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Know the benefits of packaging that entrepreneurs should not overlook. Packaging is something that entrepreneurs should not overlook. If you want the product to be popular in the market at present, it can be said that the competition is very high, so beautiful packaging has become something that every product must have. To increase its role to meet marketing needs even more There must be new, innovative, cutting-edge innovations to make the products sell well. Most of the products you see will focus on design. To be modern and make it interesting In order to meet the marketing needs as much as possible Let’s go over the benefits of packaging and design techniques. The benefits of packaging are more than just products packaging 1. Protect products safely Keep the product safe of course, every type of product must have good packaging to help protect the product. Which must be a packaging box that does not damage the product or a malfunction and most importantly, the products in the box. It has to be maintained. In order to make customers receive good and effective products. 2. Help attract consumers’ attention helps to attract consumers’ attention to have package design that are interesting and look good modern outstanding It can be called another thing that can be created for products. Answers marketing needs very well. Creating beautiful packaging will surely help create a market for customers to be more interested in the product. 3. Introduce the benefits and information of the product. In addition to having good packaging. There must be a good product promotion as well. In order to be a wizard to make the packaging look more interesting Sometimes there must be an event. or give a discount to help increase sales in each festival It will make the product meet the needs of the market. and more memorable 4. It’s a good marketing tool. In addition to the packaging, it will help protect the product from damage. Another important benefit of packaging is that it adds value to the product. It is necessary to have a unique packaging design. Make others remember. If done well, it can add more value to the product. Introducing packaging design techniques that can be applied. Easy-to-use box: In addition, to being considerate to help prevent damage must also take into the application on how the use, the package should be designed in order to make it easy for customers to use clearly, what the box is, such as dietary supplements. The function of the box must be designed. Make the brand message look interesting. More than other brands. Colorful, outstanding and interesting: It is very important that the color tone of the packaging should be emphasized to be different and outstanding. You should choose to use a type of paper box to help make the packaging look even more eye-catching. For example, if it’s a cosmetics box, you should add color and must use glossy coated paper to make it stand out etc. Present all necessary information: You should select necessary information. Do not include too much information in a limited number of boxes. When information is displayed on the packaging that shows the highlights Outstanding properties of the product trade mark that guarantees quality Just this can make your products sell well. Create a memorable image for customers: it can be said that it is equally important. It should be designed so that customers remember the brand well. When talking about brand names You can immediately think of the packaging box. In order to make customers come back to buy again. which design techniques Focus on adding color to the box to make it unique. simple logo It will help create a good memory for customers. Summary of the article When seeing the benefits of packaging, no one would deny that packaging is not important to business. We can tell that to do some business, it is something that you should not miss. It is very important.

Packaging is considered an important thing that makes products look beautiful, increases the price, and also helps protect the contents inside as well. There are many types of packaging. But one type that should be paid special attention to is food grade, or packaging suitable for containing food or medicine that has a beneficial effect on consumers. and have a positive impact on the world so as not to waste time Let’s take everyone to get to know more about food grade packaging. Get to know food grade (Food Grade) Food grade is a ranking of packaging quality that is suitable for food and medicine. or is suitable for consumption There are no chemicals involved in the production of the packaging. This allows those who purchase the product to be confident that it is absolutely safe for consumers. How important is food grade in packaging? Choosing to use food grade packaging shows that the seller cares a lot about the consumer. Once consumed, it is 100% safe. Choosing this type of packaging will create a good image for the brand that cares about consumers. Food grade packaging is considered a production that focuses on being environmentally friendly. Because these packaging can also be recycled. What types of businesses is food grade suitable for? For food grade packaging, it is suitable for many types of businesses and products. that consumers must use for eating, applying, and many others, which can be summarized as follows food drink drug food supplement cosmetics Food grade materials that are popular today 1. Paper Paper counts as many things. Brands often choose to use it in packaging. The obvious paper is the choice of brown kraft paper. that may be used as a food bag or put products that make it appear to add value and most importantly, it shows good environmental friendliness. because it can be digested naturally 2. PP : (POLYPROPYLENE) Polypropylene is a plastic that is safe, tough, and can be molded into various shapes. This type of packaging is often suitable for use in food packaging. whether it is a square box or it can be a plastic bowl with a lid as well. which can be heated in the microwave but not suitable for reheating frozen food Basically, this type of selection should be food that is already cooked. Put containers and deliver more than 3. PET : (Polyethylene Terephthalate) Polyethylene Terephthalate is considered a quality plastic that is tough, durable, flexible, resistant to impact. This plastic is usually suitable for packaging drinking water. Drinks and food containers, etc. In addition, it is also suitable for coating food boxes as well. But if it’s plastic, it shouldn’t be exposed to heat. because it will dissolve 4. HDPE : (High Density Polyethylene) Hi-Density Polyethylene It is considered durable plastic. Highly flexible Reduces shock very well Can withstand heat to a certain extent. and can withstand cold to a certain extent If it’s too hot, this plastic will melt. But if it’s too cold, this plastic can become brittle and break. Most of them are made into bags for storing things. and then molded into gallon bottles 5. LDPE : (Low density polyethylene) Lowden City Polyethylene It is considered very durable. Resistant to tearing force very well Not brittle and easily broken Suitable for use in cold items such as storage bags or commonly known as cooler bags. frozen food bag in terms of heat, it will be less bearable. But it’s not that I couldn’t stand it until it melted immediately. In conclusion, food grade is considered the safest packaging for consumers. There is no need to be afraid of chemicals or contaminants and if you are looking for a brand that provides service packaging production We recommend that you come and use the services of Flexi-Pack, experts in packaging design to meet your needs. and can be used for business with a beautiful and impressive image.

This era is considered a fierce business competition. Both old and new businesses You must find a way to create products and services that stand out and are unique. Or call attention to create trends and create sales. For anyone who wants to be Brand owner but don’t know where to start What should I study? One thing to prepare first is willpower. Once you’ve made up your mind, you can read them together. Including strategies for new brand owners who want to do business 1. Find products that suit your business. When running a product-related business, it’s important that you know what you’re selling first. Will it be a manufactured product or not? Is it an imported product for sale? And how much knowledge do we have about the products that will be sold? Because if you do not have knowledge or expertise in your product business It can cause your business to go in the wrong direction. Therefore, searching for products to sell and we love the products we sell, which is the best thing about doing business. and it is important that Brand owner must always be taken into account 2. Thoroughly study the market, target groups and competitors. Once we know what products to sell, we have studied the market and target groups. And competitors are very important. First of all, we must be sure how our products can meet the needs of customers. Who will the product be sold to? These things if you have a lot of knowledge. It will reduce the risk of not being successful. However, it is important to study competitors. One thing not to do is undercut. But what should be done? Brand owner should raise the level of the product more and studying competitors in case they make mistakes. Let’s use it as a lesson so that we don’t do that too. 3. Create a concept and story for your brand. To make a brand memorable is to determine what the product concept will be and what it will be about. And can create a story for the brand that has an interesting history. Or you may use ideas that indicate the brand to create a story to attract customers to buy products. And if placed here well, in the future the product will not be just a product. But the product becomes part of the buyer. Or the brand’s fan club was created. 4. Choose a channel for marketing and distributing products. In the next part, you must first think about where the marketing channels will be sold, mainly at the storefront. or sell on various social media but the best marketing is to spread brand information as much as possible. and have channels to distribute products quickly This is something you have to think about. 5. Manage cost budgets and expenses accordingly. After having a rough plan, what will be sold, how much money does each part need to pay? In this work, it is necessary to calculate costs, expenses, and taxes to be It is recommended that you take these 3 things into consideration first. Then gradually add the product price to the additional profit. 6. Look for the right factories and business partners. When we have developed a certain level of product our selves and the need to expand production, looking for a factory or a partner to do business is a very interesting thing. Which selection should choose a factory or a partner who has knowledge about products that Brand owner Always create products that respond to the target groups?

How to start selling online? In this article, Flexi-Pack will recommend as you are a beginner who wants to sell online. How to start? How should I prepare? Both in terms of funds, knowledge and various important processes in doing business online. Franchise business tree square composition with character of male businessman watering money tree with coins storefronts vector illustration Want to sell things online? How to start? 1. Look for products or services you want to sell. The first thing that you need to prepare for selling online for beginners is Looking for a product or service that you want to sell. Which should be based on the preferences or interests of the seller. Because when the seller understands the needs of the target group It will make it possible to accurately target customers who are interested in this type of product. 2. Consider the cost various risks The next rank is Finding products from wholesale sources or manufacturers that offer good prices. because in addition to saving costs It also allows the seller to ask for product advice from knowledgeable people as well. But if you do not know the source of the product and accept the product to resell may ask or talk to the person who received the item for advice on where to source products or the type of product that should be sold which if talking together It may be possible to get more business partners as well. 3. Make a marketing plan When specifying the products, you want to sell and find a wholesale source that offers a good price. The next rank is marketing planning to attract customers to be interested in our shop Create a store name that is easy to remember. and communicates the products or services being sold Set the product price in accordance with the quality of the product. and the purchasing power of the target audience Make promotional promotions such as store opening promotions, free shipping, buy 1 get 1 free, etc. Advertise on various platforms to make our brand more visible to customers. 4. Choose a sales channel. Determine product sales channels to match the target group. It must be considered that Through what channels are our target groups likely to search for or purchase the same types of products that we sell? It should also make our sales channels across platforms look trustworthy and interesting. To give customers confidence and increase the chance that our store will receive attention and ultimately lead to an order 5. Shipping method At present, there are delivery channels for both government and private sectors. and private sectors to choose from each company will have different strengths and weaknesses, so you should choose the shipping company that best meets the needs of your products. In addition, consideration should be given to the design and production of packaging. That helps preserve the quality of products from transportation as much as possible, such as glass products. The packaging should be designed to be tight. Supports shock well or products that are fresh or frozen food, you should choose packaging that helps preserve the coolness and quality of the food. Including choosing a company that offers transportation services by refrigerated vehicles, etc. How to start? What do you need to prepare for? New traders, don’t forget to use this information in preparation. So that you are truly ready to sell online. The most important thing that should be paid attention to is the Packaging that indicates our store and the quality of the products delivered to the hands of customers because that’s good for credibility and the image of our shop that we send to customers.

Most consumers when choosing to buy a product, no matter what type. You will want products that have product seals, which can show that the products you have chosen are really new. No one has unpacked or used it before. It will help make a decision to buy more products. But in fact, there are many other advantages. If anyone owns a business that produces their own products, product sealing is therefore very important. What is product sealing? Product sealing is the act of encapsulating products in packaging or packaging. by choosing to use a thin shrink film. There is some clarity and turbidity. At this point it is also about the flexibility of the shrink film type. The film when heated will shrink and wrap the product according to the shape of the packaging. Advantages of product sealing that entrepreneur must know. Helps protect products from dirt and UV rays. For product sealing, it helps to protect the product from dirt such as dust that may enter the product or packaging. which in this section will help to store the product, preventing various dusts from entering as well and can also prevent UV rays that may affect the product in terms of quality Sealing the product is therefore very important. It is strong and durable. Product sealing will increase durability for some types of products. For example, Bottled products are sold in packs. It can be seen that the shrink film is used that is tough and durable, making many bottles of product in the same place. It can be stored at room temperature or cold temperature where there is no need to fear that the shrink film that seals will melt. Prevent counterfeiting of products In sealing the product, it will show that the product received is new. But if it is removed the product itself may cause counterfeiting. For example, food seals, if found to be tampered with, buyers will immediately avoid purchasing them. various medical supplies If you find that the seal has been broken, you can avoid using it as well. At this point, the use of used products will be prevented. or prevent people from mixing things or transfer some of the products from the packaging Makes product details clearly visible To seal some products that need to be used to seal the coating, such as various foods. which is packaged very well at this point, buyers will be able to clearly see what’s inside. and decide whether to buy or not Easy to store products When it has been sealed, in any form, it will help to keep the product more organized. Convenient to pick up and take out of the warehouse easily, for example, if the seal is a dozen packs with many products, it will be convenient to move and transport in a short time. Or if sealing products that are in the shape of a bottle or sphere It will help in stacking them very well. Convenient, easy to use To seal products with shrink film, it is considered to be very easy to use and convenient. Normally, the manufacturing plant already has a sealing machine. The sealing machine will help seal the product to fit the product. for easy storage or even transportation Customers are confident that they will receive new products. Product sealing, the most obvious thing is that customers are confident that they will definitely get new products. because if the seal is found to be opened, of course the customer will not buy and thought that it was not a new product or even if it’s a new product but without a seal, it may unknowingly reduce the likelihood of customers buying. Summarize the advantages of sealing products Sealing the product, whatever it is, is considered a good thing. That will help make your products always look new because they are not unpacked. And most importantly, it also protects and maintains products or packaging to be strong and durable. and can be easily stored Therefore, it is not surprising that many Brands that need to distribute products must have a seal first. And if sending online channels is very important Because if the seal has not been opened but damage is found, the product can be claimed from the store where it was purchased.

In this era, online trading is something that can generate a lot of income. Because ordering things to be delivered directly to your home will be convenient and you won’t waste time going out to buy things yourself. Therefore, shipping companies have sprung up in a big way. Of course, delivering products to customers must be safe. Therefore, it is necessary to use shockproof envelopes or air bubbles to protect the product. But what are the differences between these two things? Let’s look at them together. Known as “shockproof envelopes” and “air bubbles” What is a shockproof case? A shockproof envelope is an envelope that is similar to a document envelope that is flat. It can be a small envelope to a large one. But inside this envelope, there will be a cushioning insert. to protect the product from the inside As for packing, you can peel off the tape that is on the shockproof envelope and you can begin shipping. What is an Air Bubble? Air bubbles are plastic films that are passed through rollers with small holes. As the film passes through these rollers, it is sucked into the holes, forming air bubbles, which are then covered with another layer of film to retain air. inside This tablet will have air inside to help cushion. In most uses, it is used by wrapping products or items that need to be protected from shock as best as possible. Compare the advantages of shockproof envelopes and air bubbles. In the next section, we will compare the advantages of shockproof envelopes and air bubbles so that everyone can understand which one should be chosen that will help with the delivery of goods better. The advantages are detailed as follows. Shockproof bag Because the shockproof envelope is similar the document pocket makes it lightweight and easy to transport. Using bubble wrap is suitable for products that are small and not too thick. Shockproof envelope, use just put the product into it. and peel off the double-sided adhesive and close it, ready to ship Using envelopes to protect against various shipping costs There will be a cheaper price compared to sending a parcel box. Save time when packing and sending items compared to sending parcels. Save money on packing products more than sending products via parcel. Air Bubble Air bubble cushioning is suitable for wrapping products that are very thick or large and need to be placed in a parcel box. Air bubble wrap is usually wrapped in several layers, so it can ensure that while delivering the product, it will not damage the product. because there is an air bubble wrap There is also a parcel box wrapped in another layer. Packing with air bubbles can protect the product better than bubble wrap. Although the items are small or flat. Comparison of the drawbacks of protective sleeves and air bubbles In the last part, there will be a comparison of the disadvantages of shockproof envelopes and air bubbles so that everyone will know which type is not suitable for what use. In order to avoid using The disadvantages are as follows. Shockproof bag Shockproof envelopes cannot hold large items. Or things that are very thick can go in there. In the case that the item to be sent is much smaller than the envelope When moving or transporting, there may be movements inside. And may break in the event that the item is not durable. Air Bubble Packing products into parcel boxes, including using air bubbles to wrap. It will take a lot of time to pack. Because there are many steps that need to use air bubbles to wrap the product. Put the product into the parcel box and must be glued or tied with a rope, which is considered a lot of steps. The budget used for packing will be more expensive than using shockproof envelopes. Choosing to use air bubbles needs to be put into the parcel box, which is considered to be a waste of shipping legs, more expensive than bubble wrap. In conclusion, which one should we choose to wrap the product with shockproof envelope or air bubble? If you ask me when choosing a package, which one would you choose? First of all, you need to look at the products you want to send. What do you want to prevent shock or not? If wanting to send items fragile or not. If it’s easy, it’s better to use air bubble even if it’s a small item. But if the product is large and requires a parcel box, then you can choose air bubbles for delivery.

Almost all of us have used air bubble insulation materials at some point or the other. Even if you don’t really need to ship out multiple packages frequently, you might have observed some of your fragile items coming in with a bubble wrap.  This is to provide some delicate products sufficient padding and cushioning until it is delivered to the destination.  Various manufacturers and business owners need to use a bubble insulator to keep their products safe during the transit. After all, no one wants their products returned because of damage on the way.  That said, there are various other packaging materials that can be used to pack up a product. So what makes an air bubble insulation so special? The article attempts to explain the materials that are used to make it, the making process, as well as the advantages offered.  What is air bubble insulation? Air bubble insulation film is also commonly known as a bubble wrap. It is made of LDPE (Low -density polyethylene) and is commonly used as a wrapping material for a delicate product.  It was accidentally invented in the year 1957 by American engineers who made two plastic shower curtains which got sealed together and led to this fantastic idea.  As the name suggests, it is a multilayer film that entraps air within a bubble shaped hemispherical outer layer of the material. This structure/film provides soft padding or cushioning that is very advantageous when transporting fragile products. This is because the air cushioning absorbs the vibrations and shock and provides sufficient isolation to the delicate products.  The bubbles can be of various sizes ranging from 0.24 inches to 1.0 inches and are selected depending on the level of shock absorption needed. What is air bubble wrap made of? Air bubble insulation or a bubble wrap is usually made up of polyethylene (PE). Multiple sheets of polyethylene are placed one over the other and air bubbles trapped within. Here’s how the making process goes: Tiny polyethylene resin beads are first melted at a suitable temperature (over 450 degrees Celcius). At this temperature, they melt and combine to create thin polyethylene sheets which forms the base material of the bubble wrap.  These films are then flattened to a required thickness level. Further, the films are fed into rollers that have small holes in it. While the film rolls down, the air is vacuumed in it and pushed inside the holes. This is how air bubbles get trapped within the layers of plastic sheets. Once the air bubbles are blown inside, the sheets are passed through more rollers to seal the trapped air inside.  As a final step, the sheets are cut to the required dimensions.  Is air bubble insulation recyclable?  Yes, bubble wraps are completely recyclable. Various local councils collect it along with usual plastic recycling material.   Advantages of using an air bubble insulator Following are some benefits of using an air bubble insulation sheet: Insulates against shocks and impacts Bubble wrap is an excellent material when it comes to keeping goods safe and secure during transportations.  Various transit systems may include obstructions like bumpy roads, rough handling, loading and unloading, etc.  The bubbles of sealed air provide flexible and soft padding to the products thereby creating a strong barrier against harsh impacts.  Air bubble wraps come in various thickness options, which can be chosen depending on the type of product being shipped. Additionally, extra fragile items can be double or triple wrapped creating a sturdy covering.  Reusability Various household products come packaged in a bubble wrap. But that does not mean you throw away the wrappings every time you receive some goods. If you see the air bubbles intact, you can use this to pack other goods that you intend to transport in future.  This reusability makes it a very eco-friendly option as compared to other packaging materials.  Lightweight Amongst the various packaging materials that are available, air bubble insulations are the lightest in weight. Since the material is extra light plastic and mostly air, it makes a very lightweight wrapping material for fragile products.  This is an important feature during freight and air transports because the packaging does not add any extra weight to the goods, especially when bulk goods are being transported. Less weight means lower shipping costs which also makes it cost effective.   Cost effective Due to the easy production process and lightweight features of this material, bubble wraps are very cost effective when it is required to transport goods in bulk.  Flexible and versatile Due to the specific structure of the material (thin polyethylene sheets with air bubbles), the sheets can be used to wrap products of any size and shape and can be cut with scissors into any required form.  Applications of air bubble wraps Air bubble insulation is used in various industries and for various packaging materials including the following: Electrical appliances Ceramics Glass materials Precision machine parts Plastic molds Electronic goods like television, microwave, etc Surface protection for stainless steel products. Wrapping for aluminium construction material Thermal insulation for roof and air conditioning   Leading manufacturers provide various products under air bubble categories which include general purpose air bubble film, air bubble anti-static films, VCI (Anti-Rust) air bubble film, air bubble film laminated with EPE foam, air bubble film laminated with corrugated paper, air bubble film laminated with foil, etc.  Check out this link for more.  Final words It’s been more than 60 years since the bubble wrap was invented and it still remains one of the most popular packaging materials for various industries. With the boom in the “online delivery” options and eCommerce industries, air bubble insulation is arguably the most cost-effective and versatile wrapping material we know of.  Sources: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/accidental-invention-bubble-wrap-180971325/ https://sciencing.com/ldpe-plastic-6001216.html

Plastic is currently the main medium for packaging because it is lightweight and affordable. Previously, PVC was the go-to material of choice but that is no longer the case today. Advancements in science and awareness towards socio-environmental health led to the creation of polyolefin shrink film. Now POF is the most popular shrink wrapping plastic used across a vast range of industries. Why? The reasons are many. What is POF shrink film?  It is a type of translucent film or polymer plastic sheet that has become the preferred choice for packaging both edible and non-edible goods in the manufacturing sector.   The name “shrink film” was created because plastic shrinks tightly over whatever it is covering when heat is applied to it. Thus, “shrink wrapping” using shrink film. POF shrink film is made from POF which stands for polyolefin. In the past, PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) film was widely used for shrink wrapping but it is slowly being replaced by POF shrink film. What is POF? Polyolefin is actually a group of hydrocarbons, i.e. compounds containing hydrogen [H] and carbon [C] atoms. It is often derived from natural gas or from low-molecular-weight constituents of petroleum. As a thermoplastic, the polyolefin is popular because it is extremely easy to mould, to shape and can be reshaped over and over again simply by repeating the heating, moulding and cooling process. POF also has several other good qualities which makes it safer than PVC. There are two main types of POF – polyethylene and polypropylene. These are further subdivided into several grades for different applications. What is POF shrink film used for? Polyolefin shrink film is used for almost every kind of application. Essentially, it is used to protect and package a single product, or to bundle multiple products together. It is particularly favoured for packaging less rigid items such as foodstuff, stationery, cards and electronic items, just to name a few. Qualities of POF shrink film The following are the extensive qualities that make POF shrink film a popular packaging material worldwide: Anti-fog Durable Versatile Seal-strength   Fairly low-cost Tear-resistance Low shrink force Puncture-resistance  Wide range of gauges  Excellent tensile-strength Can be pre-perforated – no air pockets Can be made from 100% recyclable material Clarity and glossiness – makes for excellent shelf appearance Stable – not as affected by temperature changes compared with PVC FDA-approved food-safe material – suitable for the Food & Beverage industry Ability to shrink quickly and completely – shrinks when heated resulting in a finished good as soon as it comes out of the shrink tunnel) Polyolefin is also available with different characteristics, including cross-linked wrap which provides high-tensile strength and incredible clarity for high-speed packaging applications, as well as prevents buildup on sealing components of your packaging machinery.  As POF shrink film easily bends to low temperatures, it does not deform, bend or collapse thin, flimsy or delicate products. This quality also provides excellent protection for irregular-shaped items. Common terms related to shrink wrapping Gauge – a measurement used to describe film thickness Shrink force – (shrink energy) the amount of force that the shrink film will exert on your product Tear resistance – the ability of a film to resist tear with forced exertion on the film Shrink tunnel – equipment that uses a chamber to produce heat with a continuous conveyor running through the chamber Centerfold shrink film – film that has been folded in half lengthways to make wrapping easier and quicker Crow’s feet – wrinkles diverging out from a finished package’s corners Dog ears – triangular projections of unshrunk film at the corners of complete packages (common in packages wrapped with PVC shrink wrap) Impulse sealer – a sealer using a heating element that is pulsed with voltage during the sealing process to mend polymer materials together L-Bar sealer – a sealer where the sealing surface is in the shape of a backward “L” Lap seal – making a seal using two layers of shrink film lapped over each other Machine direction – the direction the film is manufactured and moves through the sealing equipment Memory – the ability of a shrink film to maintain characteristics after sealing Optics – the visual properties of a shrink or stretch film Thickness conversion chart POF is available in various thicknesses, from as low as 35-gauge (0.35 mil) up to 100 (1 mil) gauge. Sometimes, the term “micron” or “mil” is used instead to indicate thickness. Here is a thickness conversion chart for easier reference. 1 Gauge = One-hundredth of a Mil 100 Gauge = One Mil Thickness 1 Gauge = 0.254 Microns 100 Gauge = 25.4 Microns 1 Mil = one-thousandth of an Inch 1 Mil = 25.4 Microns Industries that use shrink wrap Food: It is one of the largest industries that commonly use shrink wrap. Wrapping in shrink film helps to remove oxygen contact from the food and can reduce waste. Printing & Paper Products: Many companies in this industry use shrink wrap to protect their products and goods as well as to detect and deter tampering. Pharmaceuticals: Shrink wrap is used to help seal caps and detect tampering. Hardware & Housewares: Shrink wrap is commonly used to deter and detect tampering as well as bundle multiple products together. Electronics: The electronics industry commonly uses shrink tubing and shrink wrap. Miscellaneous: There are a variety of other industries and uses for shrink wrap. The marine industry, for example, commonly uses shrink wrap to winterize boats and protect them from environmental elements. Games & Sporting Goods: Manufacturers, resellers, wholesalers, and retailers use shrink wrap for wrapping a variety of goods and products. PVC shrink wrap is frequently used for these items. Differences between “shrink wrap” and “stretch wrap”    Shrink Wrap Stretch Wrap Definition To wrap an object with shrink film To wrap an object with stretch film Usage To create a seal that envelopes an entire object to protect it, especially from tampering To hold large items together, prevent them from shifting during shipment

Plastics have been a part of the Food and Beverage (F&B) industry since their invention. The invention of various new plastic resins that have been considered safe for food-grade packaging makes it a valuable resource for the sector. Plastic packaging techniques have revolutionized the food market.  The design flexibility, cost-effectiveness, lightweight, faster manufacturing, and longer shelf life make plastics and plastic packaging valuable within the sector.  Food product packaging has witnessed a significant transformation in terms of applications, and technology.  The article talks about some common examples of plastic packaging used in the F&B and the production techniques used by manufacturers.  Food and Beverages Industry- Packaging Challenges Plastics packaging has been a very visual part of the food industry. The market is very competitive and the need to continually come out with high-quality products that meet the stringent legal requirements of the industry is high.  There are, however, various unique challenges that molders and industrial packaging manufacturers face. Getting superior shelf life, food-friendly prints, and labelings, lightweight, etc are some key requirements.  Whether it is packaging dairy products, creating caps and closures, kitchenware containers, lids or flexible plastic packaging for candies, chocolate, the use of superior technology is a part of the production process. The use of plastic injection molding or high-end solutions like co-injection molding has now become an integral part of the plastic packaging and the F&B industry. Additionally, flexible packaging technologies used to produce Polyolefin, PET Shrink label, BOPP heat sealable films and laminate bags are widely needed for various applications within the sector.  Plastic Packaging Examples The availability of a wide range of plastic resins, each with their unique properties, makes it possible to find their applications in various industrial processes.  Right from shelf stable bottles, lids, food containers to packaging for frozen food and air tight films and wraps, plastics play a crucial role in delivering safe food from source to the table.  The range of machinery used by plastic packaging manufacturers is equally large and amazing. From “Blister skin and vacuum packaging machines” to capping, sealing, lidding, case tray forming,  cleaning, palletizing, labeling, and wrapping machines, the list is big and growing.  Various examples of plastic packaging for the F&B industry include: Bottles, trays, etc. Caps, lids, seals, etc.  Disposable cutlery, straws, etc.  Laminate films to wrap fruits, vegetables, butter, etc.  Tea and coffee box wrappings Laminate wrapping on cutlery and plastic kitchenware Plastic vacuum bags for milk powder, flour, vegetable oil, wafers, sugar, rice, bread, etc.  Production Techniques The use of plastics for packaging in the F&B industry is widespread. The section above provides examples of the use of plastic packaging technologies in our kitchen.  Plastic packaging can broadly be classified into the following: 1. Hard plastic packaging products–  These include bottles, trays, food containers, cutlery, lids, caps, etc. These types of products involve complex geometries and intricate labeling designs. The use of advanced molding technologies like plastic injection molding, co-molding, plastic part decoration techniques, etc has revolutionized the sector.  2. Flexible packaging and films–  These packaging techniques are used to produce various products that find a wide range of applications in the food industry. These include: Polyolefin or POF films– These extremely durable and versatile wrap films have replaced the use of PVC in the food sector. Being FDA approved, they are considered safe and hygienic for use in the F&B industry. Their durability, versatility, low production cost, high tensile strength, ability to shrink and recyclability makes them an excellent choice for food packaging.  PET Shrink Labels- These are used for outer wrapping and labeling of cans, bottles, glassware, etc. The flexibility of this plastic packaging material/film makes it effective to package all types of shapes and sizes. Scuff resistance, heat resistance, high gloss percentage, great shrinkage, and recyclability makes them a valuable choice for plastic packaging.  BOPP heat sealable films- These plastic films are used in packaging, printing and laminating food products and kitchenware items. The heat sealable properties make it a valuable technique. Various applications include candy and chocolate wrappings, straws, laminate covering on plastic spoons and forks, tea and coffee boxes, etc  Laminate bags- These are one of the most used products within the F&B industry.  Their widespread applications include vacuum bags for frozen foods; bags for powdered products like milk powder and flour;  bags for liquid products like vegetable oil; central seal bags for noodles, rice, sugar, potato chips, and various similar products;  3-side seal bags for ready to eat food, bread, confectionery, etc.  Final words: Food packaging is one of the most important aspects of the present-day food industry. Almost all types of food items consumed are sold in packaged forms. Good packaging is important to maintain the desired shelf life of food products.  The use of multiple food-safe plastic resins and a wide range of ultra-modern technologies make it possible to create food packaging that adheres to the legal norms.   

What is EPE Foam? EPE foam, or Expanded Polyethylene foam, is one of the most widely used plastics in production. What is polyethylene foam? It is a thermoplastic resin, which means that it can be melted by heating and cooled to form different shapes and objects. What Are The Physical and Chemical Properties of EPE? The physical and chemical properties of EPE foam are what give it its desirable characteristics. It is due to these properties that this plastic has avariety of applications in different industries such as EPE foam padding, EPE foam tube, and EPE foam sheet. Physical Properties of EPE Foam EPE foam is a harmless plastic and has no taste or odour.  It is a very popular material for packaging goods as it is light in weight and flexible. It has the ability to absorb shock and provide good cushioning to delicate objects. EPE has a high weight to strength ratio and high thermal resistance. It can be heated and melted multiple times, and reshaped into other new objects due to the high EPE foam temperature range. EPE foam is resistant to water, oils, and many chemicals. It is also a very good insulating material. EPE is available in different densities, according to its application or purpose. Chemical Properties of EPE Foam The chemical makeup of expanded polyethylene is similar to most plastics, and of the form (C₂H₄)nH₂. EPE is usually white in colour unless a dye or other colour pigment is added to it during the melting process.  EPE foam is also referred to as bead board in the plastic industry. It is a closed cell foam, which allows it to take up more volume and be light weight. Is EPE Foam Recyclable? Yes! This is probably one of the most important characteristics of foamed polyethylene due to the huge potential impact it can have on the environment. Expanded polyethylene foam can be melted and reshaped into various shapes multiple times. This is due to its high thermal resistance properties that enable it to maintain its chemical structure even when subjected to high temperatures and turned into molten plastic. This is a very important property of epe material that allows it to be reused and recycled, reducing the amount of plastic in the environment. However, there are very limited number of companies who offer recycling EPE, contributing to a very low global recycling rate. It is crucial to either melt and recycle EPE or compact the plastic in order to prevent burning of EPE waste or adding to landfills. Among the most common methods of recycling are reusing EPE or bonding and grinding of expanded polyethylene. Recycled EPE can be used for packaging material or as underlay for carpeting in large rooms. Why Polyethylene is Not Biodegradable The term in-biodegradable is used to describe polymers that do not break at any point to a natural, environmentally friendly conditions over biological processes.  A majority of plastics are non-biodegradable because plastic is widely used as it is cheap, durable and versatile.  However, certain conditions fasten the degrading process of polythene. They include: moisture, oxygen, sunlight, composting and biodegradation enhancement through reduction of the hydrophobic polymer, and an increase of hydrophilic properties. However, it is still an environment-friendly material as it can be easily recycled into new objects like EPE foam insulation. EPE foam recycling is a fairly simple process, which involves heating it until it melts and then reshaping it or remoulding it. How Is EPE Foam Made? As with most types of foam such as expanded polypropylene foam (EPP foam), expanded polyethylene (EPE foam), is manufactured by the application of high pressure, heat, as well as a blowing agent in a pressurized chamber called an autoclave. The molten foaming polyethylene material is then made into small plastic beads in a machine that uses water to cool and form the beads.  The resultant plastic beads are used as feed material and injected into specialized moulds under high heat and pressure to force the beads to melt and take the shape of the mould. The manufacturing process of EPE foam is pretty straightforward, and mostly involves the use of high temperatures and pressures in a sealed and pressurized container.  The leftover EPE material that is in the form of beads or defective pieces, or even material that has seeped through the material, can be collected and fed back into the machine to produce whole new pieces. This is how to make polyethylene foam and is the principle behind the recycling of EPE foam material as well. How is EPE Processed? EPE is usually processed by the following methods: Cutting, trimming, hot forming, and laminating. It can also be processed by other unique methods depending upon the application. Usually, customers require the EPE foam to be customized to a certain size and shape. This could be when they need to tightly pack some objects and the EPE must be cut in the form of the object. This is done by hot forming. Hot forming s usually done only in special cases where the quality of the finished product needs to be very high. Sometimes, EPE foam is laminated along with some other material and then cut and hot formed.  Is Polyethylene Environmentally Friendly? Polyolefin materials (Polypropylene and Polyethylene) have the lowest environmental impact compared to other material, traditional or synthetic products.  Polyolefin is formed from natural polyolefin resins. It has good electrical properties, acids, alkalis, good chemical resistance to solvents, resistance to environmental stress and good durability. Whenever you hear of plastic and environment, what comes in your mind is a picture of PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride) binder lying in a landfill, toxic and unscathed, for a hundred years.  However, all plastics are not equal in this perspective. Fifty years ago, two new members of the polyolefin family were born; Polypropylene (PP) and Polyethylene (PE). The two plastics can do all the functions of the traditional glass, metal, paper or PVC.  They can be die-cut for presentations and packaging,