Rollstock (packaging film on reels)

Rollstock is printed and laminated packaging film wound onto a core instead of being converted into finished bags. At the filling plant, an automatic machine unwinds it, forms the pack around the product, seals and cuts it.

Why use it

Skipping the pouch-making step lowers unit cost and speeds up supply for high-volume products. Flow wrap, sachets, stick packs and vertical pillow bags are all made from rollstock, as are lidding films and thermoforming webs.

What to specify

• Web width and print repeat length
• Core diameter and maximum outer diameter or reel weight
• Unwind direction, so the print enters the machine the right way round
• Eye mark colour and position
• Seal type and the machine's sealing temperature range

Things to watch

Rollstock only pays off if you have, or plan to buy, a form-fill-seal machine. Machinability matters as much as print quality: friction, seal initiation temperature and stiffness must suit the equipment, otherwise you will see stoppages and waste. Agree limits on splices per reel and confirm the unwind chart in writing before production.