Polyethylene packaging: types, features, application

Polyethylene for many years is used to produce inexpensive and practical packaging. In addition to bags, manufacturers produce other types of polyethylene packaging products. Technology is constantly working to improve the quality of the material through the use of special additives.

Properties of Polyethylene

The polymer material polyethylene became widespread in the second half of the last century. Particular interest in the products showed commercial and industrial enterprises, which were in dire need of a wear-resistant and moisture-proof film. Paper was expensive and did not cover half of all needs. Polyethylene is characterized by a number of properties, including:

• density;
• thermal conductivity;
• Vapor permeation resistance.

The density of polyethylene varies from 916 to 982 kg/m3. The lower this figure, the more elastic and softer the film is. Dense material can withstand serious loads and has a high thermal conductivity.

Thickness is another indicator that determines the physical characteristics of polyethylene. It ranges from 60 to 200 microns. Thick film has greater vapor permeability, but its transparency is lower.

The undoubted advantage of polyethylene is the ability to apply advertising texts, logos and other types of images on its surface. The graphics are bright and attractive.

Plastic bags

There are Plain bags without handles. Also produce T-shirts bags with looped or knocked-out handles, with drawings, advertising. They come in transparent, capacious and compact. On sale are all kinds of bags for every taste. Along with these products bags with adhesive tape and valve are in great demand.

They are ideal for packing various goods and gifts. The flap closes tightly, so dust and other small particles do not get inside, and the content does not fall out and scatter. Another advantage of bags with a top flap and adhesive tape is the possibility of multiple use and versatility of application.

The bags are placed in:

• products;
• jewelry;
• bijouterie;
• souvenirs;
• cosmetics;
• toys;
• books, magazines;
• stationery;
• beads;
• sewing supplies;
• clothing and much more.

Other types of packaging materials

In addition to bags, polyethylene is also used to make film:

• stretch;
• food;
• shrink-wrap;
• technical.

Stretch film is thin and transparent, can be easily stretched lengthwise and crosswise and is traditionally supplied in rolls. It is used to wrap and secure goods on pallets and for luggage at airports.

Food film is an analogue of stretch film, but it is produced using a special technology. Components harmful to human health are completely excluded from its composition. Shrink properties of the corresponding type of film appear when heated: the container takes the form of the contents packed in it.

The task of technical polyethylene is to reliably protect industrial products from external influences: moisture, sunlight, mechanical damage, etc. Usually such packaging is produced from recyclable materials and does not pay much attention to the appearance, which makes the material much cheaper.