High Barrier Films: How They Benefit the Flexible Packaging Market

In a recent blog, we discussed flexible packaging market growth, focusing on standup and flat pouches in particular.

Now, let’s take a closer look at high barrier films and how they benefit the flexible packaging market:

What are High Barrier Films?

High barrier films are flexible films that prevent water, oxygen, light and other elements from entering or exiting a product’s packaging. High-barrier films are used in various flexible packaging applications including:

• Bags
• Pouches
• Blister packaging
• Forming webs and lidding

What are Their Benefits to the Flexible Packaging Market? 

While all films have some level of permeability, high-barrier films offer several advantages over traditional, single-layered films. For example, these films offer:

• The ability to incorporate value-added features such as resealable zippers and sliders
• Faster machining speeds
• Increased heat tolerance and strength due to ongoing substrate improvements

As cited in Packaging World, there is increasing demand for packaging materials that give greater protection to the contents inside. This has stemmed from concerns over plastics’ ability to allow the exchange of gases that can compromise the quality and safety of packaged products.

High-barrier film technologies help preserve perishable goods such as foods, beverages and pharmaceuticals. These films also:

• Extend shelf life
• Reduce the need for preservatives
• Provide transparency and gloss

Bostik manufactures smart adhesives for the flexible packaging market. For more information, call 800-7-BOSTIK. Bostik is also on Facebook (Bostik Industrial) and Twitter (Bostik_IND).