Polyethylene for Film (Food and Technical): Grades, Standards and Worldwide Supply

PE Film Grade as an Industrial Raw Material Category

Polyethylene for film production is a large-scale category of polymer raw materials focused on manufacturing packaging, agricultural, and technical film materials. Unlike pipe or injection grades, film-grade polyethylene must meet specific requirements for transparency, gloss, heat-sealability, and puncture resistance. These parameters determine how thin, strong, and hermetic the final film will be.

A key feature is the division into food and technical applications. Food-grade polyethylene is approved for contact with food and requires mandatory sanitary-hygienic registration (SGR) in the EAEU. Technical polyethylene for construction and packaging films not in contact with food does not require such registration. Mixing these streams is unacceptable, and switching from technical to food application requires obtaining appropriate certificates.

Chemical Identification and Classification of Grades

Polyethylene for film is produced primarily based on low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). In international trade, HS codes 3901.10 (PE with density less than 0.94) and 3901.40 (linear PE) are used. Film as a finished product is classified under HS code 3920.10.

LDPE film grades are often designated by numeric indices, such as 15803-020, with MFI 1.5-2.6 g/10 min and density 0.917-0.922 g/cm3, intended for transparent and coloured films. LLDPE film grades are classified by comonomer type (butene, hexene, octene) and catalyst (Ziegler-Natta or metallocene). Metallocene grades provide higher transparency, strength, and puncture resistance at lower film thickness. Typical MFI for film grades is 0.5-3 g/10 min, and density is 0.915-0.925 g/cm3.

Regulatory Framework: GOST, ISO and TR CU

For food film, the key regulation is TR CU 005/2011 "On packaging safety", which establishes the mandatory SGR for materials in contact with food. Technical film does not require SGR, but changing the purpose requires registration. Russian national standards (GOST) are harmonized with international ISO and ASTM norms.

Main standards:

• GOST 16337-77 (updated to GOST 16337-2022) - Russian national standard for high-pressure polyethylene, establishing technical requirements and test methods.
• GOST 10354-82 - Russian national standard for polyethylene film produced by extrusion, establishing film grades (M, T, ST, SIK, etc.) and requirements for dimensions and physico-mechanical parameters.

International standards used for control include ISO 1183 (density), ISO 1133 (MFI), ASTM D882 (tensile strength), ASTM D1709 (impact strength), and ASTM D1003 (haze and clarity).

Physico-Chemical Properties and Quality Parameters

Key parameters of film-grade polyethylene determine its behaviour during extrusion and the properties of the finished film.

For LDPE: Density 0.917-0.925 g/cm3. MFI (190 degrees Celsius, 2.16 kg) 1.5-2.6 g/10 min. Tensile strength 10-20 MPa. High transparency, high gloss, good heat-sealability.

For LLDPE: Density 0.915-0.925 g/cm3. MFI 0.5-3 g/10 min. Tensile strength 15-35 MPa. Puncture and tear resistance significantly higher than LDPE. Heat-sealability is good but may require higher temperatures.

For food grades, sanitary-chemical parameters are mandatory: absence of harmful substance migration, odour and taste, and compliance with hygienic standards. For technical films, physico-mechanical properties are strictly controlled.

Mechanism of Action and Functional Role

In film extrusion, polyethylene acts as a thermoplastic matrix that transitions to a viscous-flow state, is formed through a die (blown or cast film), and cooled. The crystalline structure formed during cooling determines the transparency, strength, and stiffness of the film.

The key functional feature of film-grade PE is its ability to form a thin but strong and hermetic film. In food packaging, barrier properties, transparency, and heat-sealability are important. In technical films, strength, tear resistance, and UV stability come to the fore. Additives introduced include slip agents (reduce friction), antiblocks (prevent layer sticking), and light stabilisers (protect against UV). For food films, all additives must be approved for food contact.

Applications by Industry and Differences Between Food and Technical Film

Polyethylene film is used in food packaging (requires SGR and primary polyethylene), technical packaging (may include recycled materials), agriculture (greenhouse and mulching films), and construction (waterproofing and vapour barrier films).

Key differences between food and technical film:

• Raw material: Food film uses only primary polyethylene; technical film may contain recycled material.
• Sanitary requirements: Food film requires SGR and migration testing; technical film does not.
• Additives: Food film uses only approved additives; technical film uses a wider range, including some stabilisers.
• Properties: Food film often has micropores for air exchange; technical film is generally air- and vapour-proof.
• Thickness: Food stretch film is usually thinner (7-12 microns); technical film is thicker (12-30+ microns) and more stretchable.

Common Processing Challenges and Solutions

The most frequent problems in PE film extrusion are:

• Insufficient granule drying. Moisture causes micro-bubbles. Hot air drying at 80-90 degrees Celsius for 2-4 hours is recommended.
• Incorrect temperature profile. Too high a temperature leads to degradation and odour; too low results in incomplete melting and thickness variation.
• Bubble instability. Fluctuations in air pressure and cooling cause variations in film thickness.
• Layer blocking. Insufficient antiblock or slip additive content leads to film blocking.

Quality Control and Laboratory Methods

Quality control includes incoming granule inspection (MFI, density, moisture, ash content) and finished film testing (tensile strength, impact strength, tear resistance, haze and clarity, heat-sealability). For food film, sanitary-chemical testing is mandatory to verify the absence of harmful substance migration. Laboratory confirmation is a critical element of supply, especially for food films.

Storage and Transportation Conditions

Film-grade PE granules are stored in dry rooms protected from direct sunlight at temperatures not exceeding 30 degrees Celsius. Shelf life is 12 months. Finished films are transported in rolls packed in polyethylene film or kraft paper. When transported in containers, moisture absorbers are recommended.

Analogue Selection and Interchangeability

Film-grade PE analogue selection is a key service of the portal. We help replace imported LDPE or LLDPE grades with comparable alternatives based on MFI, density, transparency, and strength. The algorithm includes analysis of the current grade, selection of options from available sources, verification of certificates, and organisation of trial batches. For food films, verification of SGR and compliance with TR CU 005/2011 is mandatory.

Supply Scheme and Worldwide Logistics

The portal organises film-grade polyethylene supplies worldwide. Each supply is treated as a separate project covering grade selection, quality verification, logistics, and customs clearance. Customs clearance is supported by the portal broker, including HS code classification (3901.10 or 3901.40 for PE).

FAQ

How does food film differ from technical film?

Food film is made only from primary polyethylene, requires SGR, and often has micropores. Technical film may contain recycled material, does not require SGR, and is generally thicker and more stretchable.

Which LDPE grade is suitable for food film?

The classic film grade is 15803-020 (according to GOST 16337). It provides transparency and strength. For food application, the grade must be accompanied by SGR.

Can technical polyethylene be used for food packaging?

No, changing the purpose requires obtaining SGR and confirmation of compliance with TR CU 005/2011.

How to choose an LLDPE grade for stretch film?

Focus on MFI (1-3 g/10 min), density (0.916-0.925 g/cm3), and puncture resistance. Metallocene grades are chosen for maximum transparency and strength.

What documents accompany a supply?

Conformity certificates, quality certificates, test reports, SGR for food grades, and origin documents.

Are small batches available for testing?

Yes, trial batches (from 25 kg) are available for most grades.

Conclusion

Polyethylene for film remains the key material for food and technical packaging. Success depends on the correct choice of grade, confirmed quality, and stable supply. The portal helps select analogues, organise logistics, and ensure supply chain transparency worldwide.

Contact Us

If you are looking for polyethylene for film production or need advice on grade selection, analogue search and worldwide supply organisation, please contact our team at info@apptrade.ru. We will help you find the right product, verify documentation and organise supply.