Discover The Many Perks Of Polyethylene Films: Production, Types and Uses

As much as we love stepping out and breathing in the fresh air, fact remains that it is not just revitalizing oxygen in the air. It also contains specks of dust, spoilage bacteria, humidity and other unwarranted particles. While our bodies are trained to survive and thrive despite it all, the food and the products that we consume are unfortunately not. This is where polyethylene films come to our rescue. Let’s explore what a polyethylene packaging film is, along with its uses, types and many advantages-

What Is Polyethylene Film(PE film)?

To put it simply, a Polyethylene (PE) film is essentially a plastic film made from hydrocarbons, which is mainly obtained from natural gas or petroleum. Because of its wide use, polyethylene has many names in the market – ‘plastic sheeting’, ‘polyethylene sheet’, ‘poly sheeting’, or ‘poly film’.

It is a direct product of petroleum, which is why its costs are subject to the change in accordance with the oil prices. Usually, it is made available in rolls. Polyethylene sheeting is your best bet when it comes to plastic protection. The beauty of these flexible films lie in the fact that they can be tailored to perfectly fit into a project’s requirement. This is done with the help of additives such as U.V. inhibitors, fire retardants, and other anti-static additives. These additives are adept at changing the functionality of the film, ensuring that it best serves its purpose.

What is polyethylene film used for?

With its multiple features and unquestionable benefits, the list of polyethylene film uses is rather long. These films are then used in construction as vapor retarders, window films, flooring and countertop protection, and even in roofing. They can also be used to seal off rooms, cover building materials, and be used in lead abatement projects. It works wonders when it comes to slowing down run-off on hills, and keeping lead out of the ocean during shipbuilding projects.

What Are The Common Polyethylene Film Uses?

Apart from being the most sought-after plastic film, it is the most cost-effective labeling material out there. This is one of the primary reasons for the polyethylene film’s increasing demand. It is used for a wide range of applications, to name a few primary ones:

Packaging

Manufacturing Plastic Products

Manufacturing Labels

Protecting Machinery / Equipment

Covering Surfaces In Indoor Painting

What Are The Polyethylene Film Types?

Polyethylene films come in enviable variations. It can also be manufactured in different colours or be transparent. In addition, plastic sheeting comes in a wide range of thicknesses. The thicker the virgin film, the stronger it is. The film gets thicker as the numbers of mils increase. The three most common types of polyethylene are:

1. Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)

This one is commonly used to manufacture plastic products like shopping bags. It is a highly flexible material with unique flow properties.