The goal of the laminating process is to produce a final substrate with enhanced barrier properties, appearance, and strength for flexible packaging. The different films, paper, and aluminum foil all have different properties. Some films have high dyne levels which makes it suitable for print, some films have a good sealing property which makes it suitable for becoming the most inner layer of the packaging, aluminum is known for its air-blocking barrier property, and paper is known for its porous structure that is suitable for water-based inks. At the end of the day, the choice of the laminating process is directed by the end-use of the flexible packaging product. The lamination applications are applied in many different industries, ranging from food, beverage, sanitary, medical to the high-tech sector. Wherever flexible packaging is required, there will be lamination.

Laminating machinery and laminating types

Laminating machinery can be categorized into 4 main categories by its process. This includes dry lamination, wet lamination, solventless lamination and wax or hotmelt lamination.