At SystemPak, we don’t just supply packaging; we provide the technical specifications to ensure your production line runs without interruption. Whether you are operating high-speed automated machinery or manual heat sealers, the reliability of your industrial film rolls is the difference between a seamless shift and costly downtime.
Industrial Film Rolls: The SystemPak Standard
Two Rolls Per Box Efficiency in a packing environment starts with how your materials are delivered and stored. We have standardised our film distribution to provide maximum value for high-volume users by supplying two rolls per box as standard. This isn’t just about bulk shipping; it is a practical logistical advantage designed for the professional packer:
- Superior Edge Protection: On a high-tension production line, a single nick or dent on the side of a film roll causes it to snap repeatedly. By boxing our rolls in pairs within reinforced packaging, we ensure the film remains pristine from our warehouse to your machine.
- Streamlined Manual Handling: Moving fewer boxes from the pallet to the line speeds up the replenishment process. It reduces the labour time spent de-palleting and allows your team to focus on output.
- Optimised Storage: Supplying two rolls per unit allows for neater, more stable stacking. This helps you maximise your warehouse footprint and maintain a more organised inventory.
Choosing the Right Film for Your Application
A perfect seal is not a matter of luck; it is about matching the chemical properties of the film to the specific formulation of the tray. At SystemPak, we stock a comprehensive range of technical films to suit every requirement:
- Weld Seal Lidding Films (For Permanent Security)
A strong, permanent weld seal relies entirely on matching the right film to the right tray material. We supply specific, industry-standard films engineered for the exact type of tray you are running:
- EcoPET 12/15mu (For PET & Board Trays): This is the industry standard for APET, CPET, and rPET trays, sealing securely at 140–160°C. It also forms a highly reliable bond on pressed board trays (requiring a higher heat of 180–200°C and a longer dwell time).
- PET/PP 12/30mu (For Polypropylene Trays): This film is designed specifically for all PP (polypropylene) trays. Because of its chemical blend, it delivers a permanent weld seal typically at 160°C, which is the sweet spot for most PP trays and is also the factory setting for all our manual machines.
- Anti-Fog Properties: Regardless of which tray material you use, both of these weld seal films include anti-fog treatments as standard. This prevents condensation from obscuring the product, ensuring high-impact shelf appeal in chilled environments.
2. Peelable Seal Films (For Consumer Convenience)
If your product requires a user-friendly opening, our PET/PP 12/30mu Peelable Seal is specifically engineered for all PP trays. It includes Anti-Fog properties as standard and provides a highly secure bond for storage and transit, while still peeling back cleanly for the consumer without tearing. It performs best with a sealing temperature of 95–145°C and a short dwell time of 1–3 seconds.
- Application: These films perform best across a range of P-type trays at temperatures between 95–145°C.
3. Universal 101 AF:
The Sustainable Choice If your facility runs mixed production lines or frequently switches between different packaging formats, constantly swapping out film rolls is a massive drain on operational time. The Universal 101 AF is engineered specifically to eliminate that bottleneck.
- Unmatched Versatility: As the name suggests, this is a truly universal lidding film. It offers the flexibility to seal to the vast majority of monolayer tray materials, as well as pressed board trays. This allows packers to consolidate their inventory and use a single film stock across multiple, evolving product ranges.
- Adaptive Sealing: You control the bond strength via your machine settings. It acts as a standard peelable seal at shorter dwell times (1–3 seconds at 160–200°C for monolayer plastics). However, if you increase the heat and dwell time (e.g., 3–5 seconds at 180–220°C for board trays), it converts to a highly secure weld seal.
- Recycled Content: Sustainability is built-in. This 35mu Clear PCR film contains 30% recycled material, directly helping your business meet environmental targets and manage UK Plastic Packaging Tax compliance without sacrificing machine performance.
Technical Guidance: Troubleshooting Your Seal
The success of your packaging depends on three variables: Temperature, Pressure, and Dwell Time. Our manual sealing machines leave the factory with a default setting of 160°C, which is the “sweet spot” for most standard PP trays. However, environmental factors and tray thicknesses can require adjustments:
- Eliminating Tray Ripple: If you notice the rim of a thin-wall tray starting to distort or ‘ripple’, you have too much heat. Reduce the temperature in increments of 5°C or 10°C until the tray remains flat and the seal is secure.
- Sealing Board Trays: Transitioning from plastic to pressed board requires more energy. You will typically need to increase the heat to 180–220°C and extend the dwell time to 3–5 seconds to ensure the bond bites into the board surface.
In-House Trials and Support
At SystemPak, we always recommend carrying out in-house trials before committing to full-scale production. Because variables like ambient temperature and specific machine calibration can affect performance, testing is essential. Our technical team is on hand to offer advice and provide product samples of our industrial film rolls, pre-cut lids, and containers. Contact us today to discuss your specific requirements and ensure your packaging is fit for purpose.
