PVCFolie

PVCFolie, or PVC film, is a thin sheet made from polyvinyl chloride. It can be produced as flexible or rigid film and is manufactured by extrusion or calendering. Flexible grades are used for wrapping and packaging, while rigid forms serve as substrates in laminates, graphics, and protective coverings.

Composition and processing: The base polymer is PVC. Flexible films contain plasticizers to impart elasticity, whereas unplasticized PVC (uPVC) is rigid. Additives such as stabilizers, lubricants, colorants, and slip agents tailor processing, appearance, and performance. Films are produced by blow or cast extrusion and can be further coated, laminated, or metallized for specific properties.

Properties: PVC films offer good clarity, toughness, and chemical resistance. They provide adjustable barrier properties, suitable printability, and reliable heat sealing or welding behavior. Thickness and plasticizer content determine flexibility, stiffness, and optical properties. The material can be formulated for food contact, durability in outdoor use, or decorative applications.

Applications: Common uses include food, consumer, and industrial packaging films, wrapping, and bags; shrink and barrier films; protective and decorative laminates; agricultural films such as greenhouse coverings; and various graphic or labeling substrates. PVC films also serve in applications requiring printable, durable surfaces or specific sealing characteristics.

Environmental and safety considerations: PVC films may contain plasticizers and stabilizers with regulatory attention due to health and environmental concerns. Recycling of PVC films is more complex than for some other plastics, and incineration or disposal requires appropriate controls to manage emissions. Many regions promote recycling programs and the use of phthalate- or chlorine-free formulations where feasible.