Key Questions to Ask When Ordering Plastic Film Testing

When ordering plastic film testing, it’s essential to consider the right criteria and pose specific questions to ensure you receive an optimal product.

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The type of load:

What type of items are you wrapping? Are these products dry or wet? What are their dimensions and weight? Choose the appropriate film thickness, width, and length based on the characteristics of your products. Considerations should be made regarding how smooth the products are, as well as any sharp edges that could potentially puncture the film.

The type of plastic:

This choice largely hinges on the nature of the items being packaged. Common materials include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Each type exhibits unique properties such as transparency, strength, and flexibility.

Desired function:

What specific purpose will the film serve? Is it for packaging, protective wrapping, heat retention, sealing, etc.?

It’s important to note that some films offer distinctive properties such as UV resistance, chemical resistance, or special heat retention capabilities. Others may prioritize transparency or even possess conductive properties.

Duration of use:

What lifespan are you expecting from your film, whether it’s being used in transit or stored for a longer time frame?

Respect for the environment:

As environmental consciousness rises, many plastic films are now available in recyclable or biodegradable forms. We highly recommend selecting these options for clear environmental benefits.

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For customers exploring custom plastic packaging manufacturers, the selection process for a supplier or distributor can seem overwhelming.

Here are five critical questions to ensure that your chosen poly supplier aligns with your quality standards and business objectives.

5 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Poly Packaging Supplier

When embarking on your search for a plastic packaging supplier, it can be beneficial to have a list of questions ready to confirm that the supplier's goals match your own.

1. What certifications do you hold?

It is important for your plastic manufacturer to possess relevant certifications that correspond to the industries they cater to. For instance, Versa Pak is recognized as SQF-certified, FDA-approved, and Kosher certified.

Manufacturers should regularly update and present proof of their certifications.

Learn more about our certifications.

For further information, visit Plastic Film Testing.

2. What quality measures are in place during your custom plastic production?

Besides maintaining necessary certifications, manufacturers should also showcase their internal quality protocols.

For example, at Versa Pak, we ensure that the resins utilized in our bags and films meet FDA regulations as outlined in 21 CFR 177., (c) (3.1a), which includes respect for food type restrictions and use scenarios. We also adhere to non-allergen standards and provide RoHS and Interstate Milk Shippers statements.

Your supplier should be more than willing to aid you with inquiries concerning their manufacturing process.

Related: Inside the Versa Pak Manufacturing Process [Video]

3. Do you have R&D options to ensure product quality?

A proficient plastics manufacturer should incorporate quality measures along with an R&D lab dedicated to testing their products for intended applications.

Commonly found equipment includes a coefficient of friction (COF) testing machine for slip levels, impact strength testers like a DART machine, or a Spencer Impact machine. Additional instruments may encompass a Haze Guard for clarity assessments, a universal tester for gauging elongation and tensile strength, or a precision micrometer for measuring the polyethylene film’s thickness.

All these advanced tools can be found at Versa Pak's onsite research and development facility, which is dedicated to continuous product improvement and innovation. For an in-depth look, check out a video featuring Keith Koverman, Versa Pak’s Quality Manager, as he highlights some of our lab’s capabilities.

For any inquiries about our lab capabilities or quality standards, please reach out to us at 419-586- or fill out our Request a Quote form.

4. Can I obtain a custom packaging sample?

If your application requires a unique solution beyond standard offerings, or if you wish to verify that your custom product is tailored to your needs, a reputable plastics manufacturer specializing in custom solutions will offer handcrafted samples.

At Versa Pak, we can produce a custom piece that reflects the desired aesthetics and functionality before you finalize your order. We’re committed to collaborating with you to meet all specifications. Simply contact us for a sample of your custom product.

5. Are you a proactive sustainable polyethylene packaging supplier?

With sustainability being a significant topic in the plastics sector, at Versa Pak, we have embraced eco-friendly practices by incorporating post-consumer recycled materials into our products, producing reusable items, and reprocessing production scraps back into resin.

Additionally, we provide options for industrial post-consumer resins (PCR) and biodegradable alternatives.

Stay Updated on Plastics Industry Developments

If you wish to stay informed about the plastics industry, subscribe to Distributor Resources for the latest trends, news, and more.

For more details, visit Vibration Test Machine.