Polyolefin film for industry and retail—the fine-shrink film for packaging.

April 29, 2026

Polyolefin Film for Industry and Commerce

Polyolefin film is a preferred packaging film material for industry and commerce. The film is known for its excellent properties and advantages, which make it the preferred choice for many packaging applications.

As a polymeric material, polyolefin consists mainly of polyethylene and polypropylene. These two raw materials belong to the polyolefin family, which is popular in many applications due to its high chemical resistance and flexibility. Polyolefin film is produced through a process called extrusion, in which molten polymer is forced through a die to create a thin, uniform film.

Technical Advantages

Polyolefin film is characterized, among other things, by its clarity and high transparency, as well as its tear resistance combined with flexibility. It is non-toxic and odorless, making it particularly suitable for packaging in the food industry. Compared to other film materials, such as PVC, polyolefin film has the major advantage of being more environmentally friendly, as it releases fewer pollutants when incinerated and is easier to recycle.

Benefits of Using with Packaging Machines

Polyolefin film has excellent shrink properties. When exposed to heat, the film shrinks evenly and tightly around the packaged product. This results in a snug and protective wrap that presents the product safely and attractively. The film’s high transparency and clarity enhance the visibility of the packaged product and ensure an attractive presentation in retail settings. The film’s high gloss also helps make the product more visually appealing.

Polyolefin film can be processed on many packaging machines, in small or very large quantities with high cycle rates, depending on the requirements. This makes polyolefin film particularly attractive for industry and retail, where high cycle rates are often required. As a systems provider for packaging solutions, we offer not only our extensive portfolio of packaging films but also a wide range of compatible packaging machines. We would be happy to advise you—with no obligation—on the packaging machine that best suits your needs.

Tear-resistant and durable even at thin thicknesses, and perfect for food

But back to polyolefin film. Even at thin gauges, this film is very robust and resistant to punctures and tears. This tear resistance ensures that the packaging remains intact during transport and handling all the way to the end consumer, thereby minimizing the risk of damage to the product.

Because polyolefin film comes in a variety of thicknesses and properties, it can be used for a wide range of products and packaging requirements. Since polyolefin film contains no harmful chemicals, it is ideal for food packaging. It meets the strict safety standards of the food industry, is 100% food-safe, and is also easily recyclable.

Our food-safe films

Polyolefin film containing PCR or PIR content – sustainable and forward-looking

This makes the film a sustainable packaging material of the future. In addition to its generally very positive properties, polyolefin films containing a certified percentage of PCR or PIR recycled material are also an important topic.  We already offer polyolefin films with a certified content of approximately 50% recycled material from PIR (post-industrial recycled material) and up to approximately 50% from PCR (post-consumer recycled material) in various thicknesses and designs. This highlights the significant future role of polyolefin film in the context of resource conservation and greater sustainability. We offer these films in our product line organic and eco-friendly films in many variations, so that you can use sustainable, optimized films for packaging that also incorporates these features.

Polyolefin Film for Industry and Commerce

Polyolefin film is used in many industries. Thanks to its food-safe properties, polyolefin film is frequently usedto package foodssuchasmeat, cheese, baked goods, and candy. It protects the products from contamination and extends their shelf life. Appropriate anti-fog treatment also ensures the right environment.

In the pharmaceutical industry, polyolefin film is usedto package medications and medical devices. It provides a sterile and safe packaging solution that meets the industry’s strict standards. Polyolefin film is also well-suited for packaging cosmetics and personal care products such as soaps, shampoos, and creams. Electronic devices are protected by a film with antistatic treatment . We offer a variety of products in this area that we would be happy to present to you.

Toys, household goods, and many other consumer products are often packaged in polyolefin film to protect them from damage and make them more appealing on store shelves. The product is clearly visible to the end consumer and provides the necessary protection against damage. Since the film also reliably protects the shrink-wrapped product from moisture, polyolefin film is the top choice for printed materials as well.

In summary, polyolefin film is an extremely versatile and advantageous material for packaging. Its excellent shrink properties, high transparency, wide range of thicknesses, and environmental friendliness make it the ideal choice for a variety of packaging applications across various industries.

We offer a comprehensive range of polyolefin film for countless applications and in a wide variety of designs. We’d be happy to advise you.

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Article by Schlichter GmbH

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