How to Choose a Water Soluble Film Manufacturer

Water-soluble film can make packaging more convenient, simpler and neater in a variety of industries. Water soluble film is designed to dissolve in water under suitable conditions, making it a versatile material for packaging products which require measured doses, reduced handling or less wastage.

However, the quality of film can vary between suppliers. A reliable water soluble film manufacturer will be able to meet your production needs by considering the performance of the film, the materials that it will be used with, and the suitability of the product. Choosing the right supplier can help to avoid issues such as broken packs, inadequate sealing, plus unexpected failures or faults.

Benefits and Limitations to Consider

Water-soluble film can offer a number of advantages, but it is not always compatible with the product or storage conditions.

Controlled Handling and Dosing

A notable benefit of using water soluble film is controlled handling. Pre-measured products can be dosed and sealed into film and then simply added to water. This can help avoid contact with powders, detergents, chemicals or additional materials.

Reduced Packaging Waste

It can also help to reduce wastage of other materials, as the film will be dissolved during processing. This can reduce the amount of packaging which has to be disposed of once the product is finished.

Other Potential Benefits

Other potential benefits can include:

• Convenient dosing – a pre-measured pack for individual use or processing
• Simpler handling – reduced mess and handling of product
• Flexible production – films are available in a range of thicknesses and sizes, and can be sealed using a variety of methods
• Neater presentation – film packs can help to keep individual doses of product tidy and organised

Storage and Compatibility Limitations

However, the film has to be kept dry before use and some materials may affect the film’s integrity. Humidity during storage can impact the performance, so it is necessary to ensure that the film is sealed correctly and the surrounding conditions are suitable. Film manufacturers will have guidelines on storage and handling which need to be followed to ensure that the material is compatible with the product and will not be affected by different liquids, powders or detergents before use.

A supplier should be asked to provide a compatibility test on the complete product, rather than simply a sample of the film, as ingredients can affect the performance. Other limitations will relate to the suitability of the film for the intended use or storage.

How to Compare Different Film Suppliers Before Ordering

A reliable water soluble film manufacturer will be able to discuss the properties and performance of their film in different conditions. They should be able to advise on the storage and handling of their material, and how it will behave in different temperatures or with different liquids.

It is important to ask the following questions to compare film suppliers before making an order:

Request Film Specifications

Ask for details about the film, such as the tensile strength at different thicknesses, the melting point or required sealing temperature, and any recommended storage conditions.

Test the Film With Your Product

It is essential to test the suitability of different film options with the intended product and in the proposed conditions. Ask for samples and request trials on production lines, or conduct trials in-house to evaluate the performance of the film and check for any concerns around suitability, dissolving time, storage and packing or sealing integrity.

Review Manufacturing Capabilities

Ask how the manufacturer can support your production needs. If you require a bespoke size, check that the supplier has the capability to produce this at a suitable quantity to meet your requirements. You may also want to find out more about the manufacturing and production process, and request information about lead times and quality control.

Additional technical information from specialist industry suppliers, such as www.watersolubleplastics.com , can also help to identify the most suitable films for a product.

Review Storage or Handling Guidelines

Ask how the rolls should be packed and stored, including any recommendations for transportation. Although the material has been manufactured correctly, it can still absorb excess moisture if not stored correctly. This can make it less suitable for some applications and impact its performance during packing or processing.

Avoid Price Comparisons Alone

It is important to remember that a cheaper option may require more wastage during packing or sealing, or may be unsuitable for the intended application. Always review the technical properties and consider how the film will be used, as well as the price per roll.

Key Considerations to Remember

Match the film to the product and its intended use

Test samples before committing to a full order

Review storage, application and processing conditions

Discuss technical details and production capabilities with the manufacturer

Compare quality, performance and price

Making a More Informed Purchase

The right water soluble film manufacturer will be able to provide a comprehensive overview and support to ensure that the film will suit the intended application. A comparison of suppliers should cover technical details, production capabilities and the potential performance of the film in the proposed conditions.

Before committing to bulk orders, always request a trial to assess the suitability of the film with the intended product and in the proposed environment. Taking additional time and effort to identify the most appropriate supplier can help to prevent issues during packing and processing, and reduce wastage. The ideal partner will provide a film which is suitable for the intended use and which will support production runs, and will also understand the conditions which the material will be exposed to before and during use.