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Measuring commonly specified film attributes

While it’s possible to describe a flexible package’s functions in general terms, measurable and quantifiable attributes or properties that relate to these functions will ensure a package is successful for a specific application.

The types of attributes or properties to consider when determining “what matters” include:

• Thickness
• Basis weight
• Tensile properties
• Tear strength
• Puncture- or impact-resistance
• Abrasion-resistance
• Maximum and minimum service temperature
• Optical properties
• Heat-seal characteristics
• Dimensional stability
• Surface energy
• Coefficient of friction
• Barrier properties
• Chemical-resistance
• Regulatory compliance
• Environmental impact

Measure against internal and external standards
These attributes and properties provide a good starting point, but they will not cover all possible end-use requirements. For instance, you would want to know the static dissipation when packaging electronic componentry.

More important is knowing why a performance attribute is important. (For more, see the Appendix in this Playbook: “Detailed properties and attributes for film structures.”) Take care to understand whether an attribute is expressed as an inherent material property that can be extrapolated to different thicknesses, or whether the attribute is thickness-dependent.

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