Characteristics of Stretch Film for the Food Industry
Food-grade stretch film differs from ordinary industrial film primarily in its "food safety" and "targeted functionality." Its main characteristics include:
Safe Materials, Compliant with Regulations:
Typically made from raw materials that comply with FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration), EU (European Union), or Chinese national food safety standards (GB 4806.7), such as food-grade polyethylene (PE).
Non-toxic, odorless, ensuring no contamination of food, with extremely low levels of migratory substances.
Excellent Preservation Functions:
High Breathability/Modified Atmosphere Properties: Some stretch films for fresh produce have micro-perforations that regulate the ratio of oxygen and carbon dioxide inside the package, slowing respiration and extending shelf life.
Anti-Fogging: When refrigerated or subjected to temperature variations, condensation can form on the inner layer of ordinary film. Food-grade stretch film often includes anti-fog agents, keeping the film surface clear and bright for optimal product display.
High Moisture Retention: Effectively prevents moisture loss, maintaining the freshness and weight of products like meat, fruits, and vegetables.
Outstanding Physical Performance:
High Stretch Rate and Elasticity: Can tightly conform to food trays of various shapes, providing uniform constriction force.
Good Puncture and Tear Resistance: Resists punctures from food items to ensure package integrity.
High Cling (Tack): Possesses good self-adhesion, securing the load firmly without leaving sticky residue.
Clarity and Gloss:
High transparency perfectly showcases the color and condition of the food, enhancing consumer appeal.
Temperature Resistance:
Can withstand cold storage, freezing, and short-term pasteurization processes.
Primary Uses in the Food Packaging Industry
The core purposes of food stretch film are "unitization" and "freshness protection," mainly achieved through two methods:
I. Pallet Wrapping
This is the most common application, used to secure boxes, bags, or cans of food stacked on a pallet into a stable shipping unit.
Process:
Stacking: Neatly stack food cartons on a wooden or plastic pallet.
Wrapping: Place the pallet on the turntable of a stretch wrapper.
Wrapping: The machine spirally wraps the entire pallet.
Cutting: The film is automatically cut and sealed.
Functions:
Prevents Collapse & Shifting
Dust & Moisture Protection
Tamper Evidence
Cost Reduction
II. Direct Food Wrapping
This utilizes the high-preservation properties of stretch film to wrap food or trays directly.
Common Applications:
Fresh Produce Preservation
Fresh Meat, Poultry, and Seafood Packaging
Chilled Ready-to-Eat Foods and Bakery Items
Food Service Ingredient Storage
Equipment Used:
Manual Hand Wrapping
L-Bar Sealers (Bundling Machines)
Summary
| Aspect | Food-Grade Stretch Film | General Industrial Stretch Film |
|---|---|---|
| Core Priority | Food safety first, high functionality | Load stability first, cost-effective |
| Materials | Food-grade resins with safety certifications | May contain recycled materials, no specific safety requirements |
| Key Functions | Emphasizes freshness features: anti-fog, breathability, high moisture retention | Emphasizes high tensile strength, puncture resistance, high load retention |
| Primary Applications | 1. Food palletizing for transport 2. Direct fresh food preservation wrapping | Primarily for unitizing industrial goods, chemicals, building materials, etc. |
In summary, stretch film for the food industry is a packaging material that combines regulatory compliance for safety, excellent physical properties, and specific preservation functionalities. It achieves transport unit stability through pallet wrapping and enables food preservation and display through direct wrapping, making it an essential component in modern food logistics and retail.
Prev: None
