5 Must-Have Features in a plastic film wholesale

Here are the main criteria to consider and questions to ask when selecting plastic film for industrial packaging:

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The type of load:

What type of product are you wrapping? Is it a dry or wet product? What's its size and weight? Select film thickness, width, and length according to the size and weight of your products. Also, take into account how smooth they are and possible sharp corners that could tear the film.

The type of plastic:

This depends on the nature of the product to be packed. Commonly used plastics include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Each has different properties in terms of strength, transparency, and flexibility.

Desired function:

What will your film be used for? Packaging, protection, heat retention, sealing, etc.?

Some films have specific properties that make them resistant to chemicals, UV, or heat. Others are more transparent. Some also have electrical conductivity properties.

Duration of use:

How long do you expect your film to last, whether in transit or in long-term storage?

Respect for the environment:

More and more plastic films are recyclable or biodegradable. Naturally, we advise you to opt for this type of product for obvious environmental reasons.

In industrial applications, several types of plastic film are used, depending on their specific properties and applications. Here are some of the types of plastic film commonly used:

Stretch film

Stretch film is a versatile material, often made from extruded polyethylene in one or more layers, depending on its intended use. It is known for its flexibility as it can stretch from 125% to 500% of its original length.

There are two main types of stretch film, depending on the extrusion technique used.

1. Cast
   • This film is suitable for standard, even heavy loads with low-profile angles.
   • It offers good adhesion, high lengthwise strength, high transparency, and silent unwinding, and is generally compatible with automatic wrapping machines.
2. Blown
   • This film is suitable for heavy, angular, and uneven loads.
   • It offers very good adhesion, high strength in length and width, limited transparency, the ability to withstand low temperatures, and enhanced durability.

Advantages:

• Strong, puncture- and tear-resistant
• It adheres without sticking to the load.

Disadvantages:

• To effectively secure a load, the stretch film must be carefully stretched, which can make the packaging process more complex.
• However, some stretch film can be pre-stretched before use to simplify the packaging process.

Applications:

• Stretch film is used to wrap and secure pallets of products in the logistics industry.
• It is also commonly used for packaging fresh produce and foodstuffs.

Plastic film is a versatile product whose properties are largely influenced by the plastic of which it is made. Here are the main plastics used in the manufacture of plastic film:

Polyethylene (PE)

It is one of the most commonly used plastics in industry. It can be produced in single-layer or coextruded versions to meet a variety of needs. It shrinks at temperatures of around 150°C.

There are two types of PE: low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). PE film is generally 40 to 50 micrometers thick, but thinner versions are available, notably LDPE, which also has non-stick and anti-slip properties.

Advantages:

• PE film is renowned for its moisture resistance.
• It is flexible.
• It is transparent.
• It is the most economical.

Applications:

• Food packaging
• Bulk packaging
• Beverage can packs
• Packaging for furniture, household appliances, etc.

The color of the plastic film is an essential aspect of the packaging. Each color has its own specific use. The color you choose will depend on the company's needs, the type of products packed, and the environments in which these products are stored or transported.

Transparent film

This is particularly useful for identifying packaged products. In a warehousing or production environment, transparency means you can quickly see which products are contained on pallets without having to remove the film. This improves efficiency and inventory management.

Black film

This provides effective protection against light. It is therefore used to protect light-sensitive products (photosensitive materials, chemicals). In addition, black plastic film offers a degree of privacy, as it conceals the pallet's contents.

White film

This is similar to black film in terms of light protection. It has the added advantage of effectively protecting products from UV rays. This feature is important for products that could be damaged by prolonged exposure to the sun.

Translucent blue film

Contact us to discuss your requirements of plastic film wholesale. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

This film is commonly used in food packaging. The color blue is often associated with freshness and food safety, making it a popular choice for products intended for human consumption.

Other plastic film colors can be used to help identify products in a storage environment, allowing them to be distinguished at a glance and saving time during order picking. Red, for example, is one of these colors.

Cost can vary considerably depending on film type, thickness, and material. Here are some price estimates for the three main types of film:

Stretch film

Stretch film prices can range from 3 euros to over 100 euros per roll.

For film that is applied manually, prices range from 3 euros to over 50 euros, depending on the size of the roll. Less expensive film is generally suitable for light loads, while more expensive film is suitable for heavier loads or specific uses.
If you wish to apply your film with a wrapping machine, prices range from 30 euros to over 90 euros per roll.

Shrink film

Shrink film is available at prices ranging from 20 euros to over 400 euros per roll.
The price difference depends mainly on the width of the roll (prices increase with width) and the thickness of the film.

Examples:

• Very fine POF (10-15 microns) are more expensive, from 160 euros to 300 euros.
• PE film (40-50 microns) ranges in price from 60 euros to over 120 euros.
• PVC film (20-30 microns) ranges from 50 euros to over 100 euros.

Bubble wrap

Bubble wrap ranges in price from 3 euros to 100 euros for a roll approximately 1 meter long.

• Standard bubble wrap costs between 3 euros and 20 euros.
• Antistatic bubble wrap costs between 5 euros and 30 euros.
• Anti-corrosion bubble wrap is available from between 10 euros to 50 euros.
• Isothermal bubble wrap ranges in price from 20 euros to 80 euros.

There are many things to consider when you're building your own plastic film recycling washing line, such as choosing the right plastic film washing lines including shredder, washer and dryer, determining the most suitable cleaning agents, and creating a floor plan. This 5-step guide will help you navigate the process and determine exactly what you need.

1. Determine the types of plastic film that you will be processing and recycling 

Some common types of plastic film include high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), , and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). No matter what types of films, wraps, bags or packagings you will be processing, it is important to determine the dirty level of the plastic film and how you would like it to be processed.

Let's take agricultural films as an example. Agricultural films are more contaminated. Recycling agricultural films is a complex process. The films are often delivered in bales and are a mixture of various polymers that must be separated. Additionally, the used films are typically damp or wet and heavily contaminated with substances such as soil, stones, and metals. It can be difficult to assess the level of contamination due to the film being transported in bale form. Organic matter that adheres to the film after silage or harvesting is often already decomposed, further hindering the recycling process. Therefore, you will need a customized plastic film washing line which could include more friction washers or floating tanks.

Upon the customer requirements GENIUS specialist team provides a flexible customized plastic recycling system for each customer starting from sorting units, feeding units,  to degassing units , number or type of filters, storage and packing systems.Moreover, due to the various materials to recycle, GENIUS often helps customers with the unique screw design requirements and pelletizing units. Also, the force side feeding recycling machines are equipped with such as dual piston filters and auto self-cleaning filters upon customer's request. Recently most of the customers prefer die face cutting pelletizing units to achieve more unique pellets for further manufacturing. Plant size has also become another consideration for many customers, the company has already received many customers' appreciation with the custom-size machine manufacturing for various sizes of plants. 

2. Choose the right equipment for your film recycling washing line

Some key pieces of equipment that you will need include a shredder, a wash tank, a drying system, and a granulator or pelletizer. You may also need additional equipment such as a pre-washer or a friction washer.

• Crusher or Shredder

This is a machine that breaks down the film into smaller pieces so it can be washed more easily. They could be a single shaft plastic shredder or twin shaft plastic shredder for different demands.






• Floating/Wash tank

This is where the washing process takes place, and it should have enough capacity to accommodate all of your incoming material. Floating tanks can be used to separate different types of plastics based on their density. This process relies on the sink-float principle, where denser plastics sink to the bottom of the tank while lighter plastics float to the surface. By using this method, it is possible to separate plastics based on their weight and density.






• Drying system

There are many different options available when it comes to film drying systems. Washed films typically retain about 30% moisture. High humidity will negatively impact the efficiency and production of the pelletizing process. Using a plastic squeeze dryer is essential to remove moisture from washed film, reduce the volume of recycled materials, and improve the quality of the final plastic pellets.






• Friction washer

Friction washer is a type of machine that uses friction to remove contaminants from plastic film surfaces. They often consist of a cylindrical drum with an inner drum or impeller, which creates a scrubbing action when it comes into contact with the plastic films, wraps or bags being cleaned.






• Granulator or Pelletizer

Finally, you'll need a granulator or pelletizer. This machine will turn your washed film into pellets or granules that can be used in manufacturing processes like packaging or recycling programs.

Read also: Plastic Film Recycling : Challenges & Solutions - Genius

Read also: How to Select Plastic Film Pelletizing Machine to Make Quality Pellet ?

3. Determine the layout of your washing line

Consider the size and shape of your facility, as well as the flow of material through the line. The layout of the washing line is an important factor, as it will affect the flow of material through the line and the efficiency of the process. A well-designed layout will minimize the distance that the material needs to travel, which can help to reduce energy consumption and improve overall efficiency.

When selecting equipment for a plastic film washing line and plant, it is important to consider whether you can purchase all of the necessary equipment from the same supplier. There are several advantages to buying all of the equipment from the same supplier :

• Simplicity:

Purchasing all of the equipment from the same supplier simplifies the procurement process, as you only have to deal with one vendor rather than multiple. This can save time and effort, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your business.

• Compatibility:

Buying all of the equipment from the same supplier ensures that the various components are compatible with one another, which can improve the overall efficiency of the washing line.

• Service and support:

A single supplier can provide a more comprehensive service and support package, as they are familiar with all of the equipment in your washing line. This can be especially useful if you encounter any issues or need technical support.

• Cost savings:

Buying all of the equipment from the same supplier may also result in cost savings, as you may be able to negotiate bulk discounts or other favorable terms.

4. Install the recycling washing equipment

Once you have chosen the equipment, the next step is to install it. This will involve setting up the various pieces of equipment, connecting them to the necessary utilities, and ensuring that they are properly calibrated and functioning correctly.

5. Test and optimize your washing line

To optimize a plastic film washing line, you can start by running small batches of material through the line to make necessary adjustments and fine-tune the process. It is also important to monitor and record key performance indicators, conduct experiments to test different variables, use simulation software, and consult with your equipment manufacturers. By following these steps, you can identify areas for improvement and make changes to the process as needed to ensure that the line is running efficiently and producing high-quality washed material.

It seems like a lot of work to build your own plastic film washing line or plant. But once you have it with effective and high-quality systems, you should see consistent improvements in the quality of your washed films, allowing you to increase production and generate greater profits.

If you're not an engineer or a plastics expert, do not worry, you can get a free consultant service from Genius. Contact us Now !

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