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Understanding Type of Resins, the Material Used in Silage Film Production
Like containers and bottles, a variety of plastic resins can be used to make silage film. The following is a description of some of the different resins used to make films, their commonly used applications, and their properties.
LLDPE / LDPE
These two polyethylene resins have similar properties that make them often talked about as if they belong together. They have good moisture retention, good clarity, strong structure, fair gas barriers, and high flexibility. Both are used in similar applications, including shrink wrap, stretch wrap, bakery goods, ice and candy bags, produce bags, carton liners, envelope film, boil-in-bags, overwrap, bubble packaging, bags-in-a-box, industrial liners, mattress bags, shipping sacks, liners and trash, textile bags, garment bags, grocery sacks, construction, and agricultural silage film production.
However, they are preferable for different applications due to some differences. LDPE is often chosen for its ease of processing, high gloss, and high clarity. On the other hand, LLDPE is chosen for its heat sealability as well as its impact and tensile strength. LLDPE tends to be used more frequently in things like shrink wraps, non-food and food packaging, stretch film, and trash bags.
LLDPE and LDPE blends are commonly used in silage film production due to their superior puncture resistance, flexibility, and ability to create a tight seal around silage bales. Additionally, silage film may also incorporate UV stabilizers and metallocene polyethylene (mPE) for enhanced performance.
HDPE
HDPE can be found in similar applications as LLDPE and LDPE because it is part of the polyethylene family. For example, it is used in box liners, bakery bags, cake mix and cereal liners, industrial liners, grocery sacks, retail bags, shipping sacks, trash bags, agricultural film, envelope material, and other packaging products.
Due to its down-gauging properties, it has entered the film market in recent years. That means manufacturers can use less material while maintaining the same product yield. Compared to other polyethylene films, HDPE tends to be stiffer, which helps packaging maintain its shape. It also has a good moisture barrier and strong puncture resistance.
PP
Polypropylene (PP) film is known for its excellent moisture barrier, good tensile strength, high gloss, and clarity. It is also desirable in packaging that needs to withstand high temperatures for sterilization, thanks to its high melting point.
PP is commonly used in packaging for snack foods, sanitary items, cheese, candy, and bakery products. It is also found in tobacco wraps, shrink wraps, diaper cover stock, tape, and sterile wrap used in medical care facilities. Although PP has only moderate gas barrier properties, it is often coated with acrylic or PVDC to improve its barrier performance.
PVC
PVC film is used in stretch wrap for pallets and industrial wrapping (although in limited quantities). It is also used for liners and bags, shrink wrap, labels, IV bags, blood bags, and adhesive labels. PVC is especially common in packaging fresh red meats due to its oxygen permeability, which helps preserve the meat’s bright red color.
PVC film is also puncture-resistant, a good barrier to grease and oil, and has excellent clarity and cling. However, it’s gradually being replaced in some markets due to environmental and recycling concerns.
PET
PET (polyethylene terephthalate) films are often used in non-food applications such as X-ray films, photographic films, video and magnetic audio tape, inkjet films, solar control films, luggage tags, business cards, and laminates.
However, PET also plays a role in food and medical packaging. It is used in snack packaging like potato chips, microwave-ready food trays, and certain pharmaceutical blister packs. Metallized PET film is popular in flexible packaging due to its strength and excellent barrier properties.
PET is known for its stiffness, toughness, and high-temperature resistance. Its clear and pigmented versions are used when optical clarity or branding aesthetics are important.
Make Your Super Silage Bale Wrapping By Using Silage Film
Poorly wrapped silage bales that cause silage spoiling and film tearing during wrapping—these problems are familiar. For any farmer or contractor, these occurrences are a nightmare because they can increase time expenditure, costs, workloads, and ultimately result in poor feed quality.
Silage wrap can work wonders when used for super bale wrapping and storing. It ensures the freshness of the bales and can withstand even the harshest environmental conditions. With optimal stretch, cling, and sealing properties, a high-quality silage film is key to better forage preservation.
So if you’ve never tried using professional-grade silage film before, now is the perfect time.
Silage Film by Jummos & Silopak
Jummos is a trusted manufacturer of silage net wrap and silage film that provides high-performance products to meet the requirements of top-quality silage making. Our films have been specially tailored to suit the needs of farmers and agricultural contractors.
With very high puncture and tear resistance, optimal oxygen barrier, and superior adhesion, our silage film delivers the best results. All materials are manufactured using environmentally friendly additives and advanced extrusion processes to ensure consistency.
What are you waiting for? Order your silage covers today from the best silage film production brand—Silopak—and give your livestock the highest quality feed preservation solution.
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