Over the past decade, more and more companies have abandoned rigid packaging for consumer goods and instead, adopted flexible packaging understanding that the attributes will benefit both the consumers and themselves as the brand owners. Flexible packaging is made by bonding multiple layers of different kinds of films. This step is based on the desired protective properties to protect the product.
And, the final composition is always according to the requirement of brand owners and the nature of their products. Moreover, this procedure of combining films is known as film lamination. But at the same time, there are different technologies used to manufacture the finished film used to make the packaging and brand owners should be aware of what they are and how they may impact a product.
We are here focusing on two common processes used to bond the different film substrates to create the finished packaging material, one using a solvent-based adhesive and the other using solventless adhesive. Using a solvent-based adhesive in dry lamination, the bonding agent is applied on the substrates that have been dissolved into a liquid. The dissolved substrates is dried in an oven to evaporate the remaining bonding material. Lastly, the adhesive is applied to this substrate, which is laminated to another substrate with the help of high pressure and heated rollers. This practice strengthens the bond of the laminates as well. Using a solvent-free adhesive in solventless lamination, the solvent is not used when it comes to producing adhesive substance. Also, opting for solventless adhesive needs two or more substrates, which react during this lamination process and there is no need for any drying component. This process results in the laminated web which is rewound into the complete roll.
