What Are The Different Types Of Thermoforming Films?

For businesses, packaging is far more than just the process of ensuring a product is wrapped; it is packaging that secures it, preserves it, and showcases it. As we know, packaging creates a perception in a consumer’s mind before they even use the product. This creates a lot of critical attention for business, and the type of packaging materials selected becomes one of the most important decisions made by a business.

Thermoforming films are one of the widely used and physically confident options in packaging across various sectors, including food, beverages, and consumer goods. With multiple forms of thermoforming films, it is necessary for businesses to understand which type of thermoforming film to select.

The article will discuss the major types of thermoforming films, their application areas, and their benefits. Here, we will also be describing how leading packaging companies, such as Bagla Group, are revolutionizing and innovating in this area.

What Are Thermoforming Films?

Thermoforming films are a type of plastic packaging material that is heated until soft and then shaped over a mold to create a specific form. After the Thermoforming Film cools, it will be rigid or semi-rigid and create a protective layer for the product. These films offer one of the most versatile packaging options available today.

Major Types Of Thermoforming Films Used In Packaging

Thermoforming films can be broadly categorized based on materials, barrier properties, and specific applications. Here are the most common types of thermoforming films used today:

1. Flexible Thermoforming Films

Flexible thermoforming films are lightweight, pliable packaging materials that make them perfectly suitable for packaging perishable products like meat, cheese, poultry, and seafood. They are constantly formed to the shape of the product, eliminating excess air, keeping the freshness longer.

2. Rigid Thermoforming Films

Rigid films provide a thickness in comparison to flexible films when a product needs to offer extra protection from damage and contamination. The extra thickness in rigid films provides enhanced strength, allows for added transparency, and provides a print surface for making packaging convenient.

3. Barrier Thermoforming Films

Barrier films have been created to offer a high barrier to moisture, oxygen, and other environmental elements. Barrier films are a crucial option for protecting sensitive products from extended shelf life. There are two types of barrier films that Bagla Group provides (i.e., Quench Tek HB and Quench Tek MB).

4. Non-Barrier Thermoforming Films

Non-barrier films are suitable packaging for products that do not require long-term preservation or shelf life. Low-cost custom films are non-barrier films, and non-barrier films are the films that are being used for the packaging of bakery products, fresh fruits and vegetables, and industrial products.

5. Eco-Friendly Thermoforming Films

Sustainability is transforming packaging, and recyclable/biodegradable thermoforming films are starting to emerge. Recyclable/biodegradable films consist of recyclable or biodegradable materials, which assist organizations in the international effort of eliminating plastic waste.

6. High-Barrier Thermoforming Films

High-barrier films are a specialized subclass of barrier films and provide the highest level of oxygen, aroma, and moisture protection. High-barrier films are important for sensitive or premium products.

7. Anti-Fog Thermoforming Films

Anti-fog films inhibit condensation on the surface of the film, allowing visibility of products while the product is being stored in chilled conditions. This type of film is generally used to pack salads, dairy products, and meat products to be stored in refrigerated conditions.

8. Printable Thermoforming Films

Printable films are manufactured with surfaces printed directly with brand logos, product information, or designs, eliminating the need for labels.

Types Of Thermoforming Films Bagla-Group Provides

Bagla Group provides a comprehensive range of thermoforming films, from our flexible films to the rigid films, barrier films, eco-friendly films, and customizable films: 

• Flexible Films: Including vacuum packaging for food items, such as meat, poultry, and dairy.
• Barrier Films: Multi-layered barrier films for sensitive, perishable products.
• Eco-Friendly Films: Sustainable and recyclable to suit sustainability needs.
• Customizable Films: Selected in thickness, size, printing, etc.

Materials Used In Different Types Of Thermoforming Films

There are various types of plastics used in thermoforming films, such as: 

• Polyethylene (PE): Flexibility, lightweight, and moisture resistant.
• Polypropylene (PP): High clarity as well as heat-resistant.
• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): Rigid and typically seen in blister packaging formats.
• Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET): Strong, recyclable, and transparent.
• Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol (EVOH): For superior barrier properties in multi-layer films.

Benefits Of Using Different Types Of Thermoforming Films

Understanding the different types of thermoforming films helps businesses to determine which packaging solutions are right for their use, as well as to several other advantages:

1. Shelf Life: barrier films and high-barrier films offer extended shelf life.
2. Branding: whatever film you choose, if it is printable, you can have a very dramatic look to your packaged products.
3. Safety: Rigid films and barrier films provide maximum protection of products.
4. Sustainability: You can find eco-friendly thermoforming films if sustainability is part of your business model or general environmental stewardship goals.
5. Cost Efficiency: Flexible and non-barrier films provide affordable solutions.

Industry Applications Of Thermoforming Films

Thermoformin films are utilized across many industries, including:

• Food & Beverage Packaging:  Trays, clamshells, containers, lids
• Consumer Goods:  Cosmetic packaging, housings for electronics
• Automotive:  dashboards, trims, protective packaging
• Industrial Uses:  heavy-duty trays, housings for components

BAGLA GROUP offers customized packaging solutions for each of the expectations and needs of these industries while continuing to provide performance, safety, and compliance.

Why Choose Bagla For Thermoforming Films?

Bagla Group is a known player in thermoforming films because of its technology, quality controls, and strict customer focus. Here is why:

• German Extrusion: Bagla films are produced using world-class German-made multi-layer extrusion lines that provide narrow tolerances and uniformity, along with better barrier properties, giving end users films that surpass the best packaging standards in the world.
• 7-Layer Protective Barrier: These barrier films are produced with up to 7 barrier layers for maximum strength, along with flexibility and protection from oxygen, moisture, reagents, and contamination for food or pharmaceutical use.
• Amazing Output and Efficiency: Bagla is capable of producing up to 1200 kg of film an hour, so even large orders can be delivered on time and with high quality.
• Quality and Safety Standards: Bagla performs quality control and checks of each batch of film produced to ensure correct sealing strength, clarity, and barrier performance. Bagla thermoforming films are FDA-approved for food contact and are food-grade certified.
• Customization Choices: Customers can request films with various thicknesses, widths, and properties to match their packaging requirements in seafood, meat, dairy, or industrial applications.
• Sustainability Focus: Bagla prides itself on sustainable packaging and creates packaging solutions that are recyclable and sustainable thermoforming films for a greener future.

Conclusion

Thermoforming films are one of the main aspects of modern packaging that have durability and flexibility, but also sustainability. There are many films available, including flexible films, rigid films, barrier films, non-barrier films, and sustainable films. There are thermoforming films made uniquely for each industry and product need.

It is important for businesses to learn about the various types of thermoforming films available. This will allow them to make a great decision for their packaging needs and most importantly, it ensures product safety, its shelf life, and grows brand relevance. 

Choosing the appropriate film is not just about packaging. It is about earning consumer trust and guaranteeing success in an aggressive marketplace.

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