Understanding Blown Film Manufacturing

Understanding Blown Film Manufacturing

Blown film manufacturing is our core process at Polytarp, where we specialize in manufacturing high-quality flexible plastic packaging solutions. Our wide range of products caters to the food packaging, construction, agricultural, automotive, and a range of other industries.

August 14, 2024

Blown film manufacturing is our core process at Polytarp, where we specialize in manufacturing high-quality flexible plastic packaging solutions. Our wide range of products caters to the food packaging,  construction, agricultural, automotive, and a range of other industries. We are continually pushing the boundaries of innovation. Our commitment to sustainable practices and environmental responsibility, most notably gaining our ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems Certification, ensures that we are not only meeting but exceeding industry standards. This blog will delve into the world of blown film manufacturing, exploring how Polytarp Products’ focus on quality, sustainability and customer satisfaction will enhance your business processes. 

Blown Film Manufacturing Process

Blown film extrusion is a versatile and widely used manufacturing process in the plastics industry. Blown film manufacturing involves melting and shaping plastic resins (or polymers) into thin films, which can then be used in various applications, from food processing packaging to vapor barrier films and industrial applications like VCI (Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor) bags.

The process begins with feeding raw plastic resin (Polytarp exclusively extrudes Polyethylene) into an extruder. The extruder heats and melts the plastic, which is then forced through a circular die to form a continuous tube of heated plastic. 

This heated plastic is then pushed through with air, forming a bubble. Think of it like blowing a bubble using bubble gum. The bubble is meticulously controlled through our carefully planned process that we have developed over the last 50+ years into a thin film. The film is then manipulated and customized to meet our customers’ requirements. If the application, for example is a combo, box or bin liner for a food packaging application we could customize it in a number of ways

  • Colour: We can customize the colour of your food packaging combo, box or bin liner to suit your specific application
  • Size: Our manufacturing process can ensure that your size of box, combo or bin liner is made to the precise specifications you require. If you need sheets, bags, rolls, custom print, slitting or converting, we have  the capabilities and expertise to handle your needs and requirements.
  • Additional requirements: At Polytarp we have developed specific blends and customizations to meet and exceed your applications requirements. From adding specialty UVI (Ultra Violet Inhibitors) resin to creating high-barrier and high strength products. We can customize our products to exceed your expectations. 

Quality

At Polytarp Products, quality is at  the heart of everything we do. Our blown film manufacturing process is no exception. We utilize our 13 state-of-the-art extrusion lines and our cutting-edge manufacturing technology processes to ensure that our films meet the highest standards of durability, consistency and performance. Our rigorous quality control measures include continuous monitoring of  all films’ thickness, strength and clarity, ensuring that every roll  we produce meets your exact specifications. 

Our commitment to quality extends beyond the production line. Our Product Managers and our Research & Development team work closely with our customers to understand their unique needs and challenges, allowing us to tailor our products to their specific requirements. Whether it’s food packaging that requires  high barrier properties to extend shelf life, construction or vapour barrier films that need to meet specific governmental regulations or industrial films designed for heavy-duty applications, Polytarp can deliver solutions that exceed your expectations. 

Food Packaging Films

In the food industry, where safety, freshness and sustainability are paramount, Polytarp Products stands as a leader in blown film manufacturing. Our food packaging film products are scientifically designed to provide superior protection against oxygen decay, contaminants and moisture ensuring that food products remain fresh and safe for consumption. Our Super Polyfresh high barrier films are specifically engineered to extend the shelf life of beef, chicken or pork products, reducing food waste and contributing to a more sustainable food supply chain

We are continuously researching and exploring new materials, resins and technologies that enhance the recyclability of our products while maintaining the high-performance characteristics that our customers have come to expect. Some of our food packaging film products include:

Construction (Vapour Barrier, Super Six, light/medium/heavy Poly Films) 

Polytarp’s blown film manufacturing expertise also extends to the construction industry, where our films play a crucial role in protecting buildings and infrastructure. Our construction films are used in a variety of applications, including vapor barriers, drop sheets and protective covers. These films are designed to withstand the rigors of construction environments, offering superior strength, puncture resistance and durability. Some of our construction film products include:

We understand the unique demands of the construction industry, where time, cost and performance are critical factors. That’s why our construction films are specifically engineered to be easy to install, reducing labour costs and improving project efficiency. We also ensure that  our Vapour Barrier products meet and/or exceed strict CAN/CGSB-51.34-M86 requirements.  Whether it’s a large-scale commercial project or a residential home renovation, Polytarp’s construction films and assortment of products  provide reliable protection and peace of mind. 

Industrial Films

In the industrial sector, where performance and reliability are essential, Polytarp Products offers a wide range of blown film solutions designed to meet the most demanding requirements. Our industrial films are used in a variety of applications, including packaging for heavy machinery, equipment covers, and liners for bulk containers. These films are designed and engineered to provide exceptional strength, tear resistance and chemical resistance, ensuring that they can withstand the harshest industrial environments. Some of our industrial film products include: 

At Polytarp, we take pride in our ability to innovate and develop custom solutions for our industrial customers. Our research and development team works closely with our clients to create films that meet specific performance criteria, whether its enhancing load stability, improving product protection or reducing material costs. Our goal is to help our customers achieve greater efficiency, productivity and cost savings through the use of our advanced blown film manufactured products. 

Wrap Up

Blown film manufacturing is a complex and demanding process, but at Polytarp Products, our team of highly skilled and experienced leaders has mastered that process. Our dedication to quality, innovation, and sustainability has made us a leader in the flexible packaging industry, serving food, construction and industrial sectors with distinction. 

Whether it’s protecting food products, safeguarding construction projects, or ensuring the durability of industrial equipment, Polytarp’s blown film products are trusted by customers across North America.

For more information about our products, or to learn more about our environmental initiatives, our Product Managers are ready to assist you. Together, let’s create a more sustainable and innovative future.