Development in Lidding Films Industry Today’s customers are offered innovative options that run the gamut from sustainable packaging to designs that assist in the food preparation process. A great deal of consideration and science go into selecting the correct container and packaging materials for manufacturers. Packaging
protects
against
damage
or
contamination
by
microorganisms, air and moisture. It prevents products from spilling or leaking. Food Packaging plays such a crucial role in the preservation and marketability of a product, many companies seek a contract packaging service to assist them to obtain the best quality packaging available. Similarly, it’s no surprise that we’re now seeing developments and trends in sustainability/recycling, peel & reseal functionality and improved barriers for longer shelf life.
For years, metalized films (MET) have been preferred as a replacement for foil in flexible packaging applications. As the technology evolved, MET
became
an
excellent
choice
for
replacing
foil
in lidding applications. Today, as food manufacturers consider their lidding design, they are choosing MET PET more than ever to counter the increasing cost and limited availability of foil. The film is readily available and the thickness of the vacuum-deposited metal is less, so the impact on the price of the film will be negligible compared with what is forecast for aluminum foil. Heat resistance is of utmost
importance in lidding applications because sealing temperatures can be more than 400°F for up to a one-second dwell. Material stiffness, especially in “pick and place” lidding applications, where the lids are dispensed one after another is also important. MET PET has excellent stiffness and heat resistance qualities making it ideal for such an application. While the rigors of the process can create cracks and pinholes in foil and compromise barrier, MET PET is extremely durable, resists cracking and pinholes and delivers an excellent oxygen barrier. In addition, with a lower density than aluminum foil, MET PET delivers more surface area, so it is a smart, sustainable choice while maintaining strong package characteristics.
Dairy-food brands, especially those offering yogurt, sour cream and cream cheese, are now very interested in MET PET for their lidding needs. Interest in MET PET lidding for nuts, condiments, meats, cheeses and liquids is also on the rise. Peel and reseal lidding film have also become of greater interest to these brands, especially in deli meat and sliced cheese applications, because of its convenience. Companies also want clear, high-barrier lidding films for longer shelf life. Clear high-barrier films have been a growing trend in flexible packaging because consumers like to see the product before purchasing it.
Despite the constant growth in the lidding film industry, a thorough understanding of the myriad elements is required and if you are looking for experts in the same, Momar Industries, a prominent manufacturer
of custom laminations, should be considered while choosing a lidding film.
