Ever get a quote from your printer (especially those dealing in flexible packaging and stand up pouches) and think to yourself..."What the heck am I looking at?!" Well, you're not alone. There are so many terms and acronyms to learn, it would take years of being in the industry to recite them by heart.
That's why we've compiled an easy-to-understand list of flexible packaging terms to help educate you on what everything means. As always, if you ever have questions, you can reach out to one of our packaging specialists to help guide you.
PP = Polypropylene
Type of film commonly used for bar wrappers, chips and snacks
OPP = Oriented Polypropylene
The clear layer that is reverse printed and laminated to the MET-OPP layer – comes in matte or gloss
MET-OPP = Metalized Oriented Polypropylene
The shiny metal inside of a bar wrapper or chip bag – very malleable
CPP = Cast Polypropylene
Usually used to increase machine performance on the filling line – enhanced sealing capabilities
PET = Polyethylene Terephthalate
A lot of pouches use this for most print and barrier layers- clear and/or metallized forms – good gas barrier and low moisture transmission
MET-PET = Metalized Polyethylene Terephthalate
The shiny metal inside of a pouch or sachet – more stiff than MET-OPP
PE = Polyethylene
Used in everything from water bottles, to stretch wrap, to pouches – high clarity – can be rigid (HD=high-density) to more malleable (LD=low density)
PE-(LLDPE) = Linear Low-Density Polyethylene
The layer of a pouch that seals all the other layers together – makes the pouch thicker, more stiff
PEST = Polyester
Commonly referred to as Mylar (DuPont brand name) – most pouches have this as a layer – see PET above
PVDC = Polyvinylidene Chloride
If you want a clear window on your pouch, but need barrier, this is a common film to use – think pet treats and granola
EVOH = Ethylene-Vinyl Alcohol
High-barrier film used commonly for meat and cheese products – can be used for a top web (like for single use beef sticks) or pouches
NY = Nylon
Very strong pouch material with puncture resistance – if your product is heavy and sharp, ask for this – good for pasta
ALOx = Aluminum Oxide
A high barrier coating that is applied to clear material – good for clear bar wrappers
PLA = Poly Lactic Acid
Common film structure for bio based bar wrappers – comes in clear and metallized
COLD SEAL
Cold seal is an adhesive applied to the film in order to create the seal bonds – no heat needed – good for rapid filling and energy savings – automation only
RLS = Release Coating
In order for the cold seal to release from the roll during the filling process, a coating must be applied so the adhesive doesn’t stick
HB = Health Beauty – PE
Health and beauty films are very high barrier – lotions, essential oils, and most liquids, can leak easily if the proper film isn’t used – also used on stick packs
COS WEB = Cosmetic Web
HB is a type of cosmetic web – often used for powdered stick pack– also called stick pack film- can come in an EZ tear variation
PCR = Post Consumer Resin
Plastic that has been recycled and is ready to be reused – some stick pack films offer this
SUP = Stand Up Pouch
What you’re most likely looking to order if you’re reading this – more efficient vehicle when compared to rigid packaging
SURP = Stand Up Resealable Pouch
Same as a SUP – only calling out the zipper for multi-use
PRC = Press To Close
Referring to how the consumer closes the zipper – Most pouches require you to press the zipper in, while some offer sliding mechanisms
CR = Child Resistant
Normally used as a term for special zippers that aid in poison control and packaging controlled substances – CR can also refer to a regulatory thickness of film – usually 4+mils thick (see mil thickness at the bottom of this list)
3SS = 3 Side Seal
Also called a sachet…customers often reference Emergen-C packets
OVTR = Oxygen Vapor Transmission Rate
The rate of which gas (oxygen) enters / releases from you film – lower the number = higher the barrier (*if you nitrogen flush, the barrier keeps the gas inside the wrapper)
WVTR = Water Vapor Transmission Rate
The rate of which moisture enters / releases from you film – lower the number = higher the barrier
MVTR = Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate
See WVTR
HFFS = Horizontal Form Fill Seal
Automated filling machine, such as a flow wrapper, that uses printed roll stock to form around a product – see diagram
VFFS = Vertical Form Fill Seal
Same as the horizontal only this machine stands up right – like a stick pack machine – see diagram
SBS = Solid Bleached Board
Specially treated paper for bar cartons and display boxes
MIL = MIL/Gauge/Microns
This is the thickness of the films used. PSG uses both mils and gauge. (example: .48mil = 48 gauge) You may also run into “microns”, which is a common thickness measurement outside the US. Here’s a handy chart that helps convert the various thicknesses available.
PER/M = Price Per Thousand
When you see /M that is the cost per 1,000 units or impressions. example: $10/M for 500,000 units = $5,000 ($10 x 500) or $0.01/ea
If you have any questions or see a missing definition, please reach out to us. The Pouch House has flexible packaging specialists waiting to help you with your next pouch order. Reach out today for a FREE sample kit.
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