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Materials

PE (LDPE / LLDPE)

Also known as: PE film, polyethylene, LDPE, LLDPE, low density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, PE sealant

PE (polyethylene) is the most common sealant film in flexible packaging; LDPE processes easily, while LLDPE adds toughness and puncture resistance.

PE (polyethylene) is the world's most produced plastic and, in flexible packaging, the usual inner sealant layer that touches the product and closes the pouch. The two main grades are LDPE and LLDPE, and most sealant films are a blend of both.

LDPE vs LLDPE

LDPE has a branched structure that makes it easy to process, soft and clear, and helps it seal at low temperatures. LLDPE has a more linear chain and is noticeably tougher in tensile, tear and puncture terms. Metallocene LLDPE grades improve seal strength and hot tack further. Converters tune the blend to the product weight and filling speed.

Where it is used

PE seals PET/PE, BOPP/PE and foil laminates, works well for frozen food because it stays flexible in the cold, and is chosen in thick gauges for heavy products such as rice or pet food. It is also the base for white PE and for all-PE mono-material pouches.

Limits

PE is a good moisture barrier but a poor oxygen barrier, and it is generally not suitable for retort sterilisation, where CPP is used instead. Sealant thickness typically ranges from around 40 microns for light packs to over 100 microns for heavy bags.

Frequently asked

Which is better, LDPE or LLDPE?

Neither is better in every case. LDPE gives processability and clarity, LLDPE gives toughness, which is why packaging films usually blend the two.

Is PE a good barrier?

PE is a good moisture barrier but lets oxygen through fairly easily, so oxygen-sensitive products need an additional barrier layer.

Related terms

CPPCPP is non-oriented cast polypropylene film, mainly used as the heat-sealing inner layer of laminated pouches, including retort pouches. White PEWhite PE is opaque polyethylene film with white pigment, used as a pouch sealant to give print a white backdrop and add light protection. Heat sealingHeat sealing joins the inner sealant layers of a pouch using heat, pressure and dwell time to form a tight, durable seal. Mono-material packagingMono-material packaging uses layers from a single polymer family, such as all-PE or all-PP, so the pouch is easier to recycle. Puncture resistancePuncture resistance is a packaging film's ability to withstand sharp or hard objects without being pierced.

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