White PE

White PE is polyethylene film made opaque with white pigment, typically titanium dioxide. It is mostly used as the inner sealant layer, so it seals the pouch while making the inside look white and closed.

What it does

Behind clear reverse-printed PET or BOPP, white PE gives the inks a white backdrop, making colours look brighter and more solid. It can reduce, or reinforce, the need for a white underprint. It also cuts some light, which helps products that should not be visible or that need modest light protection.

Typical uses

Detergents and powders, flour, sugar, milk powder, pet food, frozen food and personal care products.

White PE or white ink?

White ink can be printed selectively, leaving a window where needed. White PE makes the whole pouch opaque, so no window is possible. For high opacity both can be combined.

Limits

White PE is not a substitute for metallised film or foil; it only reduces light and offers the same modest oxygen barrier as clear PE. With a PE-based outer film it can form an all-PE mono-material pouch, although pigmented material usually goes into a lower-value recycling stream than clear.