Monofilme

Monofilme, or monofilm, is a term used in the plastics and packaging industries to describe a plastic film made from a single polymer resin, in contrast to multilayer films that combine several polymers to achieve specific barriers or functions. Monofilms are produced by extrusion, either as cast film or blown film, and may be oriented to improve mechanical properties. Common polymers used for monofilm include polyethylene (PE, including LDPE and HDPE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). When oriented, films such as BOPP or BOPET exhibit high tensile strength, clarity, and stiffness.

Applications of monofilms include food packaging, labels, and agricultural mulch films. In packaging, monofilms can be heat-sealed and printed; their barrier properties are generally lower than those of multilayer films but adequate for many products if used with appropriate thickness and additives.

Advantages of monofilms include simpler composition, consistent material properties, easier recycling, and lower production cost. Limitations include lower barrier performance, limited functional versatility compared to multilayer structures, and sometimes lower heat resistance.

Sustainability considerations emphasize that monofilms are single-material designs, which can simplify recycling in streams dedicated to specific polymers. However, the ease of recycling depends on regional infrastructure and the particular polymer used. Standards and attributes vary with polymer type and processing method, such as extrusion or orientation.

Related terms include multilayer films, laminated films, and coated films, which describe alternatives that incorporate multiple materials to achieve enhanced barrier or functional properties.