Skin films are one of the most important components of the skin packaging process. It is the film that holds the product on the board. The film also reinforces the board and provides a glossy surface for enhancing graphics.

Skin packaging films are known for their clarity, high gloss, puncture resistance, versatility, adhesion and shorter cycle time. They have excellent opacity and a lustrous satin appearance. They are best suited for high profile items, have low shrink force to minimize board curl. They absorb and dissipate heat quickly for highest possible production speeds.

Skin Packaging
Skin packaging is an inexpensive, effective way to display any product. It is extremely versatile because one piece of plastic can be drawn around almost any shape, size or weight product. The plastic protects the product and the card backing from wear and tear. And since the product is immobilized, it cannot shift and multi-component products will not lose any of its pieces.

Skin packaging can be used to replace blisters, poly bags and folding cartons. In the industrial products protection segment, skin packaging can replace peanuts, cellulose wadding, bubble wrap, foam-in place, shredded paper and die cut corrugated. It provides product protection, product visibility and tamper evidence.

Applying the Film
Product is loaded onto a skin card and placed in the platen or skinning area of the machine. The skin film is then preheated until it is softened and wrinkles are removed. It drapes over the product on the supporting card. It is then drawn down tightly around the product using a vacuum pulled through pores of the card and then the film is bonded to the surface. The film is applied with the post heat. A cool down cycle occurs and then the film reverts to a semi crystalline solid plastic state.

Applications
Skin films are used for almost all automatic packaging machines for thermoforming, flow pack and transwrap systems as well as machines for bags sealing. They are also used for packaging of a wide range of products including meat, poultry, ready meals, fish, cheese, bread, medical products. The films are available in different reel widths adapted to the needs of all packaging machines. They are available in the form of packaging pouches, packaging bags, packaging rolls etc. They are also used in shipping rooms and industrial applications.