Glossary — packaging terminology from A to Z

Three-layer composite with 7 µm of pure aluminum as the barrier layer. Complete aroma, light and oxygen barrier. Standard for premium coffee, tea, spices.

PE film with antistatic additives. Prevents static charging — important for electronic components and ESD-sensitive parts.

PP film stretched biaxially in the machine and transverse direction — making it particularly stiff and brilliantly transparent. Equivalent to OPP.

Classic film made from wood-fibre cellulose. Industrially compostable (EN 13432), transparent. Not to be confused with OPP — that is plastic.

Multi-layer film extruded from various polymers in a single production step. Combines the properties of several materials (e.g. PE + EVOH + PE).

PP film as an inner sealing layer in composite materials. Heat-resistant up to 100°C, microwave-safe, sterilisable.

Thin barrier film (< 5% share) between PE layers. Makes mono-PE composites aroma- and oxygen-tight — key to PPWR compliance.

Collective term for packaging made from PE, PP or OPP films. Thicknesses from 30 to 200 µm depending on the application.

High-density polyethylene: crinkly feel, high tear resistance at low thickness. Classic as a vest carrier bag.

Artisan look, breathable, biodegradable, FSC-certifiable. Classic for bakeries, organic brands, premium coffee.

Standard polyethylene for film bags: soft, pliable, clearly transparent. Recyclable in the PE stream — the basis for mono-PE composites.

Composite made from a single polymer (with a thin EVOH barrier). NIR-detectable in German sorting facilities, PPWR-compliant from 2030.

Crystal-clear, stiff PP film with high brilliance. Standard for confectionery packaging and premium polybags. Recyclable in the PP stream.

Very tear-resistant film with a high oxygen barrier. Often used in vacuum composite films for sausage, cheese and meat.

Grease- and moisture-resistant paper with wet-strength impregnation. Standard for chip cones and bakery snacks.

High-quality, printable outer layer in composite films. Provides mechanical stability and brilliant print quality.

Bio-based, industrially compostable (EN 13432). Belongs in the organic waste bin, not in home compost.

LDPE with a post-consumer recyclate content. Possible for commercial applications with 30-80% PCR, not for food contact.

OPP bag with a self-adhesive closure flap. A classic for fashion shipping, print and logistics.

Stable pouch with a characteristic premium base for shelf display. Popular for premium coffee.

Pouch with an integrated base gusset for secure standing on the shelf. Standard for coffee, tea and spices.

Bag with a double-lip ziplock for opening and closing multiple times. The classic resealable solution.

Standard film bag without a standing base or closure. Versatile use for shipping, food and small parts.

A classic for bakeries, bread and baked goods. Square base thanks to cross-bottom construction.

Non-woven, cotton or film bag with a drawstring for pulling shut. Standard for shoes, textiles and premium gift packaging.

Material for making your own bags — cut to any length. For industrial and logistics applications.

Expandable volume thanks to integrated gussets. The tin-tie closure is a classic for specialty coffee.

PE sacks with side gussets for carton liners, bulk goods and industrial packing.

Bag with a sealed seam around the edges. Standard for vacuum packaging and automated filling.

Open-top bag — a classic for chips, confectionery and roasted almonds at point of sale.

Bag with an integrated base gusset. Equivalent to a Doypack. Stands on its own on the shelf.

The classic poly-bag closure for shipping and fashion products. Tamper-evident, closes once.

One-way valve that lets CO₂ escape while blocking oxygen. Essential for freshly roasted coffee.

Resealable mechanism for opening multiple times. Lasts 30-50 cycles without losing function.

Quick opening of the ziplock via a slider. More convenient than a plain ziplock.

Manual double-wire closure. A classic on premium coffee and bakery bags. Resealable.

Umbrella term for ziplock, slider, tin-tie and adhesive pad. Compare all variants →

Overarching framework regulation for all materials in contact with food. General safety requirements.

European standard: 90% breakdown within 12 weeks under industrial conditions (58°C, controlled humidity).

Central EU regulation for plastics in direct contact with food. Governs permitted substances and migration limits.

Due-diligence obligation for paper and wood products: proof of deforestation-free origin. Affects kraft paper packaging from December 2025.

Certification for paper from sustainable forestry. Available from us on request for all kraft paper packaging.

EU regulation on mandatory information: ingredients, allergens, nutrition table, best-before date. Relevant for printed packaging.

Written manufacturer's declaration of food-contact conformity. Available on request with every order.

EU chemicals regulation for the registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of substances. Also affects printing inks and adhesives.

European system for assessing packaging by its recyclability in the PE/PP stream.

Since 2019 it governs the obligations of those placing packaging on the market: LUCID register, participation in dual systems, licensing.

Classic printing process for films and paper. Up to 8 colours, cost-effective from medium print runs.

Highest print quality for photographic imagery and Pantone spot colours. Economical at large print runs.

Electrical treatment of the film surface so that printing inks adhere better. Standard before flexographic printing on PE/PP.

Premium finishing with gold, silver or coloured foil. Popular for premium confectionery and cosmetics packaging.

Matting varnish with a velvety feel. Popular for specialty coffee and premium fashion shipping.

Defined colour codes for exact brand colour matching. Up to 10 colours possible in gravure printing.

Unit of measurement for film thickness. 1 micron = 1/1000 mm. Typically 25-200 microns depending on application and material.

Temperature at which a film welds. LDPE: 110-130°C. CPP: 130-150°C. PET: from 180°C.

The date up to which the packaged goods retain their quality under specified conditions.

The amount of substances permitted to migrate from the packaging material into the food. Strictly regulated by EU 10/2011.

Mono-material: a single polymer, recyclable. Multi-material: a multi-layer composite, often not directly recyclable.

Sorting technology used in German recycling plants. Classifies plastics by type — only mono-materials are reliably detected.

Oxygen permeability of the film per m² in 24h. Lower value = better aroma protection.

Recycled material from consumer waste. Possible for commercial applications at 30-80% content.

Heat-welded bond between two film layers. Standard on flat bags, side gusset bags and seal-edge bags.

Property of withstanding temperatures down to -40°C without becoming brittle. Important for deep-freeze and freezer applications.

Packaging under vacuum for preservation. Standard on seal-edge bags made from laminate films.

Water vapour permeability. Important for moisture protection of dry foods.