Choosing the wrong film supplier can do more harm than good than a small difference in price. Films that do not dissolve properly, break during packing or become damp during storage can result in wasted material, poor quality and dissatisfied customers.
Water soluble film suppliers must offer more than just a roll of film. They must be able to advise you on how best to store, seal, handle and dissolve the film. It is always a good idea to compare film characteristics, technical support, capabilities and quality control, before committing to a large order.
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Pros and cons of working with water soluble film suppliers
Water soluble film can be an excellent choice for a variety of reasons, but it should be weighed up along with other materials. Here are some positive and negative aspects of using water soluble film.
Pros
Probably the main attraction to water soluble film is the convenience aspect. The fact that it can simply be dissolved away with the right amount of water, makes it ideal for products that do not require further contact with their contents.
Other pros include:
- Reduction in direct contact with the packed material
- Pre-measured packed quantity how much detergent goes into a pouch
- Reduction in manual handling
- Variety of pouch and film formats
- Possibility of easier handling for specific industrial or domestic products
Cons
The biggest con is that water soluble film is highly susceptible to moisture. Storing film in a warehouse with high humidity levels can result in a number of complications. Appropriate storage conditions should always be considered.
The film must also be compatible with the material that it is being used to pack. The packed material could also have an effect on the integrity of the film. It is important to conduct trials to determine the suitability of the packed material and film.
The cost of the film can also be a con. Depending on the thickness, grade, quantity and specification required for your pouches or bags, the price can fluctuate. It is important to note that a cheaper film may lead to more wastage if it is not compatible with your sealing equipment.
Expert tips for comparing water soluble film suppliers
Ask for technical info about the film
Before buying any rolls of film, it is important to get detailed technical information about the film you are considering. The technical specifications will tell you what thickness, sizes, sealing temperatures, storage requirements and dissolving characteristics are required for the film. This information will eliminate assumptions on your production floor.
It is also important to communicate your needs to the supplier. If you need a film for a specific application, such as a detergent pouch, the characteristics of this film may differ from another film used in a different industry.
Test samples before buying in bulk
Never judge a film by its looks alone. Testing is the only way to identify the characteristics of a film. Request a sample and test it in conditions that are as similar to your production environment as possible.
You want to know how the film will feed into your machine, how it will behave during the sealing process and how it will react to the packed material. Testing should also be done in regards to storage conditions. If you are comparing different water soluble film suppliers, you can find more information about materials and technical specifications on websites like www.watersolubleplastics.com.
Look for quality assurance
A good sample is always reassuring, but it is important to find out how consistent the film is. Ask the supplier how they monitor quality control from one production batch to the next. Small differences in thickness or sealing strength can have a big impact on production speed and the integrity of the final pouch or bag. Reputable water soluble film suppliers will always be able to give you the information you need regarding quality assurance. Be wary of companies who are not as forthcoming or cannot provide you with technical specifications.
Consider storage requirements
Ask for the storage requirements from the film supplier. Because film is so sensitive to moisture, storage conditions can determine the longevity and usability of the film. Remember that your storage conditions also affect the integrity of the film. Always store film in appropriate conditions and never remove it from its protective wrapping before use.
Avoid the cheapest option
The cheapest option may seem like the best option, but it can sometimes be the most expensive in the long run. Remember to consider the usable amount of film, quantity and delivery time, technical support and quality assurance. A slightly more expensive material may mean less waste and fewer production faults due to the film not adhering to your machine.
Key take-away points
Always test the film with your material before you buy large rolls of film. When comparing water soluble film suppliers, look at their technical support, quality assurance, storage conditions and how the film reacts to your material. Never rely on price alone to choose a film supplier. The right roll of film can make all the difference between a poor-quality packaged product or a high-quality, desirable product from satisfied customers.
Avoiding production faults by choosing the right supplier
The right water soluble film supplier will make your production process run smoother by helping to determine the correct film for your product. Always keep the film size, strength and dissolving conditions, storage and packing instructions at the front of your mind when choosing a supplier.
Avoid choosing a supplier based on price alone. A reliable roll of film can help your production process to function without faults. Thorough testing of the film before buying in bulk will allow you to choose a reputable and reliable supplier.
