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Why Does Packaging Thickness Matter?

While packaging thickness is an important factor, it’s not the only determinant of durability. In fact, many bag types rely more on material composition rather than sheer thickness to resist punctures and wear.

If the packaging film is too thin, it may tear, burst, or leak, compromising product integrity. Additionally, thinner films are often less effective at blocking oxygen and external contaminants, which can accelerate product deterioration. However, simply opting for a thicker film doesn’t always guarantee better performance—what truly matters is selecting the right material.

Certain high-performance materials provide superior puncture resistance and barrier properties, even at lower thicknesses. On the other hand, using a thicker but lower-quality material may still result in packaging failure.

While cost savings or environmental concerns may make thinner materials appealing, choosing the right combination of material and thickness is key. The wrong choice could lead to oxidation, spoilage, moisture infiltration, mold growth, or product clumping. Ultimately, it’s not just about how thick your packaging is—it’s about how well it’s engineered to protect what’s inside.

Gauge to Mil to Micron Conversion

To convert gauges to millimeters, you can use the following formula:

millimeters = gauge x 0.0254

For example, if you have a measurement of 16 gauges, the conversion would be:

millimeters = 16 x 0.0254 = 0.4064 mm

So 16 gauges is equivalent to 0.4064 millimeters.

For those who have never dealt with laminated plastic materials or coex film materials before, gauge conversions can be a little strange. When working with flexible barrier materials, the Mil to Micron conversion is generally the most significant.

Having a reference chart with all of the plastic thickness measurement units used in packaging might be beneficial. When people ask why is packaging thickness important, they usually go to mils and microns. Convert mils to microns, microns to mils, microns to millimeters, and more with this handy chart.

Understanding the importance of packaging thickness is crucial when selecting the right packaging materials for your products. The thickness of plastic film, for example, is often measured in gauge units, with the greater the gauge indicating a thicker film. However, it's important to note that gauge measurements differ between plastic film and wire, with a 12-gauge plastic film being much thinner than a 12-gauge wire.

So, why is packaging thickness important? The thickness of packaging materials can have a significant impact on the protection and preservation of the product inside. Thicker packaging materials can provide greater resistance to physical damage, as well as better protection against external factors such as moisture, oxygen, and light.

It's important to keep in mind that the thickness of packaging materials is not the only factor that determines their performance.

Other factors such as the type of polymer used, the manufacturing process, and the intended application can also have an impact. Therefore, it's important to carefully consider all of these factors when selecting the right packaging materials for your products to ensure they are adequately protected during storage and transport.

Sample Packaging Materials and Their Standard Thicknesses

• Saran Wrap for Home Use - Typically 35-40 ga.

• Ziplock Bags for Home Use - Typically 1.5-2 Mil

• Trash Bags with a Thickness of Typically 2-3 Mil

Commonly Used Stretch Film Thicknesses

Companies commonly use stretch film as packaging material in many industries due to its ability to secure and protect palletized goods during transportation and storage. However, not all stretch films are created equal, and the thickness of the film can have a significant impact on its performance.

That's why understanding why is packaging thickness important is crucial when selecting the right stretch film for your application. In this section, we'll provide an overview of commonly used stretch film thicknesses.

By understanding the importance of packaging thickness, you'll be better equipped to select the right stretch film for your needs and ensure your products are well-protected during transport.

• Hand Stretch Film, 47 Gauge

• Hand Stretch Film, 63 Gauge

• Hand Stretch Film 80 Gauge

• Hand Stretch Film 120 Gauge

• Machine Stretch Film 50 Gauge

• Machine Stretch Film, 63 Gauge

• Machine Stretch Film 80 Gauge

• Machine Stretch Film 150 Gauge

Commonly Used Heat Shrink Film Thicknesses

Heat shrink film is a widely used packaging material due to its ability to tightly seal and protect products during storage and transportation. However, the thickness of the film can significantly affect its performance, making it important to understand why is packaging thickness important when selecting the right heat shrink film for your application.

In this section, we'll provide an overview of commonly used heat shrink film thicknesses. Being able to benchmark from these information can help you select the right heat shrink film for your needs and ensure your products are adequately protected during transport.

Whether you're packaging food items, electronics, or other goods, knowing the standard thicknesses of heat shrink film can help you make informed decisions and prevent any potential damage to your products.

• Polyolefin Shrink Film 60 Gauge

• Polyolefin Shrink Film 75 Gauge

• PVC Shrink Film 75 Gauge

• Polyolefin Shrink Film, 100 Gauge