Congratulations! You’ve made the decision to automate your current packaging operation and purchase an Avatar Vertical, Form, Fill, and Seal machine. Now you need roll stock packaging material to go along with your new machine. What material do you choose? There are several factors to consider when selecting the proper material to run on your new Vertical Bagger.

Type of Product – Is your product inexpensive? Is it already wrapped or packaged? Is it Dusty? Is it a liquid?

Barrier Properties – Does the product require a long shelf life? Is it sensitive to Oxygen, moisture or light? Does it De-Gas? Does it have an oil content? Can the product degrade the material?

Package Weight – How much product are you putting in the package? Heavier weights usually need thicker or a different composition film.

Shipping Container – Are the packages going in another container for shipping (Box, Bucket, etc…)? Are they going to be stacked on a pallet? Products going into a carton don’t have to be as puncture resistant as a bag on a pallet.

The above questions may have already been answered if you have been using pre-made bags. If they have been, then you just need to purchase that material in Roll Stock form instead of Pre-Made bags. However, if you have been wiping the seal area for dust or your shelf life needs to be extended, you may need to look at other materials.

Packaging material can be divided into two categories: Supported and Unsupported. Supported material is typically a laminated structure containing 2 or more materials, such as Polyester/ Polyethylene. Unsupported material is typically Polyethylene and consists of a single material. Unsupported material is usually the least expensive material cost, but is limited in barrier properties, and dust tolerance. Supported structures, though more expensive will give you Barrier Properties and Dust Tolerance that cannot be had with unsupported material. Avatar can help point you in the right direction. Ultimately you should discuss your application with a film supplier, which is your best resource for compatibility information on their material with your product.