Company sees polyolefin film as alternative to PVC

A US packing company has turned to polyolefin films as an alternative to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) shink film used for food products.

Source One Packaging said today it is expanding its packaging and tamper evident packaging product line to include more inventory in its lineup of polyolefin films. Tamper proof packaging is agrowing market due to increased concerns over bioterrorism and food safety in general.

Source One's new products provide security from tampering and pilferage and are available for food and non food applications, forsealing small packages and for unusual shaped items.

Unlike PVC film, polyolefin film doesn't become brittle and yellow with age or break down during the heat-sealing phase of packaging. PVC production lines create odor and smoke as the filmdeposits on the sealing equipment and carbon builds up on the sealing tools over time. This doesn't happen with polyolefin film so there is less maintenance and a cleaner, higher quality overallappearance, according to the company.

General-purpose polyolefin shrink film temperatures vary from about 260 to 325 F degrees. Clear and other special films are available depending on the application. Polyolefin films are punctureresistant and tough, the company stated.

"We continue to see strong growth in demand for our products which address a wide range of packaging needs," the company said in a statement. "With the addition of polyolefinfilms to our already broad shrink film inventory, customers have a good alternative to PVC shrink film in food applications and other uses where clarity and shelf life are important considerations."

Polyolefin is approved for direct food contact. Source One Packaging makes PVC/PETG film and polyolefin film, shrink labels, cut bands, preforms, roll stock, multipack banding, centerfold film,tubing, and shrink bags.