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When packaging buyers or engineers search for polyester near me, they’re often looking for films that balance strength, clarity, and barrier performance. Among the most effective solutions are PVDC coated polyester films, which combine the dimensional stability of PET with polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) coating to dramatically reduce oxygen and moisture transmission. At Pilcher Hamilton Corporation (PHC), located at 850 South Buncombe Road
Greer – South carolina, PVDC-coated polyester is engineered for high-performance packaging and industrial applications requiring extended shelf life and proven barrier integrity.
Key Takeaways
- PVDC coated polyester films deliver exceptionally low OTR and WVTR for sensitive products.
- Available in gauges from 48–200 gauge (12–50 µm) with corona or chemical surface treatment.
- Barrier levels: OTR < 0.1 cc/m²/day and WVTR < 0.1 g/m²/day at 23°C, 0% RH.
- Ideal for food, pharmaceuticals, and industrial laminates requiring shelf-life extension.
- PHC provides slitting, sheeting, coating, and winding services for tailored solutions.
What is PVDC Coating on Polyester?
PVDC (polyvinylidene chloride) is applied as a thin coating layer on PET or BOPET film through a controlled coating process. This transforms the polyester substrate into a high-barrier material while retaining mechanical strength.
- Film Base: PET/BOPET (biaxially oriented polyester).
- Coating Weight: Typically 1–3 g/m².
- Surface Energy: 42–46 dynes/cm for strong adhesion to inks and adhesives.
This combination creates a film that resists gas and vapor permeation far better than untreated polyester.
Barrier Performance Metrics
| Property | PVDC Coated PET | Metallized PET | Clear PET |
| Oxygen Transmission Rate (OTR) | < 0.1 cc/m²/day | < 0.5 cc/m²/day | 60–100 cc/m²/day |
| Water Vapor Transmission Rate | < 0.1 g/m²/day | < 0.5 g/m²/day | 10–15 g/m²/day |
| Transparency | Clear/Translucent | Opaque Silver | Transparent |
| Recyclability | Moderate | Moderate | High |
By comparison, metallized polyester improves barrier properties significantly but is opaque. PVDC-coated PET retains clarity, making it highly suitable for transparent packaging that demands both product visibility and protection.
Industry Applications
Food Packaging
- Coffee and Tea: Retains aroma and prevents oxidation.
- Snacks and Nuts: Protects against rancidity by blocking oxygen.
- Frozen Foods: Superior moisture barrier reduces freezer burn.
Pharmaceuticals
- Blister packs, pouches, and sachets for drugs requiring controlled oxygen and moisture exposure.
Industrial Laminates
- Used in BON + PET laminations for extended barrier strength.
- Enhances flexible packaging laminates where transparency is required.
See PHC’s all-products lineup for a full spectrum of polyester solutions.
Benefits Over Other Coatings
PVDC coating offers unique performance advantages compared to alternatives such as acrylic or metallization.
- Clarity: Maintains high optical transparency unlike metallized PET.
- Barrier Superiority: Outperforms acrylic-coated polyester in both OTR and WVTR.
- Sealing Compatibility: Works with heat-sealable polyester films in laminates.
- Machinability: Controlled COF (0.3–0.5) ensures smooth operation on high-speed packaging lines.
For more on alternative coatings, explore acrylic-coated polyester films and corona-treated PET.
Buyer’s Specification Checklist
- Required gauge: 48–200 gauge (12–50 µm).
- Target OTR < 0.1 cc/m²/day and WVTR < 0.1 g/m²/day.
- Transparency requirements (clear vs. opaque structures).
- Surface treatment: corona-treated or chemical-treated for print adhesion.
- Roll size: widths up to 140 inches; OD and core as needed.
- Lamination compatibility (BON, PE, PP, EVOH).
- Value-added services: slitting, sheeting, coating.
Sustainability Aspects
The primary challenge of PVDC-coated polyester lies in recyclability. However, improvements are underway:
- Reduced coating weights that still meet barrier specs.
- Hybrid solutions combining PCR PET with PVDC coatings.
- Advanced recycling initiatives enabling recovery of PVDC/PET structures.
PHC supports innovation through sustainability-first PET films, ensuring greener solutions for the packaging industry.
FAQ
Q1: What are PVDC coated polyester films used for?
They are used in food, pharma, and industrial packaging requiring extended shelf life with excellent oxygen and moisture barriers.
Q2: How do PVDC coated PET films compare to metallized PET?
PVDC-coated PET provides clear high-barrier protection, while metallized PET offers opaque but lower barrier levels.
Q3: Are PVDC coated polyester films recyclable?
Recyclability is moderate. While not as sustainable as clear PET, advances in recycling infrastructure and PCR integration are improving outcomes.
Q4: Where can I find polyester near me for packaging solutions?
Pilcher Hamilton Corporation supplies polyester films across the U.S. from Greer, South Carolina, offering technical expertise and fast converting services.
Q5: What gauges are most common?
48, 75, and 100 gauge PVDC coated polyester films are most commonly used in food and pharmaceutical packaging.
If you’re evaluating barrier packaging solutions and searching for polyester near me, Pilcher Hamilton Corporation is your U.S. source for high-performance PVDC coated polyester films. Contact us for technical data, samples, or a custom converting quote.
All Services | Film Specifications | Contact Us
Pilcher Hamilton Corporation
850 South Buncombe Road
Greer – South carolina