What is lidding film, and why is it used on food packaging ...

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1. What is lidding film

We can understand what it is by asking the following questions

1) Do you pay attention to the

tearable film on daily food packaging

, such like yogurt or roast chicken? so what are these films?

Firstly, these films all belong to lid films. Different from normal packaging films, they are protective covers for plastic, cardboard, or metal containers. Secondly they are sealed to the container by a sealing machine, preventing food from contacting harmful substances. Last but not least, depending on products&#; needs, the film can be designed to be easily torn or punctured to facilitate access to the packaged food.

2)

In the eyes of an engineer

who has been working in the manufacturing industry for more than ten years, what exactly is lidding film?

In the view of professional, the cover film is a type of plastic flexible packaging film.

From a material perspective, the most common materials of films are polyethylene, polyester and other flexible packaging materials. These materials can meet most of the market&#;s needs, while some customers&#; products have special needs for lidding films, which need to be solved by co-extruding CPET, APET, PP, PE and other films.

From the view on function, there can be divided into two types films: easy-peel films and locking films. The front allow consumers to peel film from the container easily; while the latter has a strong seal, tools (such as scissors or a knife) are required to access the product. However, locking films laminated a special coating layer on the base film so that they are equipped with excellent adhesion.

2. When was it invented?

The easy-to-peel PE film is the beneficial earliest product to people&#;s lifestyle. It can be traced back to the late s, when some packaging cups and trays for instant jelly, yogurt, fast food, etc. appeared. With the introduction of a new generation of flexible packaging equipment, some sealing covering films have gradually developed.

From the initial ordinary sealing film to the current easy-to-peel PE film, it has become a new type of packaging material.

3. Why is the this film the best material for food packaging

The following three reasons can explain it: 

1&#;Anti-fog and moisture resistance

Keep fruits and vegetables fresher for longer and provides anti-fog technology to reduce fog and prevent moisture from forming inside the container

2&#;High and low temperature resistance

Be designed as a freezer-sealable or bakeable lidding film, which can be used to package refrigerated food and heated in an oven or microwave

3&#;High barrier properties

Excellent barrier properties to prevent food from contacting other undesirable substances

4. Do all food packaging need a such film?

The answer is definitely &#;No&#;, so what food packaging does not need a cover film&#;In the following four situation,  lidding film is not recommended
&#; Container does not need an additional protective packaging layer
&#; The recyclability of the product packaging is important to consumers, such as cardboard, aluminum cans, etc.
&#; Heat-resistant or cold-resistant are not require to the items&#; packaging
&#; Item itself is not suitable for flexible packaging 

5. Why use low-cost materials as film materials?

After all, the cover film is a one-time packaging and cannot be reused. Its consumer demand determines that the cost of the cover film should not be too high. Of course, editor me summarize the following four points

1)Reduce production costs

Choosing lower-cost materials can effectively reduce production costs, thereby reducing overall packaging costs. For manufacturers, this can improve the market competitiveness

2)Improve production efficiency

Generally, lower-cost materials are easier to handle and process during the production process, which can improve production efficiency, shorten production cycles, and further reduce production costs.

3)Environmental considerations: 

Many lower-cost materials, such as the above mentioned materials, CPET, APET, PP, PE, they are recyclable and beneficial to the environment. Using these materials can reduce the impact on the environment and is in line with the current green environmental protection trend.

4)Meet consumer needs

In the current market environment, consumers are more sensitive to product prices. Using lower-cost materials can help reduce the selling price of products and meet consumer needs.

Link to HaiPak

The use of advanced technology has presented us with an opportunity to create innovative solutions and materials that not only fulfill the demands of consumers but are also sustainable. One such innovation in the world of packaging is lidding films. The global lidding films market size was valued at USD 3.64 billion in and is anticipated to cross USD 6.9 billion by . But how did we land at these films? Let's discover!

The Evolution of Packaging Materials 

Over the years, packaging materials have evolved significantly. Earlier, the newspapers and clay pots were used for packaging. But today, we have moved to more aesthetic packaging materials like glass, metal, and plastic. Each of these materials are designed keeping in mind the factors - durability, preservation, and convenience of consumers. However, with the development and advancements in lidding films, everyday packaging has reached new heights of efficiency and functionality.

Continue reading to learn more about lidding films and their role in modern packaging.

What Are Lidding Films?

Lidding films are used for sealing of various packaging containers like cups, trays, bowls, and more. They are particularly used in the food packaging and dairy industry to seal the top of the containers. These lidding film are available in transparent or opaque form based on the product and brand requirements. Providing a protective barrier for the contents inside, recyclable lidding films can be easily peeled away for easy access of the product.

Features & Properties of Lidding Films

1. They Are Sealable : The lidding films boast excellent sealing properties and create a tight seal with the container, which helps prevent leaks and spills.
2. They Are Peelable : One of the benefits that these films offer is that they can be easily peeled.
3. They Display Barrier Properties : Some lidding films help extend the shelf life of the product as they are designed to act as a barrier against oxygen, moisture, and lighting.
4. They Are Printable : The lidding film can be printed with information about the brand and the product details, providing the consumers with the necessary information.
5. They Exhibit Antifogging Properties : Some lidding films help prevent condensation from obscuring the product's view within the container as they can be incorporated with antifogging agents.
6. The Can Be Transparent : The lidding films can be transparent, which helps consumers see the inside of the container easily without compromising its aesthetics.
7. They Are Compatible with Packaging Substrates : The lidding films can be tailored to work with various packaging materials, like plastic, glass, metal, or any other material containers.

Advantages of Lidding Films

1. Extended Shelf Life : The lidding films maintain the product's freshness and quality for extended periods.
2. Reduce Food Waste : The advantage of better and extended shelf life translates to less spoilage and food waste. This benefits both manufacturers and consumers.
3. Improved Product Protection : The lidding films protect the products from physical damage, dust, and contamination during storage and transportation.
4. Enhanced Convenience : The lidding films are easily peelable. These peelable lidding films offer consumers a convenient way to access the product.
5. Tamper Evident : The lidding films required peeling or tools to be opened, acting as a tamper-evident seal. This ensures the customers that the product has not been tampered with before the purchase.
6. Increased Aesthetics : The lidding films are printable and transparent, which provides the brands with a canvas for marketing.
7. Lightweight and Cost-Effective : These films are lightweight and cost-efficient solutions compared to other packaging options.

Types of Lidding Films by Cosmo Films

At Cosmo Films, we have lidding films with and without adhesives, which are available in transparent and metalized forms. Let's learn more about our lidding films:

Lidding Films without Adhesive

1. Isotropic Lidding Films : Our Isotropic Lidding Films (transparent and metalized) offer uniform shrinkage that ensures a tight seal around the container, helping prevent leakage and maintain the product's freshness.

Lidding Films with Adhesive

1. Peelable, Sealable & Antifog Lidding Films : These transparent lidding films are easy to peel and seal to maintain freshness. They also have antifogging properties that ensure a clear view of the product.
2. Lock Sealable Lidding Films : These are polyester-based lidding films that are available in transparent and metalized (foil lidding film) forms with and without antifogging properties. These films provide strong sealing for containers, preserving product freshness. These films offer reliable packaging solutions for various industries, ensuring product integrity and presentation.

Industries Using Lidding Films

Lidding films are used for various applications across different industries:

1. Food Industry

• Lidding films are vastly used in the food industry to seal containers of ready-to-eat meals, snacks, and deli items.
• For example, pre-packaged salads are sealed with peelable lidding films to maintain their freshness and extend shelf life.

     2. Dairy Industry: 

• Our lidding films are in huge demand in the dairy industry for sealing containers of cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products.
• These films preserve the taste and quality of the contents, ensuring they reach consumers in optimal condition.

     3. Fresh Fruits, Vegetables, & Salad Packaging Industry:

• Lidding films play a crucial role in packaging fresh produce to protect them from contamination.
• For example, trays of sliced fruits or pre-cut vegetables can be sealed with lidding films to save them from getting contaminated and extending their shelf life.

     4. Hygiene & Cosmetic Industry

• Not just the food industry, but lidding films are used in the hygiene and cosmetic industry too to seal containers of skincare products, cosmetics, and personal care items. 
• The lidding films help maintain product freshness and prevent leakage when sealed with lidding films.

Why Are Lidding Films Right for You?

Today the consumer, while purchasing, looks forward to superior protection, convenience, and sustainability of the product. The versatile and customizable lidding films help prevents the product's freshness, making them an ideal option to be used for various applications.

These consumer-friendly lidding films are easily peelable and sealable and do not impact the quality of the product. With lidding films, the chances of spilling, leaking, or tearing decreases. These films can be chilled, frozen, microwaved, and recycled, too.

Lidding films are an essential part of modern packaging industry that offer an array of benefits for both manufacturers and consumers alike Contact us, lidding film manufacturers, today to explore our range of lidding film solutions and take your packaging to the next level!