In today’s competitive market, packaging is no longer just a means of protecting a product. It has become the first marketing message and a brand’s business card. Lamination in the food, chemical, pharmaceutical, or cosmetics industries plays a key role in maintaining the durability, freshness, and aesthetics of products.
Elegant foil packaging, complemented with prints, attracts customers’ attention on store shelves, while additional finishing techniques give it prestige. Choosing laminate is an investment not only in the brand’s image but also in protecting the quality of the product itself.
What is laminate and how is it made
Laminate is a multi-layer packaging material made from several bonded films. Layers are most often joined with modern adhesives that offer high strength and neutral chemical properties, ensuring safety in contact with food.
The production process includes:
- Selecting materials – depending on the intended use and technical requirements.
- Surface preparation – cleaning and preparing the films.
- Bonding layers – by gluing or extrusion.
- Heating and stabilizing – solidifying the laminate’s structure.
- Quality control – checking mechanical, visual, and hygienic parameters.
Types of materials used in laminates
Polyamide (PA) and Polyethylene (PE) Laminates
- Application: mainly in the food industry.
- Features: lightweight, flexible, high resistance to moisture and dampness.
- Advantages: excellent protection against moisture penetration, good mechanical strength.
Polypropylene (PP) Laminates
- Features: exceptional resistance to mechanical stress and chemicals.
- Advantages: high rigidity, transparency, resistance to fats and oils.
- Application: packaging for loose products, chemicals, and food items requiring rigid packaging.
Polyester (PET) and Polyethylene (PE) Laminates
- Features: excellent barrier to moisture and oxygen.
- Advantages: flexibility, damage resistance, high aesthetics.
- Application: packaging for both food and industrial sectors.
B-G advises on selecting the right laminate material based on the product type, its durability requirements, and desired aesthetics. We offer samples so clients can see and touch the material before placing an order.
Aluminium Laminates (ALU) – The Highest Level of Protection
Aluminium laminates combine layers of film with an aluminium insert, creating a barrier virtually impermeable to light, oxygen, and moisture.
Typical structure:
- Outer layer: Polyester (PET) – for aesthetics and printing.
- Middle layer: Aluminium (ALU) – barrier to light, moisture, and gases.
- Inner layer: Polyethylene (PE) – ensures sealing and heat-sealing capability.
Applications:
- Coffee and tea – aroma preservation.
- Pharmaceuticals – moisture protection.
- Snacks – keeping freshness and crispness.
Flexographic Printing on Laminates
Flexographic printing is one of the most widely used techniques for applying graphics to laminates.
Why?
- Ability to print on various types of films.
- High precision and color quality.
- Option for external or interlayer printing (inside the laminate, protecting the print from abrasion).
- Wide range of colors and special effects available.
B-G offers full-color flexographic printing, with personalization options and special effects such as spot varnishes or metallic finishes. We ensure the durability of the print throughout the product’s shelf life.
Flexographic printing process:
- Preparing the flexographic plate.
- Applying ink to the anilox roller.
- Transferring the image onto the film.
- Drying and curing the print.
Why Use Laminates in Packaging
- Protection from external factors – moisture, oxygen, light, contaminants.
- Product freshness retention – especially important in the food industry.
- High aesthetics – gloss, matte, metallic, and holographic effects.
- Print durability – thanks to interlayer printing.
- Versatility – from food products to pharmaceuticals.
Laminate Finishing Techniques
- Cold stamping – applying metallic foil using a cold process.
- Matte and gloss varnishing – controlling visual effects.
- Holographic effects – increasing product appeal.
- Hidden code – security element.
- Embossing – adding surface texture.
B-G offers all of the above finishing techniques as part of our comprehensive service – from design to finished laminate. This ensures each product gains a unique character.
Industries Using Laminates
- Food – loose products, dairy, coffee, snacks.
- Chemical – powders, granules, cleaning agents.
- Pharmaceutical – tablets, powder sachets.
- Cosmetics – masks, samples, liquids.
How to Choose the Right Laminate Manufacturer
- Check the company’s experience and past projects.
- Assess print quality – request samples.
- Ask about personalization possibilities.
- Look for quality and safety certifications.
- Make sure the company provides full consultation.
B-G combines a modern machine park with an individual approach to each client. We provide guidance at every stage – from material selection, through print design, to the final product.
Laminate as an Investment in Your Brand
Laminated packaging and labels not only protect the product but also increase its appeal and build a professional brand image. Thanks to the combination of flexographic printing technology and advanced finishing methods, B-G creates packaging that serves as an effective marketing tool.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Laminates
- Are laminates recyclable?
Yes, more and more manufacturers offer monomaterial laminates, which are easier to recycle. - How long can they keep the product fresh?
It depends on the material and product type – for coffee, it can be up to 12–18 months. - Does the print on laminate rub off?
No, if interlayer printing is used. - Are laminates expensive?
The cost depends on the material type, number of layers, and finishing technique.