Cross-linked film
Electronically cross-linked polyolefin shrink film (POF) for the most demanding packaging requirements
PPWR-compliant films
The new EU Packaging Regulation has been in effect since August 12, 2026. Are your films compliant?
Digitally connected films
Cross-linked films among the most high-performance materials in modern packaging technology. Through electron beam cross-linking, polyolefin fine-shrink films (films) acquire exceptional mechanical properties: extreme tear and puncture resistance, outstanding shrinkage characteristics, and a brilliant, highly transparent appearance—while simultaneously reducing thickness and remaining fully recyclable in the LDPE04 cycle.
Schlichter GmbH offers a comprehensive range of cross-linked fine-shrink films in various types, thicknesses, and designs—from high-speed film for high packaging speeds to top-of-the-line 5-layer high-tech film. All films 100% food-safe, printable with up to 10 colors using gravure printing, and available with optional ESD treatment for electronic components.
Innovative recyclable packaging film
For every application
What is cross-linked film? Process and material composition
In electron beam cross-linking (also known as electron beam curing or cross-linking), the polyolefin film is exposed to a controlled electron beam after extrusion. This process alters the molecular structure of the material: the polymer chains are cross-linked with one another, creating a three-dimensional network.
The result is shrink films with significantly improved properties compared to standard non-crosslinked films:
- Higher mechanical strength: Exceptional tear and puncture resistance, even with thinner films
- Improved shrinkage properties: More uniform , controlled shrinkage with shrinkage rates of up to 88%
- Higher seal strength: The welds can withstand extremely high loads—a critical factor for secure packaging
- Improved heat resistance: Cross-linked films more resistant to high temperatures during the shrink process
- Thickness reduction is possible: Thanks to improved strength, film thicknesses can be reduced to as little as 9 µm—while maintaining high quality. This saves material, reduces costs, and conserves resources.
Schlichter's cross-linked shrink films consist of a multi-layer structure (up to 5 layers), in which polyethylene and polypropylene serve as the main components, ensuring optimal technical properties and transparency.
Free consultation
Our range of cross-linked polyolefin shrink films
Schlichter offers cross-linked shrink films for every packaging need. Each film is electronically cross-linked, highly transparent, glossy, and 100% recyclable in the LDPE04 loop:
sheet
Distinctive feature
Thickness (µm)
Area of application
BF-Ultimate+
5-layer premium film, shrinkage rate up to 88%
various
Univesell, A Cut Above the Rest
BF-CLE
All-purpose film, extremely high seal strength
10, 13, 17, 22
Versatile
BF-Ultra
Soft-shrink, medium friction coefficient
11, 15, 19, 25
Bulk products
BF-Ultra S
Anti-slip feature
15, 19
Goods prone to slipping
BF-X
Extremely smooth glide, multifunctional
various
High-speed packaging
BF-EX
Anti-static (ESD) on both sides
15, 19, 25, 30, 37
Electronics, Printed Circuit Boards
BF-AF
Anti-fog feature
various
Fresh produce, vegetables, fruit
BF-Protective W/B/G
Opaque (white/black/gray), highly durable
30, 37
Privacy screens, industrial
RecyUse
Contains PCR content (approx. 30–31%)
various
Sustainable packaging
In addition, our RecyUse series offers sustainable alternatives made with post-consumer recycled material (PCR): The E-PCR and X-PCR films approximately 30–31% certified post-consumer recycled material and combine the highest packaging quality with an active contribution to resource conservation and waste reduction.
Advantages of cross-linked shrink films compared to standard films
Why are more and more companies turning to cross-linked polyolefin films instead of traditional PVC or non-cross-linked shrink films? The advantages speak for themselves:
- Superior mechanical properties: Exceptional puncture resistance and tear strength reliably protect your products—even under demanding transport and storage conditions.
- Brilliant transparency and a high-gloss finish: The highly transparent surface makes every product a real eye-catcher. The film wraps around the product wrinkle-free, like a second skin—creating a sales-boosting look that’s in a class of its own.
- Shrinkage rates of up to 88%: The excellent shrink properties ensure a perfect fit, even for irregularly shaped products. Consistent shrinkage ensures professional packaging results.
- Extremely high seal strength: The welds hold up even under stress—a key advantage for packaging that must ensure tamper-evidence and product safety.
- Reducing film thickness saves costs and resources: Thanks to improved material properties, film thickness can be reduced—resulting in lower material consumption while maintaining the same level of protection. This lowers packaging costs and supports your sustainability goals.
- 100% recyclable in the LDPE04 loop: All cross-linked films Schlichter are single-material polyolefin films and are fully recyclable—a concrete contribution to the circular economy.
- 100% food-safe: FDA-compliant and approved for direct food contact—safe for packaging food, baked goods, fruits, and vegetables.
- PCR variants available: With theRecyUse Series, we offer films certified post-consumer recycled (PCR) material—for companies that are actively committed to sustainability and resource conservation.
Technical Specifications and Models
All of Schlichter's cross-linked shrink films are available in a wide range of technical options and specifications:
Perforation and hot-needle punching:
All films available with hot-stamped perforations in P1 (small) or P2 (large) styles
Also available with micro-perforations for enhanced ventilation
Printing and Finishing:
Can be printed with up to 10 colors using gravure printing
Custom designs, logos, and brand messages
Optionally available with tinting (white, black, gray – opaque) in the BF-Protective series
ESD equipment for electronics:
All films available with optional antistatic ESD protection
BF-EX specialty film with an antistatic coating on both sides for printed circuit boards and electronic components
Optional features:
Anti-fog system (BF-AF) for packaging vegetables, fruits, and meat products
Barrier properties against flavors, oxygen, and mineral oil
Anti-slip feature (BF-Ultra / BF-Ultra S) for stackable products
Available forms:
Flat film and tubular film
Roll goods in custom lengths
Film core: 76 mm or 152 mm (optional)
Different film thicknesses depending on the product and film type
In practice
Applications: Where cross-linked heat-shrinkable films are used
Cross-linked polyolefin shrink films are true all-rounders. Thanks to their versatile properties, they are used in numerous industries and for a wide variety of products:
Free consultationfood industry
Fruits and vegetables, baked goods, meat and cheese products, ready-to-eat meals, frozen foods, confectionery, and chocolate—anywhere food needs to be packaged hygienically, safely, and in a way that promotes sales. The BF-AF anti-fog variant prevents fogging in the fresh food section.
Electronics and Industry
The ESD-equipped films BF-E, BF-EX) reliably protect sensitive electronic components, printed circuit boards, and electronic parts from electrostatic discharge. The BF-Protective Series (white, black, gray) also offers opaque protection for high-value or safety-critical products.
Non-Food and Retail
Paper and printed products, media, cosmetics, gift packaging, pharmaceutical products, and many other goods benefit from the brilliant appearance, reliable protection, and professional finish of cross-linked shrink films.
Sustainability:films, recyclability, and resource conservation
Sustainability is a central component of film development at Schlichter. Our cross-linked shrink films contribute to resource conservation and waste reduction in several ways:
- 100% renewable energy: Schlichter GmbH is powered entirely by renewable energy sources—a 400-kW photovoltaic system, heat pumps, and a predominantly electric vehicle fleet.
- Fully recyclable: All polyolefin shrink films are recyclable as a single material in the LDPE04 recycling stream.
- films post-consumer recycled material: The RecyUse E-PCR (approx. 31% PCR content) and X-PCR (approx. 30% PCR content) use certified post-consumer recycled materials—materials recovered from consumer waste.
- films post-industrial recycled material: RecyUse and RecyUse contain approximately 40% PIR—recycled material from industrial production processes.
- films : RecyUse Basic and Bio Premium are made from 100% sugarcane (bagasse)—with no petroleum content whatsoever—and result in a CO₂ reduction of approximately 60% across the supply chain.
- Thinner films : Cross-linked films thinner film gauges while maintaining the same level of protection—resulting in reduced material consumption and a smaller environmental footprint.
Why Schlichter? Your partner for opaque packaging films
Made in Germany
In-house manufacturing facility – film widths, thicknesses, and roll sizes customized to your specifications.
One-stop shopping
As a system provider, we supply packaging films and the corresponding packaging machines— semi-automatic fully automatic for perfectly coordinated packaging solutions.
Fast delivery times
Extensive inventory of standard items; express delivery available.
Comprehensive certifications
, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 22000, FDA, BRC, REACH-SVHC, Halal, GRS, and others.
Personal Consultation
Experienced consultants with many years of expertise who provide objective, personalized advice—and can visit your location upon request.
An Overview of Cross-Linked Shrink Films
Choose the right film for your application:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Cross-Linked films
Cross-linking refers to the process in which the polyolefin film undergoes electron beam treatment after production. During this process, the polymer chains within the material are cross-linked, creating a three-dimensional network. This process significantly improves the film’s mechanical strength, seal strength, and shrinkage properties—while also allowing for a reduction in thickness.
Cross-linked polyolefin shrink films (POF) offerfilms advantages overfilms : They are more environmentally friendly (chlorine-free, fully recyclable in the LDPE04 stream), have higher shrinkage and better puncture resistance, are food-safe (FDA-approved), and enable significant material savings through reduced thickness.
Both are part of theRecyUse series and contain certified post-consumer recycled material (PCR). The E-PCR contains approximately 31% PCR, while the X-PCR contains approximately 30%. The main difference lies in the shrink properties and mechanical design: As a 5-layer, cross-linked high-tech film, the X-PCR offers shrinkage values of up to approximately 88%, while the E-PCR is optimized for other packaging requirements. Both are 100% food-safe and recyclable.
Cross-linked shrink films are highly versatile: they are used in the food industry (fruit, vegetables, baked goods, meat, frozen foods), for electronic products and printed circuit boards (with ESD protection), for printed materials, media, and paper products, in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries, and for all kinds of industrial products. The various types of film in our product range cover virtually every application.
Yes, all of Schlichter’s cross-linked shrink films can be printed using gravure printing in up to 10 colors. This allows logos, product information, brand messages, and promotional designs to be applied directly to the film—ensuring a professional product presentation in retail settings.
Yes, all of Schlichter’s cross-linked polyolefin shrink films are 100% recyclable as a single material in the LDPE04 recycling stream. In addition, our RecyUse includes films post-consumer recycled material (PCR) and post-industrial recycled material (PIR), as well as petroleum-freefilms sugarcane.
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Customized consultation on cross-linked shrink films – Contact us today
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Are you looking for the right cross-linked film for your packaging needs? Whether you’re in the food industry, electronics, or non-food sector—our experienced sales team will provide personalized advice on film types, thicknesses, finishes, and the optimal packaging solution for your product.
PPWR-compliant packaging
Does your packaging solution comply with the current EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation?