Mục lục
PE film is not just a thin sheet of plastic - it is a diverse family of materials, each engineered for a specific job. This guide classifies the most common types by polymer structure (LDPE, HDPE, LLDPE), by technical function (self-cling, shrink, UV-resistant, anti-static), and by product specification (thickness in microns, form, colour), so you can select the right film with confidence.
Author: Le Van Thang, Director of ICD Vietnam.
After more than 15 years in the packaging materials industry, I have come to see PE film as a world of its own - not just a layer of thin plastic. From stretch film securing pallets loaded with high-value goods, to ultra-thin film protecting a sterile medical device, each type carries its own purpose. Understanding these types is like a chef understanding spices. What follows is everything I have distilled about that world.
QUICK SUMMARY
- Comprehensive guide: This article is a detailed handbook to help you clearly distinguish the most common types of PE film on the market, based on the most widely used and accurate classification methods.
- Classification by polymer structure: We distinguish three main families of PE film - LDPE (soft and flexible), HDPE (rigid and durable) and LLDPE (tough and puncture-resistant). Understanding this difference is the key to choosing correctly.
- Classification by function: Explore PE film types engineered for specific tasks - from moisture-barrier and heat-resistant film, to UV-stabilised film and the self-cling stretch film that is indispensable in logistics.
- Classification by specification: Learn how to read key technical parameters such as thickness (microns), product form (roll, sheet, bag) and the options for colour and printing.
1. Classification by polymer structure - the most fundamental approach
The strength and properties of PE film do not come from complexity - they come from one factor: the density of the polymer chains. This is the most fundamental way to classify PE film.
| Type | Full name | Key characteristics | Typical applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| LDPE | Low-Density Polyethylene | Soft, transparent, good stretch, low tensile strength | Food wrap, thin carrier bags, light-duty packaging |
| HDPE | High-Density Polyethylene | Rigid, strong, impact-resistant, slightly opaque | Jerricans, milk bottles, heavy-duty supermarket bags |
| LLDPE | Linear Low-Density Polyethylene | Exceptionally tough, high puncture resistance, excellent elongation | Pallet stretch wrap - the dominant choice in logistics |
- LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene): Think of this as the friendliest and most flexible member of the PE family. It is transparent, stretches well, and is typically used for food wrap, thin carrier bags, or any packaging application where high load-bearing strength is not required.
- HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene): This is the tougher sibling. HDPE produces rigid, durable products with good impact resistance - such as jerricans, milk bottles, and the stiffer, crinkly supermarket bags.
- LLDPE (Linear Low-Density Polyethylene): In warehouse and logistics operations, LLDPE is the material of choice for pallet wrapping. Its toughness and puncture resistance are unmatched when it comes to securing loads worth hundreds of millions of dong safely through the supply chain.
2. Classification by application and technical function
From the three base polymer types above, modern technology has produced countless variants to meet specialist requirements.
| Type | Key mechanism | Primary use |
|---|---|---|
| Self-cling stretch film (pallet wrap) | Bonds to itself without adhesive | Securing and unitising loads on pallets for transport |
| Shrink film | Contracts tightly around product when heat is applied | Multi-pack beverages, book packs, cosmetics boxes |
| Moisture-barrier film | Optimised thickness and width for impermeability | Agricultural mulch, pond liners, construction damp-proofing |
| UV-stabilised film | UV-absorbing additives extend outdoor life | Greenhouse cladding, long-term outdoor covers |
| Anti-static film | Carbon-loaded or conductive additive dissipates charge | Packaging sensitive electronic components |
| Biodegradable PE film | Pro-degradant additives accelerate fragmentation | Environmentally driven packaging applications |
- Self-cling stretch film (pallet wrap): The remarkable property of this film is that it clings to itself without any adhesive layer. This self-cling behaviour allows it to pull tight and unitise goods on a pallet into a solid, stable block ready for safe transport.
- Shrink film: Frequently confused with pallet stretch wrap. Shrink film does not cling - instead it contracts and conforms tightly to the product when exposed to heat from a heat gun or shrink tunnel. Typical uses include multi-pack beverage rings, book bundles, and cosmetic box overwraps.
- Moisture-barrier film: Waterproofing is a basic property of all PE, but this variant is optimised in thickness and width for applications such as agricultural mulch film, aquaculture pond liners, and construction damp-proof membranes.
- UV-stabilised film: By incorporating specialist UV-absorbing additives, manufacturers produce film capable of withstanding prolonged exposure to strong sunlight without becoming brittle or cracking. These films are essential for greenhouse cladding and long-term outdoor covers.
- Anti-static film (Anti-static PE Film): Characterised by its distinctive pink or black colour, this film is loaded with carbon black or other conductive additives to dissipate electrostatic charge. It is used exclusively for packaging sensitive electronic components.
- Biodegradable PE film: The material direction for the future. By incorporating pro-degradant additives that accelerate the fragmentation process, manufacturers produce film that breaks down faster in the environment. It is important to understand that fragmenting into smaller pieces is not the same as complete biological breakdown.
3. Classification by product specification
When placing an order, your supplier will ask for the following parameters.
| Specification | Unit / range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 10-15 mic (light) / 17-23 mic (pallet wrap) / 30-150 mic (industrial) | Measured in micrometres (mic or mu) |
| Product form | Roll, flat sheet, pre-formed bag | Choose the form that suits your packaging process |
| Colour and printing | Clear, black, custom colours; plain or printed | Black film blocks light and conceals cargo contents |
- By thickness (micrometres): Thickness is measured in microns (mic). Thin film for food wrap may be as little as 10-15 mic, while heavy industrial film can reach 50-100 mic.
- By product form: PE film is available as large rolls, flat sheets, or fabricated into bags of various dimensions.
- By colour and printing: Beyond the natural clear finish, PE film is widely produced in black (which blocks sunlight and conceals cargo contents). Modern printing technology also allows custom colours, patterns, and logos to be printed directly on the film for branding and identification.
Related articles
| What is PE stretch film? Properties and uses explained | Pallet wrapping machines: types and how to choose |
Frequently asked questions about types of PE stretch film
1. What is the difference between shrink film and pallet stretch wrap?
These are two completely different products. Pallet stretch wrap (self-cling film) is self-adhesive and stretchy - it pulls tight and unitises goods on the pallet. Shrink film does not cling; instead it contracts and conforms tightly to the product when heat is applied using a heat gun or shrink tunnel.
2. How do I know what thickness in microns I need?
It depends on the application. Food wrap is typically 8-10 mic. Hand-applied pallet stretch wrap is usually 17 mic, while machine-applied wrap ranges from 20-23 mic. Agricultural mulch film requires greater thickness, typically 30-150 mic.
3. What is the difference between virgin and recycled PE film?
Virgin PE film has the highest quality - it is transparent and food-safe. Recycled PE film is typically more opaque, may contain minor impurities and some odour, and cannot be used in direct food contact. It is, however, a cost-effective choice for applications such as bin liners or outer packaging.
Contact ICD Vietnam
Hotline: 0983 797 186 / 090 345 9186 / 090 5859 186
Email: sales@icdvietnam.com.vn | Zalo: Chat Zalo
