When packaging engineers and buyers search for polyester near me, the answer often comes down to one versatile solution: metallized polyester films. These films combine the tensile strength, dimensional stability, and chemical resistance of PET with the barrier properties of a thin metallic layer—delivering high performance across food, pharmaceutical, and industrial packaging. At Pilcher Hamilton Corporation (PHC), located at 850 South Buncombe Road
Greer – South carolina, metallized polyester is not just a commodity but an engineered solution tailored to exacting specifications.
Key Takeaways
- Metallized polyester films (PET/BOPET) offer superior barrier protection against oxygen, moisture, and light.
- Available in gauges from 48 to 200 gauge (12–50 µm) with customizable surface treatments.
- Barrier metrics include OTR < 0.5 cc/m²/day and WVTR < 0.5 g/m²/day (23°C, 0% RH).
- Common applications: snack food pouches, coffee packaging, insulation, labels, and laminations.
- PHC offers precision slitting, sheeting, winding, and coating to customer specs.
What Are Metallized Polyester Films?
Metallized polyester films are biaxially oriented PET (BOPET) substrates coated with a microscopically thin layer of aluminum. The metallization process, typically done via vacuum deposition, imparts reflective and barrier qualities without compromising film flexibility.
- Core Film Base: PET or BOPET with gauge ranges from 48 to 200 (12–50 µm).
- Metallization Layer: Aluminum coating thickness of 300–500 Å (angstroms).
- Surface Energy: Metallized side typically 40–46 dynes/cm after treatment for print adhesion.
Key Properties and Specifications
| Property | Typical Range / Value | Benefit |
| Oxygen Transmission Rate (OTR) | < 0.5 cc/m²/day (23°C, 0% RH) | Extended shelf life for oxygen-sensitive products |
| Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR) | < 0.5 g/m²/day | Protection against humidity and spoilage |
| Coefficient of Friction (COF) | 0.3–0.5 (treated), customizable | Optimized machinability in packaging lines |
| Heat Resistance | 446°F (230°C) melting point | Stability during sealing, lamination, or sterilization |
| Tensile Strength | > 25,000 psi | Dimensional stability and durability |
Applications in Packaging
Metallized polyester films are widely used in flexible packaging, providing a metallic aesthetic and functional barrier.
- Food Packaging: Snack foods, confectionery, coffee, and ready-to-eat meals.
- Pharmaceuticals: Light- and oxygen-sensitive drugs requiring shelf stability.
- Industrial: Insulation wraps, release liners, and decorative labeling.
- Graphics: Labels and printing substrates for high-gloss visuals.
For a deeper dive into usage, see PHC’s polyester packaging applications guide.
Advantages Over Alternative Barriers
Compared to other barrier films, metallized polyester strikes a balance between cost, performance, and sustainability.
| Feature | Metallized PET | PVDC-Coated PET | BON + PET Laminate |
| OTR (cc/m²/day) | < 0.5 | < 0.5 | < 0.2 |
| WVTR (g/m²/day) | < 0.5 | < 0.3 | < 0.2 |
| Recyclability | Moderate | Low | Low |
| Transparency | Opaque | Clear | Clear/Opaque |
| Cost Efficiency | High | Moderate | Lower efficiency |
Explore PVDC-coated films and BON + PET laminations for detailed comparisons.
Buyer’s Checklist for Metallized Polyester Films
- Required gauge range (48–200 gauge)
- Surface treatment: corona-treated or chemical-treated
- Barrier specification: OTR/WVTR targets
- Seal layer compatibility (heat-sealable vs. adhesive lamination)
- Roll dimensions: width (up to 140 in.), OD, and core size
- Value-added services: slitting, sheeting, rewinding, coating
See PHC’s film specs reference for more technical data.
Future Innovations in Metallized Polyester Films
The next decade will focus on sustainable polyester films that combine metallization with recyclability. Developments include:
- PCR-based metallized PET (post-consumer recycled content).
- Metallized films with enhanced adhesion layers for water-based inks.
- Nanocoatings that replace aluminum but preserve barrier properties.
PHC actively supports greener solutions—learn more in our sustainability initiatives.
FAQ
Q1: What are metallized polyester films used for?
They are primarily used in flexible packaging to provide oxygen, moisture, and light barriers, extending product shelf life while offering a premium metallic finish.
Q2: How do metallized PET films compare to foil laminates?
While foil offers absolute barrier performance, metallized polyester films are lighter, more flexible, and more cost-efficient, making them suitable for most packaging lines.
Q3: Can metallized polyester films be recycled?
Recycling depends on regional infrastructure. Metallized PET has better recyclability than PVDC-coated films but less than clear mono-PET structures.
Q4: Where can I find reliable suppliers of polyester near me?
PHC supplies and converts polyester films across the U.S. from its Greer, South Carolina facility, ensuring speed, precision, and technical support.
Q5: What gauges are most common for packaging?
48, 75, and 100 gauge metallized PET films are widely used in food and consumer packaging applications.
For buyers and engineers evaluating polyester near me, Pilcher Hamilton Corporation is the trusted U.S. partner in barrier packaging films. Contact our team for technical data, samples, or a custom converting quote.
Contact PHC today:
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Pilcher Hamilton Corporation
850 South Buncombe Road
Greer – South carolina