PVC in packaging

Several simple properties have made PVC invaluable as one of the key plastics used in modern day packaging to protect and preserve products.

PVC minimises food waste

PVC is flexible, light, cost-effective, transparent, tough and safe. It has excellent organoleptic properties (does not affect the taste of the packaged food), and requires less fuel to manufacture and transport when compared with other packaging materials such as metal or glass. It also protects against contamination by helping to prevent the spread of germs during manufacture, distribution and display, particularly in the form of cling film. This, combined with PVC’s excellent oxygen and water barrier properties, prevents unnecessary wastage as it ensures food lasts longer. 

A wide range of applications

More than 400,000 tons of PVC is used in packaging across Europe each year. Its major packaging applications are rigid film (about 80 %), flexible film such as cling film (15 %) and closures (3 %). PVC provides a very versatile and cost-efficient material for the production of:

Packaging for disposable syringes and medical devices, as rigid PVC allows radiation sterilisation

Blisters and presentation trays for a wide variety of foodstuffs, as well as batteries, electronic parts and accessories, tools, toys

Pharmaceutical tablets blisters

Cling film for food

Toiletries

Bottle sleeving

Adhesive tape