Have you ever thought about how lamination can transform your packaging game? . By bonding different materials together, lamination creates a composite that boosts durability, protection, functionality, barrier properties, and even the look of your packaging. So, when you incorporate lamination, you’re not just wrapping your products; you’re safeguarding them against the elements, physical damage, and contamination. This means longer shelf life and top-notch quality for your products.
What is lamination and why is it used?
Lamination is like a glue that bonds two or more layers of materials into one strong, unified structure. It’s a go-to technique in the packaging world because it makes materials tougher and more versatile. Whether it’s paper, plastic or aluminium, the choice of layers depends on what you want your final product to be like.
Lamination in packaging strengthens the material’s performance. Laminated packaging is strong, flexible, and resistant to moisture, chemicals, and wear and tear. Perfect for keeping your products safe during their journey to the consumer.
Lamination can also refresh the visual appeal of your packaging. With glossy or matte finishes, you can create designs that catch the eye and scream quality and professionalism. In a crowded market, this can be the difference between a product that flies off the shelves and one that gets left behind.
How does lamination improve durability?
Lamination is like adding armour or shell to your packaging. It adds layers that shield against physical damage like tearing, puncturing, and abrasion. So, your product stays intact, reducing the risk of spoilage or contamination.
Lamination also boosts resistance to environmental factors. Your packaging can oppose moisture, heat, and UV rays without effort. This means your products stay fresh and safe, even in tough conditions.
Additionally lamination makes packaging materials more flexible. They can adapt to different shapes and sizes without losing strength. This is a lifesaver for packaging oddly shaped items or those that need a snug fit to prevent movement during transit.
What types of lamination are available?
When it comes to lamination, you’ve got options. There are several techniques, each with its own perks. Thermal lamination uses heat to bond layers, perfect for creating strong packaging that can handle high temperatures. Cold lamination skips the heat and uses pressure-sensitive adhesives, ideal for heat-sensitive materials or when you need a flexible finish.
Then there’s extrusion lamination, a more advanced method that applies a molten polymer layer between substrates. It offers top-quality adhesion and barrier properties, great for packaging that needs extra protection. At KCL, we use cutting-edge 5-layer coextrusion technology to make laminated packaging solutions that take into account our clients’ diverse needs.
How does lamination affect barrier properties?
Lamination is like a shield for your packaging, enhancing its barrier properties. It adds layers that block gases, moisture, and other external elements. This is crucial for food and pharmaceuticals, where keeping contents fresh and intact is a must.
These extra layers act as a defence against oxygen, which can spoil perishable goods. By reducing permeability, lamination extends shelf life and preserves quality. Plus, it can protect against light and UV rays, which can degrade certain products. By using reflective or absorptive materials, lamination effectively blocks harmful rays.
How can lamination impact cost-effectiveness?
Lamination adds a step to the packaging process, but it can save you money in the long run. By boosting durability and barrier properties, it minimizes damage and spoilage, cutting down on costly replacements or refunds.
Laminated packaging can be cost-effective by allowing the use of thinner materials without sacrificing strength. This means lower production costs and a more sustainable approach to packaging.
At KCL, we know the importance of balancing performance and cost. Our unique piloting platform and comprehensive lab services help us develop and test innovative laminated packaging materials that meet our clients’ needs, ensuring high quality and value for money.