What is a Multilayer Plastic Film?
Multilayer plastic films are a type of plastic film that are made and supplied in the form of flexible and durable sheets. Unlike simple single-layer films, multilayer films are composed of 2 to several different materials and multiple layers, which can vary based on specific needs, capabilities, and applications. Multilayer films take longer to decompose compared to single-layer films, which is due to their multilayer nature and the different materials used in their production. These films have widespread applications in industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and industrial products, helping to preserve the quality and lifespan of products by providing effective barriers against moisture, oxygen, light, microbes, and more.
Feature Value or notable description Practical/Reason
Number of layers 3 to 14 co-extruded layers Enables tuning of different functions across layers, such as barrier properties and sealing
Now Plastics Oxygen barrier resistance Very high hardening (typically OTR < 1 cc/100 in²/24h or < 15.5 cc/m²/day) — Industrial standard for long-life packaging (High barrier)
ICP Blog Water vapor permeability (MVTR) Very low value (varies by structure) — Maintains content quality by preventing moisture ingress
ICP Blog Mechanical resistance Significant improvement in tear, impact resistance, and flexibility — Especially in industrial and durable packaging applications
KONSPEC Now Plastics Popular layers
publications.jrc.europa.eu Printing capability and typical appearance Glossy, high-quality printability (often with PET or BOPP layer) — For visual appeal and branding opportunities
Now Plastics Thermal resistance Up to about 212 °F (~100 °C) for some films — Practical for packaging involving pasteurization or hot-fill
Three Features of Multilayer Plastic Films
Mechanical Strength
Adding several layers together can increase impact resistance and mechanical strength by 25–30%, while reducing the product thickness by 35–40%, leading to savings in raw materials.
Barrier Properties
Multilayer films, using specialized layers such as EVOH or aluminum, have very high resistance to the penetration of oxygen, moisture, and light.
Printability
The outer layers are often made of materials like BOPP or PET, which have high printability. This feature is very suitable for branding and attractive packaging.
Differences Between Single-layer And Multilayer Films
Feature / Criterion Monolayer Film Multilayer Film
Structure A single polymer type (e.g., LDPE or PET) A combination of several polymers (e.g., PE, Nylon, EVOH) for different functions
Barrier properties Limited, depending on polymer type Very high; low OTR and MVTR, especially with layers like EVOH or PVDC
Mechanical strength Medium or lower High — better tear, puncture, and flex resistance
Printability Limited printing range (depends on polymer) Excellent — outer layers are typically printable and glossy
Production process Simpler, lower cost More complex: requires equipment such as co-extrusion and tie-layers
Cost-effectiveness More economical for simple, short-term uses More economical for long-term or higher-performance, complex uses
Recyclability Easier (homogeneous polymer) More challenging — due to mixing multiple materials which are harder to separate
Common applications Simple nylons, grocery bags, disposable tableware Packaging for sensitive foods, pharmaceuticals, industrial or thermal uses, MAP
Applications of Multilayer Films in Industry
Food Packaging
Due to the presence of different layers, this product is very resistant and practical against the penetration of oxygen and moisture inside food packaging and accounts for a significant volume of food packaging (approximately 30%).
Medical Industry
In the pharmaceutical industry and the storage of hygiene products, sterile and moisture- and oxygen-resistant packaging is of high importance, which, as mentioned, multilayer films possess.
Agricultural Industry
In the production of greenhouse covers, mulch, or silage films, the use of multilayers increases resistance to environmental conditions and gas diffusion, preserving the quality and lifespan of products.
Multilayer Plastic Films Wholesale
Suprapol Company provides various types of plastic film products by utilizing up-to-date global standards. If you need advice on ordering and procuring products, you can contact our colleagues through the link below.
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