The popularity of flexible packaging laminates is increasing across a diverse range of industries. Before we move on to the functions and applications of these films, let’s explain how laminates for flexible packaging are manufactured. Lamination is accomplished by joining multiple flexible packaging webs together. The webs are generally made of papers, films, or aluminum foils.

When a specific adhesive is used to hold a less-absorbent substrate web against the second one, it is called a dual-layered laminate. Most often, lamination occurs after the substrate printing, and before reel slitting and processing on form-fill-seal equipment. If the web is printed externally, lamination takes place before the substrate printing. There are four types of lamination:

• Wet lamination – webs are joined together while the bonding agent is liquid. It is widely used in flexible packaging for a paper-aluminum foil laminate.
• Dry lamination – the bonding agent is dissolved into a liquid and applied to one of the webs before evaporating in a drying oven.
• Wax lamination – a wax or hot melt bonding agent is applied in a molten state to one of the two substrates.
• Solventless lamination – the adhesives used do not contain solvents. The adhesive happens when two components react, and thereby no drying is required.

How to use Flexible Packaging Laminates

Flexible packaging laminates have excellent mechanical and barrier properties. Their mechanical function improves the material’s resistance against tearing by increasing its strength. It also ensures maximum protection during packaging, storage, and distribution. In addition, the barrier properties keep the quality of the products intact by keeping out elements that would harm the product, such as gas, moisture, air, and light. Flexible packaging laminates also have impressive sealability properties that keep the products safe and protected for long durations of time.

Where to use Flexible Packaging Laminates

Several industries use flexible packaging laminates to protect various products and extend the shelf life. Flexible packaging laminates are used for:

• Medical products
• Automotive aftermarket
• Grease and lubricants
• Cosmetic items

Liquipak has provided flexible packaging solutions for many industries, including detergent, pharmaceutical, dental, cosmetics, first aid, and automotive aftermarket flexible packaging. Please contact us to learn more about how we can help your business produce a flexible package that will meet your exact requirements.