity: maintain a flat, stable format
• Barrier Properties: protection against moisture, oxygen, and other contaminants.
• Transparency or Printability: can be custom-branded and should be peer-reviewed.

What Are The Key Difference Between Forming And Non-Forming Film?

The differences between forming film and non-forming film lie in their roles, functional purpose, materials, and application in the thermoform packaging process. Forming harmony is always two films together, but they have separate roles to deliver a fully and securely packaged product.

1. Functional Difference

• Forming film: Forming film is heated and stretched, creating cavities or pockets to hold the product.
• Non-forming film: Non-forming film stays flat, sealing the cavity, constructing a part of the covered layer.

2. Material Difference

• Forming film: Forming film materials have flexibility in their polymer structure. Common materials include – Polyamide (PA), Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), or EVOH. The material must allow for stretching without tearing.
• Non-Forming film: Non-forming film materials have strength provided with rigidity in their polymer structure. Common materials include – Polyester (PET), PE, and/or EVOH. The important characteristics are sealing strength, clarity, and product identifier.

3. Application Difference

• Forming film: Forms the cavities protecting meat, cheese, seafood, or ready-to-eat meals, and protects any delicate item with molded cavities.
• Non-forming film: It covers & seals to maintain product freshness and provides a sealing & branding surface..

4. Packaging Integrity Difference

• Forming Film: Introduces structural support to hold products, while holding items securely in place.
• Non-Forming Film: Offers a closure to make the packaged product airtight, eliminating contamination, bacteria, and spoiling, extending shelf-life.

5. Shelf-appeal Difference

• Forming film: Offers structure & shape to provide a degree of stability to the package.
• Non-forming film: Provides transparency in food packaging and printability for branding that aids shelf appeal.

Why Is Understanding The Difference Between Forming And Non-Forming Film Important?

It’s important to understand the difference between forming and non-forming film because choosing the incorrect type can threaten product safety, packaging quality, and overall brand image. For example:

• Using only forming films and not using non-forming films would leave the cavity open.
• Using only non-forming films and not using forming films would not allow for adequate closure of the product.
• When correctly using two films together, manufacturers have a safe, secure, and effective packaging system.

How Do Forming And Non-Forming Films Work Together?

Both forming and non-forming films work together in a packaging procedure where:

• Forming film is heated and formed into a cavity.
• A product goes into the cavity.
• Non-forming film goes on top, as a flat cover.
• Heat and pressure seal both film layers together.

The combined seal creates a vacuum or modified atmosphere package while ensuring freshness and safety, as needed.

What Are The Material Differences Between Forming And Non-Forming Film?

When evaluating the difference between forming and non-forming films, the manner in which the polymerically structured materials are built plays an important role.

• Forming films are generally made from combinations of polymers in multi-layer combinations with polyamide (PA), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), or EVOH for the barrier properties they could impart. Their construction allows for stretching when they are thermoformed and to not breaking.
• The non-forming films can also be multi-layered also but they are constructed to stay rigid and give the final product sealing strength. They may have polyester (PET), polyethylene (PE), or EVOH in their structures; those polymers are either used in full for strong seals or for good clarity.

How To Choose Between Forming And Non-Forming Films?

Companies need both forming and non-forming films and cannot choose between the two. However, understanding the difference between forming and non-forming film is not about which one is superior, but rather how they are utilized together. When making a choice, consider:

• Product shape: Irregular items need forming film cavities.
• Shelf life: High-barrier non-forming films extend product freshness.
• Branding: Transparent or printed non-forming films showcase your brand.
• Machinery compatibility: Ensure the films are suited to your packaging equipment.

How Does Bagla Group Help With Forming And Non-Forming Films?

The Bagla Group offers one of the highest quality and most innovative packaging products in the world. The Bagla Group offers a wide variety of forming and non-forming films, all of which are engineered for superior barrier characteristics, sound durability, and optimal clarity.

• Proficiency in producing high-quality packaging films.
• Solutions for the food, pharma, and industrial segments.
• Dedicated to sustainable, smart packaging.
• Industry leader with global experience and trust.

Conclusion

It can be straightforward to state the differences between forming and non-forming films. Forming films give the package its shape, while non-forming films seal and protect the package. Together, they form the package for food and industrial products to be hygienic, durable, and visually appealing. Choosing the right combination of films will ultimately allow companies to offer superior product safety, longer shelf life, and an aesthetically attractive shelf appearance.

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