Polyolefin film: POF and shrink film manufacturers. What is it and what is its composition

Properties and advantages of polyolefin films

Due to its properties, POF film has the following advantages:

Strength, resistance to tearing, stretching, impact and puncture;
Equal thickness, neat welds throughout the bond. Reliability. Resistance to high and low temperatures: polyolefin shrink film withstands heat up to +30 and frost up to -50 degrees Celsius;
Lightness and speed of shrinkage, which reaches 64%, at a temperature of 120 degrees provides a shrinkage rate within two minutes up to 60%. With a high degree of shrinkage (up to 80%), it is possible to achieve the "second skin" effect and to pack objects with complex shapes;
Complete tightness of the resulting coating;
Resistant to solvents and fats;
Glossy shine and high transparency. The pof film fits round and angular shapes of the packed items equally well.
Resistance to extraneous "chemical" odors;
Ease of use and, in comparison with similar products, a small price;
Environmental friendliness and safety of production and use of polyolefin films. For example, chlorine contained in another film material - PVC, harms the health of workers, quickly spoils the machines involved in production and shrinking processes, and pollutes the air during disposal.

Manufacturing notes:

Film roll width Film thickness Film roll lengthAny large deviations in thickness, length and width of the film do not increase the cost of a roll of film with the stated dimensions. The stated dimensions are guaranteed. Each roll has two labels

The commercial label is on the outside of the box.
The label on the inside of the sleeve contains manufacturing information.

0 1 0 2 0 5	1	4
date of manufacture (day, month, year)	line number	brigade number

Quality control

Storage and transportation conditions:

Transportation must be carried out on pallets in the original packaging.
It is necessary to store and transport films in an upright position.
Pallets can be stacked one on top of the other, but no more than two rows.
The transshipment should be carried out by mechanized means, adapted for the transshipment of goods on pallets.
Storage conditions: in a closed dry room at temperatures from +5 to + 25C, excluding direct sunlight and heating devices.
Shelf life - 1 year from the date of manufacture.

With an increase in the ambient temperature, depending on the time the film is in extreme conditions, one can expect a process of forced shrinkage of the material from 5% of its uneven distribution over the expanded surface of the film to sintering on the outer sections of the roll and complete unsuitability in the future.

Storage.

Store rolls in their original packaging in an upright position. Do not place more than three pallets in height. The height of rolls on a pallet should not exceed 900 mm.
Limits of temperature and humidity must be avoided. The optimum storage temperature is 15-21C.
It is recommended to use the film within 12 months from the date of manufacture.

When transporting and storing shrink films, consider their temperature sensitivity. With an increase in the ambient temperature, depending on the time the film is in extreme conditions, one can expect a process of forced shrinkage of the material from 5% of its uneven distribution over the expanded surface of the film to sintering on the outer sections of the roll and complete unsuitability in the future.

Combustion.

The film burns in direct contact with a source of ignition.
Combustion produces HCl and other decomposition products.
Use CO for extinguishing₂, dry chemical compounds, foam or water extinguishers.

Recommendations for use.

It is recommended to install a ventilation system in the packaging area.
It is necessary to regularly remove film residues from the heating elements, which can cause unpleasant odors and the formation of a bad seam.
Do not use film if flammable substances are present in the air.
The packaging equipment must be grounded.

Scope of shrink films

Due to its increased strength and puncture resistance, shrink film is used both for group packaging and for packaging individual items: video and audio cassettes and discs, CDs, magazines, cosmetics, stationery, household items, aerosol cans, etc. etc.

Thanks to such qualities as environmental friendliness, resistance to oils, fats, shrink film is ideal both for group packaging of food: lollipops, chocolates in boxes, snacks, bags of drinking liquids, medicines, vitamins, and for individual packaging of freeze-dried instant food : noodles, soups, etc.

The use of shrink films for packaging fresh food is only possible with perforations.

What is the pof film made of. What it is?

The production is based on the polymerization of olefins - substances isolated from oil or natural gases. The structure of polyolefins is a kind of strong "network". Compounds in those places of monomeric molecules, from which hydrogen ions have separated, seem to "cross-link" a large polymer molecule.

With the help of catalysts from homogeneous monomers or copolymerization of different monomeric molecules, film and fiber thermoplastics, rubbery elastomers are obtained. The most large-scale production of film thermoplastic polyethylene, polybutylene, polypropylene and their various copolymers has been established.

Finished products can be single-layer or multi-layer. The multilayer, cross-cut or bi-oriented structure of the polyolefin film gives it optimal strength characteristics. The ability to withstand loads is not lost even at a thickness of 10 microns. The maximum pof film thickness is up to 200 microns.

What it is?

The POF film contains copolymers of ethylene with alpha-olefin and ethylene with vinyl acetate. And also there is a barrier layer. The film is harmless, which allows it to come into contact with any type of food. It is in it that food is packed on the shelves of grocery stores. POF film preserves perishable foodstuffs well, protects them from damage during transportation.

Polyolefin film consists of several (3-5) layers. This multi-layer gives it gas-tight ability, and the unique molecular structure of the cross-crossed type provides high strength - for example, a POF film with a thickness of 15 microns is equal in strength to a PVC film with a thickness of 20 microns. The polyolefin casing is able to withstand high temperature and mechanical stress.

A characteristic feature of the material is the fact that the structure of the POF film is closer to fabrics than to polymers. We will also list its other features.

Profitability. The same rollers with POF and PVC films have different lengths, since they have different thickness indicators. This means that a video with POF film will be a more profitable purchase - it has a greater length. In addition, when working with polyolefin material, you can save on electricity, since its lower density allows you to lower the temperature in the heat tunnel.
Strength. As already mentioned, this type of shell, due to its structure, has greater strength than other competing materials. It resists tears, punctures, impacts and sprains equally well.
Environmental friendliness. The composition of the PVC film has a negative ability to emit toxic chlorine during operation.The POF film is odorless, does not emit harmful substances, and has hypoallergenic properties.
Temperature Range. The shrinkable POF film does not lose its properties at temperatures from –50 to + 30 ° С. TU-film at a temperature of 120 ° C provides a shrinkage rate of up to 120 seconds and reaches 64%. If shrinkage occurs in the region of 80%, then the effect of "second skin" appears, which makes it possible to pack objects of complex geometric shapes.
POF film ensures complete tightness of the package.

How to choose shrink wrap

First, decide on the type. PVC film is very popular, which is distinguished by excellent gloss, transparency, and a wide temperature range. The polyolefin analogue, even at small dimensions, is able to withstand significant weights. The polyethylene version is the most popular - it is dense, elastic and inexpensive. The modified material with additives is denser and more heat-resistant. Also, decide between sleeve, half sleeve and canvas.

Choose a single or multi-layer option - the latter can be more durable even with a lower thickness. To make the purchase optimal, choose its thickness wisely. So for souvenirs, flour products, etc. choose a 20-50 micron film. For packing goods in groups, an analogue with a thickness of 50-100 microns is perfect. There is also a material of 100-250 microns, which is suitable for massive packaging of products.

Where is it used?

The scope of application of the POF film is quite extensive.

Packaging of food products - sausages, meat and fish cuts, semi-finished products, containers with meat and fish preparations. Packaging of products with a tendency to absorb foreign odors such as tea, coffee, chocolate and others. The film does not allow such delicate delicacy as cheese of all kinds to spoil. Fruits, vegetables, herbs are wrapped in it.
The film retains the freshness of baked goods for a long time - freshly baked bread, packed in a POF shell, retains all its qualities and aroma. The micro-perforated surface of the packaging material allows the product to breathe and protects it from hardening.
The durability and strength of the material allows it to be used in aggressive environments such as marinades and brines. Therefore, containers with pickled cheeses, pickles, barbecue and fish marinades are covered with foil.
POF film is used for packing stationery, magazines, wallpaper, books, paper products of any kind, disposable sets of dishes, toys, household and household items, car parts and much more.
In large-scale industries, with the help of such a film, manufactured products of textile or other quality are packed.
Stable technical characteristics create conditions for printing. This film is used to create colorful labels for bottles with drinks and yoghurts.
Polyolefin film can replace corrugated board, thick polyethylene and other similar materials. The scope of application is so huge that it is impossible to list everything.

Manufacturers and their products

Polyolefin packaging material has been known on the market for a long time, but Russian manufacturers began to produce it in 2005. Until that time, it was started from abroad. For the first time, the company "ProfUpak" was engaged in the introduction of POF films on the domestic market. These products are in great demand and popularity among consumers.

The assortment of the company:

half sleeve 13 microns, 1000 m, 150 mm;
sleeve 13 microns, 500 m, 105 mm;
canvas 12.5 microns, 2000 m, 150 mm;
POF film with activation;
POF film with perforation;
POF film with print.

EM-Plast LLC and its products:

protective signal tape;
shrink polyolefin film (POF);
food stretch film.

The company "TekhMash" LLC, Samara, produces 5-layer shrink film POF.

IP Mikhailov S.V., Rostov-on-Don:

film TU POF 12.5 microns, 300 x 600 mm, 1000 m;
TU POF 12.5 microns, 500 per 1000 mm, 1000 m.

LLC "AgatPak"Krasnodar: three-layer biaxial oriented film POF 400/900 15 microns 750 m.

LLC "LinaPack" from Rostov-on-Don: shrink polyolefin and PVC films.

In the next video, you will find additional information about the features and purpose of polyolefin films.

The largest manufacturers in Russia

There are quite a few manufacturers of shrink films in Russia. Also, new companies are constantly appearing on the market for the production of packaging materials. The largest of these are the following:

Don-Polymer LLC. It has been working for over 15 years.
LLC "EXIMPAK", St. Petersburg.
LLC "Polymer-Group +". It is engaged in the production of shrink film in Tatarstan.
Sealed Air Corp.
LLC "Pandeko", Shchelkovo.
OJSC "Plastic". It manufactures products both for the Russian market and for export.

In addition to the above, there are a number of other companies specializing in the production of packaging materials. Due to the relative ease of production and the high demand for finished products, their number is growing from year to year. In addition to Russian-made products on the packaging materials market, one can find Chinese and Israeli-made products. Its share in the total volume of polyethylene is insignificant.

Advantages of Polyolefin Shrink Film

In the case of using heat-shrinkable film for high-speed packaging (heat shrinkage), the possibility of fast reliable welding and shrinkage is provided, which ensures greater productivity;
Provides excellent gloss and transparency, which improves the appearance of the product;
Shrink wrap perfectly conforms to the shape of the item being packaged;
Retains strength and elasticity at low temperatures;
Designed for use on all types of heat shrinkable machines;
When used, shrink film does not emit harmful substances;
The strength of the seam obtained during packing is not inferior to the strength of the base material;
Storage temperature from -50? С to

+30? C;

Specifications

NAME	UNIT					TOLERANCE
Thickness	md.	13	15	19	25	±1
Width	mm	—	—	—	—	— 0/+10
Length	m	—	—	—	—	-0/+1%
Density	0,92	—	—	—	—	±0
Haze	%	2,5	2,5	2,7	3	±5%
Seam strength	(kg / mm?)	MD	8,5	7,3	8	9	±0,2
TD	9	7,1	7,4	8,4	±0,2
Tensile strength	(kg / mm?)	MD	10	9,3	10,5	11	±0,2
under tension	TD	10,5	9,6	10,5	11	±0,2
Secant module 1%	(kg / mm?)	0,11	0,12	0,13	0,14	±1%
Elongation	%	MD	40	50	55	60	±5%
TD	35	45	50	55	±5%
Spreading the gap	G	MD	10	15	25	35	—
TD	10	15	25	35	—
Slip coefficient		0,3	0,28	0,25	0,25	—
Shrinkage	%	110 ° C	25/32	25/32	20/25	20/25	—
120 ° C	35/43	48/54	45/50	40/45	—
130 ° C	45/54	60/65	60/63	55/58	—

vendor code	Name	Quantity in a corrugated box	unit of measurement	Minimum order
UNIBOB AF	200/400 mm x 500 m, 15 microns, 2.76 kg	2	roll	box
UNIBOB AF	200/400 mm x 500 m, 13 microns, 2.39 kg	2	roll	box
UNIBOB AF	240/480 mm х 500 m, 15 microns	2	roll	box
UNIBOB AF	250/500 mm х 500 m, 15 microns	2	roll	box
UNIBOB AF	250/500 mm х 500 m, 13 μm, 2.99 kg	2	roll	box
UNIBOB AF	300/600 mm x 500 m, 15 microns	2	roll	box
UNIBOB AF	300/600 mm x 500 m, 13 microns, 3.59 kg	2	roll	box
UNIBOB AF	350/700 mm x 500 m, 15 microns, 4.00 kg	2	roll	box
UNIBOB AF	350/700 mm x 500 m, 13 μm, 4.19 kg	2	roll	box
UNIBOB AF	400/800 mm x 500 m, 15 microns, 4.83 kg	2	roll	box
UNIBOB AF	400/800 mm x 500 m, 13 microns, 4.78 kg	2	roll	box
UNIBOB AF	450/900 mm х 500 m, 19 microns	2	roll	box
UNIBOB AF	450/900 mm х 500 m, 15 microns	2	roll	box
UNIBOB AF	450/900 mm x 500 m, 13 microns	2	roll	box
UNIBOB AF	500/1000 mm x 500 m, 19 microns	2	roll	box
UNIBOB AF	500/1000 mm х 500 m, 15 microns	2	roll	box
UNIBOB AF	500/1000 mm x 500 m, 13 microns	2	roll	box
UNIBOB AF	550/1100 mm х 500 m, 19 microns	2	roll	box
ERV	300/600 mm х 1250 m, 15 microns	2	roll	box
ERV	300/600 mm х 1350 m, 13 microns	2	roll	box

Application

The leaders in the consumption of heat shrinkage are food and construction companies. The film is used in breweries, soft drink bottling plants, canning factories, dairies, large bakery industries and other areas.

For each type of application, a different shrink film thickness is used:

Material 20-50 microns is used for packing souvenirs, flour products, sausages, poultry;
Film 50-100 microns is used for group packaging of the same type of products, bottles, etc.
Heat shrinkage 100-200 microns thick is used to pack large-sized piece products or use it for stacking packaging (grouping a batch of goods on a pallet or other basis).

The most common uses for shrink polyethylene are discussed below.

For group packaging of bottles

Group packaging of bottles in heat-shrinkable film can be carried out both with the use of a cardboard backing, and without. It allows you to reliably fix a certain number of bottles during transportation and storage.

It takes from 8 to 20 bottles to form a block. Then the wrapping process takes place. After heat treatment, the film shell acquires a density that protects the bottles from damage.

The best film for packaging PET bottles, which has a multilayer structure. Sizes are commonly used:

width 350-530 mm, depending on the capacity of the container;
thickness 60 to 100 microns.

Brick packing

Packing pallets of bricks in industrial shrink wrap provides reliable protection during transport and storage on the construction site. Due to its high strength characteristics, it completely eliminates the possibility of stretching and tearing. In addition, this material is resistant to ultraviolet radiation, which allows you to store bricks directly in the open air.

Bulky cargo packaging

Shrink wrapping of bulky goods allows you to reliably protect objects during transportation and storage. Polyethylene tightly wraps around the surface of the products, taking their shape.

Other uses

Shrink wrap is a versatile packaging material. It is widely used for packaging stationery, book publishing, medical and perfumery products. In the food industry, it is indispensable for the packaging of semi-finished products and bakery products. Flexographic printing on shrink wrap allows you to place advertising information on the packaging, which contributes to the passive promotion of services and goods.

Application of polyolefin film

Due to its competitive advantages: low specific gravity, resistance to acids, chemicals, low cost of packaging, pof film takes an increasing share of the packaging materials market. Polyolefin films were widely used where heat-shrinkable PVC was used.

Applications:

Packaging for raw and prepared food products - fish or sausage cuts, chilled or smoked chicken, kupat or ready-made ham.
The chemically aggressive environment of brines and marinades does not affect it. Therefore, it perfectly preserves the quality, taste and aromas of pickled cheeses, salted herring with spices, marinated meat, which is to become a shish kebab.
It preserves the softness and aroma of different types of bread, the freshness of fragile cookies and buns, the beauty of pastries. The properties of this package are such that even hot, freshly baked bread will not damage the micro-perforated version of the pof film and will not suffer from contact with it. The boxes of easily absorbing the smells of tea and chocolates are sealed into it, sheltered from extraneous odors.
Shrink polyolefin (pof) film will not allow melted, hard or aristocratic mold cheese to deteriorate.
It will preserve the freshness of ripe fruits, delicate greens and juicy vegetables.
Will save magazines, photo albums, wallpapers, books, printer paper and other stationery from any troubles during delivery, for example, scratches and accidental wetness.
Some auto parts, toys, household and cultural items are packed in it.
Glass bottles with juice, beer cans, rolls of disposable towels, sets of disposable dishes are packed, wrapped in several pieces.
Colorful waterproof labels for some drinks, such as juices, yoghurts, shampoos, also help create pof films. The shrink polyolefin wrap is suitable even for protecting the control panels of household appliances. You can also find such offers in stores.