Food Packaging: Thin Plastic Films

When we grab a snack or unwrap some cheese, we hardly think about the plastic films in the packaging. But these thin, often invisible layers are actually critical to keeping our food fresh, safe, and convenient. From cereal bags to frozen meal containers, plastic films are everywhere, and they play a huge role in our food system. I aim to reduce my plastic consumption and learning more about microplastics has pushed me to dive further into this critical component to deliver food to us, the consumers. Here’s the start for some basic plastic food packaging insights.

Why Are Plastic Films Important for Food?

The main job of food packaging is to make sure what you’re eating is safe. Plastic films do this incredibly well. They help extend the shelf life of products, protect against contamination, and they’re lightweight, which makes them easier to transport. Plus, they’re versatile—you can print eye-catching designs on them too! Let’s break down some common types of plastic films and where you might find them.

Types of Plastic Films and Their Uses

  • High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE): Known for its strength and moisture resistance, HDPE is most commonly used in rigid containers like milk jugs and juice bottles. Its toughness also makes it suitable for things like tubs of butter or yogurt, but it's less often used for flexible films in packaging like cereal bags.

  • Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE): If you need packaging that can handle heat sealing, LDPE is a great option. Its low melting point makes it ideal for sealing. You’ll see it used in flexible packaging for frozen food, squeezable ketchup bottles, and lids for tubs of food.

  • Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE): PET is a special plastic that prevents oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water from passing through. That’s why it’s commonly used in bottles for carbonated drinks and water. PET is also used in some food packaging, such as snack wrappers, to keep products fresh.

  • Polycarbonate (PC): PC is one of the strongest plastics, and it’s often used in large, refillable water jugs due to its durability. However, its use in food packaging has been declining because of concerns over BPA (bisphenol-A), so some companies are moving toward BPA-free alternatives.

  • Polypropylene (PP): PP is a versatile plastic used in both rigid and flexible packaging. It’s often found in clear containers like canola oil and salad dressing bottles, as well as microwave-safe containers because it can withstand heat.

  • Polyethylene Naphthalate (PEN): PEN is known for its excellent barrier properties, preventing odors and flavors from mixing between foods. It’s typically used in high-performance packaging, such as specialty beverage bottles, but is less common due to its higher cost compared to other plastics.

PET bottles, but not the furry kind.

More Than Just a Simple Wrapper

Plastic films often work alongside advanced packaging technologies like multi-layered films and Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) to keep products safe and fresh. There’s no one-size-fits-all film—each type is carefully developed for a specific job to ensure your food stays fresh and protected. It is common for multiple types of films to be “laminated” together each contributing specialized functions for protection, flexibility, or offering a printable surface.

Are you looking for help to extend your product shelf life or reduce the risk of microplastics in your products?

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