Window

A window is a transparent area in a flexible pack where no opaque ink, metallisation or paper is present, so the shopper can see the product without opening it.

How windows are made

Unprinted window: in all-film laminates, the white underlay and colours are simply left out of the window area. With metallised films, the window zone must be free of metal, which means using partially metallised film or a different structure. Shape is almost unrestricted and sits in register with the print.

Cut-out window: with inherently opaque layers such as kraft paper or aluminium foil, the window area is cut out before lamination so the clear film beneath shows through.

Benefits

• Builds trust by showing colour, texture and freshness.
• Can become part of the design, for example shaped like a bowl or jar.
• Lets users see how much product is left.

Trade-offs

Windows reduce barrier where they sit, letting in more light, oxygen and moisture. For sensitive or long shelf-life products, keep windows small or use transparent high-barrier films such as AlOx- or SiOx-coated PET. Place the window where the product will still fill it as the pack empties, and consider an anti-fog film for moist products.