Embossed plastic film in the packaging industry
14/05/2024

In Inviker’s catalogue, one of the innovative materials is embossed plastic film, a versatile solution that has gained popularity in various industries due to its unique characteristics. This material not only stands out for its anti-adhesive properties but also offers superior stability during transportation.

In this blog, we will review what embossed film is, the sectors in which it is applied, and the benefits it provides, thus offering a comprehensive guide to understanding its relevance in the industrial packaging market.

What is embossed film?

Embossed film is a specialised type of plastic film, specifically polyethylene (PE), which has undergone a unique stamping process. This process involves the application of heat and pressure to the plastic film, thus creating a textured relief across its surface.

This texture can feature a variety of patterns, such as diamonds, rhombuses, and line textures, specifically chosen to enhance the film’s properties for different applications. The choice of design or pattern in an embossed plastic film can significantly impact its properties and its effectiveness for various uses.

The embossing process plays a crucial role in reducing the contact surface between the film and the product’s surface. Thanks to this, the separation of adhesive materials is facilitated, and the stability of packaged products during transport and storage is improved. Embossed film is highly valued in various industries for its versatility and ability to offer effective protection to packaged products.

Below, we will review the main patterns.

Diamonds

patron diamante edited
Diamond pattern
  • High grip and anti-slip: this design offers maximum effectiveness in preventing objects from slipping. The diamond shape provides friction points that increase the stability of stacked products during transport.
  • Uniform pressure distribution: the diamond structure helps distribute tension more evenly across the material’s surface, reducing the risk of tears or punctures during handling.
  • Aesthetics and recognition: besides its functionality, the diamond pattern has a distinctive appearance that can enhance the presentation of the packaged product, offering a professional and high-quality look.

Rhombuses

patron rombo edited
Rhombus pattern
  • Ventilation: this pattern allows for better air circulation, which is crucial for products that require ventilation to prevent condensation or deterioration during transport.
  • Moderate slip protection: although it provides some resistance to slipping, it is generally less effective than the diamond pattern in this aspect.

Lines or linen texture

patron lino edited
Pattern of linen texture
  • Simplicity and cost: linear patterns are simpler to produce and can be more economical, making them a viable option for applications where budget is a key factor.
  • Flexibility: this design offers good flexibility, which facilitates the wrapping of objects with irregular or complicated shapes.

Each of these designs has its own advantages and optimal applications. The choice of the appropriate design will depend on the type of product being packaged, the specific protection and handling needs during transport, and the aesthetic or branding considerations the company wishes to project.

By opting for embossed film with the diamond pattern, the most commonly used option in the industrial sector, companies benefit from a superior solution in terms of safety and presentation, which can justify a slightly higher investment in the material’s cost.

Applications of embossed plastic film

Embossed film finds a wide range of applications across various industrial sectors due to its unique properties and versatility. Below, we explore some of the primary areas where this material plays a crucial role.

Rubber and tyre industry

Embossed film is used as a liner between rubber layers during the manufacturing process of tyres, treads, and other rubber products. Its use facilitates the separation of layers, improving process efficiency.

The main benefit is that it acts as a non-stick barrier, preventing the rubber layers from sticking together during production. This ensures an even distribution of the rubber compound, thereby improving the quality and durability of the final products.

Film gofrado de Inviker con el patrón de diamante

Automotive industry

Its primary application is in the protection of parts and components during storage and transportation within the automotive supply chain.

Embossed film provides an additional protective layer that helps prevent abrasion, scratches, and impact damage during the handling and transportation of automotive parts. Its textured surface provides an anti-slip feature that enhances the stability of stacked parts.

Healthcare and pharmaceutical sector

In this sector, embossed film is used as a release liner in the manufacturing of dressings and pharmaceutical products. It helps to prevent adhesive materials from sticking prematurely, ensuring the quality and safety of the products. It is also applicable in the packaging of medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and hospital supplies.

The textured surface of embossed film provides an effective separation layer that helps prevent accidental adherence between packaged products or unwanted adhesion during the manufacturing process. Additionally, its anti-slip resistance ensures safe and stable handling of medical products during transport and storage.

Food industry

Embossed film is employed in food packaging, especially for fresh products like meat, dairy, vegetables, and fruits. It acts as a protective barrier between the food and the packaging, preserving freshness and quality.

Embossed film provides an additional protective layer that helps maintain the freshness and quality of food during storage and transport. Its textured surface facilitates ventilation, reducing moisture buildup and extending product shelf life. Moreover, it offers an attractive and professional presentation of packaged products, enhancing their appeal to consumers.

These applications are based on standard practices in the packaging industry, providing a high degree of confidence and relevance for materials engineers and industry professionals.

How is embossed film used?

The application of embossed film is straightforward and adaptable to existing packaging processes. It can be used with automatic machines or applied manually, depending on the packaging needs and the scale of the operation.

Ultimately, embossed plastic film represents a significant advancement in industrial packaging. With its unique texture and anti-slip properties, this material not only enhances product safety during transport but also optimises packaging processes through its ease of handling and application. By choosing embossed film, companies are protecting their products and investing in a more efficient and sustainable packaging process.

As more industries recognise its benefits, its use is likely to expand further. Whether in the rubber industry or any other sector requiring high-quality packaging solutions, considering embossed plastic film could be the next step to improving product integrity and logistical efficiency.

Advantages and benefits of embossed film

The ability of embossed plastic film to enhance manufacturing efficiency, ensure product quality, and provide protection against physical damage makes it an indispensable component in industrial packaging. The use of this material reduces costs associated with damage and returns and enhances the brand’s reputation for quality and care among customers.

Below, we summarise some of the key advantages and benefits:

  1. Ease of separation: thanks to its textured surface and non-stick properties, embossed film facilitates the separation of adhesive materials, improving manufacturing efficiency and reducing the risk of damage during handling and transport.
  2. Enhanced protective capability: embossed film acts as a protective barrier between products and the external environment, offering superior protection against physical damage, moisture, dust, and other external elements that could affect the quality of packaged products.
  3. Stability and safety: the textured surface of embossed film provides an anti-slip feature that improves the stability of products during stacking and transport. This helps to prevent slippage between layers, stabilising stacks and minimising the risk of falls or collapses, reducing accidents and product damage, and ensuring their safety throughout the logistical process.
  4. Versatility: embossed plastic film is highly versatile and can be adapted to a wide range of applications in different industries. From tyre manufacturing to food packaging, its versatility makes it an effective solution for various packaging needs.
  5. Customisation: embossed film can be customised according to customer needs and preferences. This includes the possibility of choosing from a variety of colours and embossed patterns, as well as selecting the roll width and length or sheet dimensions to fit specific packaging specifications.

In summary, embossed plastic film offers a unique combination of protection, efficiency, and versatility, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of industrial packaging applications. Its ability to enhance the safety, stability, and presentation of packaged products makes it indispensable in manufacturing and logistics environments.

Additionally, its customisation capabilities ensure that it can meet the specific needs of each customer, making it a flexible and adaptable option for any packaging application.

Environmental and sustainability considerations

Embossed plastic film not only offers functional and performance benefits but also presents important considerations in terms of sustainability and environmental impact.

Reduce

REUSE

RECYCLE

Recycled and recyclable material

One of the main environmental advantages of embossed plastic film is that it is made from 100% recycled and recyclable material. This means that once it has fulfilled its initial purpose, it can be collected, processed, and transformed into new products, thereby reducing the amount of plastic waste entering the environment. Furthermore, its recyclability contributes to closing the material’s life cycle and promoting a more sustainable circular economy.

Reuse

In addition to being recyclable, embossed film is also reusable in various applications. This reusability helps extend the material’s life span and reduce the amount of waste generated, thus promoting more sustainable resource management practices.

The use of embossed plastic film aligns with companies’ sustainability and environmental responsibility objectives by offering a packaging solution that is both functional and environmentally friendly. By opting for recycled and recyclable materials and promoting reuse practices, companies can actively contribute to waste reduction and foster a more sustainable industry.

Solutions by Inviker

Embossed plastic film is distributed through specialised industrial packaging suppliers. Its use is global, as companies worldwide seek effective solutions for protecting goods during shipping and storage.

Inviker’s embossed plastic film is the result of extensive research and development, designed to meet the highest demands for protection and safety during the transportation and storage of goods. We are committed to excellence and innovation in industrial packaging solutions!

In summary, embossed plastic film represents a versatile and effective solution in the packaging industry, offering superior protection and exceptional stability during transport. From its manufacturing process to its various applications in different industrial sectors, embossed film offers a unique combination of benefits that make it an indispensable component in modern industrial packaging.

Do you need reliable and sustainable industrial packaging solutions? Contact us today and start enjoying the benefits of Inviker’s embossed film.