Food packaging is crucial for maintaining product quality, and barrier films are a key component of this. This article explores the different types of barrier films, their fundamental role, and concrete examples of applications.
1. Understanding Barrier Films in Flexible Packaging
What is a barrier film?
Barrier films are specially designed materials that limit the passage of gases, moisture, and odors. They play an essential role in protecting food by preserving its quality, freshness, and safety. Generally, these films are made from several layers of materials, each with specific properties. For example, the outer layer may be impact-resistant, while the inner layers are often designed to provide optimal barriers against oxygen and moisture.
Types of Barrier Films
There are several types of barrier films used for food packaging.
- Metallized films, often made of an aluminum layer, provide excellent protection against light and oxygen, thereby extending the shelf life of food.
- EVOH films, on the other hand, are known for their low permeability to oxygen, making them ideal for oxygen-sensitive products. These films are frequently used in applications where food quality and safety are priorities.
2.Importance of Barrier Films for Food Bags
Protection Against Moisture and Oxygen
Protection against moisture and oxygen is crucial for ensuring food quality. When a customized food bag is properly protected, it prevents moisture from penetrating, thus avoiding any risk of deterioration in texture and taste. Similarly, by blocking oxygen, barrier films prevent fat oxidation, ensuring optimal preservation of nutrients and flavors.
Extending Food Shelf Life
Using barrier films in printed and customized bags extends the shelf life of food products. Compared to standard packaging, a customized food bag with a barrier film can double the product’s lifespan, which benefits both consumers and businesses.
3. Examples of Food Packaging for Specific Products
Packaging solutions must meet the specific needs of each food product. Whether for pet food, plant infusions, or snacks, packaging is essential for maintaining quality and freshness.
For example, for the dog food brand Watama, ePac designed packaging with the structure 25µm PE (MDO) / 89µm EVOH PE. This structure effectively blocks oxygen and carbon dioxide, ensuring optimal storage while being fully recyclable.
For the plant infusions of Original Maté, we use a multi-layer combination of 14µm Soft Touch PET / 12µm METPET / 89µm PE. This choice protects the infusions from moisture and light, preserving their freshness and aromas.
These examples illustrate the diversity of available packaging structures, but many other customized options exist to meet the specific requirements of each product.
4. Types of Food Pouch with Barriers
To meet the varied needs of food products, several types of customized bags are available:
Stand-Up Pouch: offer good shelf visibility.
Doypack Pouch: known for their stability and enhanced protection.
Flat Pouch: practical and economical, ideal for small formats or lightweight products.
Optimise the Shelf Life of Your Food Products!
Don’t let your products suffer from oxidation and moisture! Choose customized packaging that preserves the freshness of your products. Whether with barrier films or practical options like tear notches, your packaging can make all the difference.
Call us today for a tailored quote and stand out in the market with packaging that makes a difference!
