At SJA Filmtech, we are proud to be at the forefront of this transformation, offering innovative solutions tailored to meet the unique challenges faced by our clients. Our extensive range of products is designed not only to improve packaging efficiency but also to minimise waste and reduce carbon footprints across several industries.  

Food Manufacturing and Medical Sectors: SJA Filmtech’s human and eco-friendly solutions 

 The food industry demands packaging that preserves freshness while enhancing operational efficiency. Our specialised PET lidding films with anti-fog and anti-mist properties are revolutionizing ready meal packaging, ensuring your products maintain their appeal on store shelves. For bakery operations, our easy-peel and medium-peel films provide the perfect balance of protection and accessibility, while our gas barrier films (PE/EVOH/PE) ensure extended shelf life for sensitive products. 

 Our innovation extends to sustainability, with our latest compostable PLA films offering food manufacturers an eco-friendly alternative that doesn’t compromise on performance. These materials are perfectly suited for fresh produce packaging, addressing both environmental concerns and product preservation needs. 

 In healthcare, precision and reliability are critical. Our silicone release liners, featuring customisable release values from very easy to tight, are specifically engineered for medical device packaging and sensitive adhesive applications. The ability to control release values precisely ensures consistent performance in crucial medical procedures. 

 For sterile barrier packaging, our high-performance PET and HDPE films provide the necessary protection while maintaining sterility. These materials can be enhanced with our precision hot needle perforation technology (available in P1, P8, P30, and P160 patterns) when controlled breathability is required. 

E-Commerce Evolution 

The UK has the third largest eCommerce market in the world after China. eCommerce revenues in the UK are expected to have an annual average growth rate of 12.6% by 2025. This will mean more packaging needed for delivering products.  

The digital retail sector demands efficiency at every level. Our traverse wound bobbins, capable of holding up to 60km of material, are transforming e-commerce packaging operations. These replace traditional 2,500m pads with 20,000m spools, dramatically reducing changeover times and increasing production efficiency. 

 Our specialised E-Commerce Cover/Bag Release Tapes, available in various widths from 12mm to 30mm, are specifically designed for high-volume packaging operations. When combined with our de-spooling technology, these solutions create a seamless packaging process that significantly reduces operational downtime. 

Automotive and Industrial 

For car companies and the like, our specialised wrapping films play a crucial role in protecting the complex network of wires and cables that power everything from your engine to your entertainment system. Our PET films shield the main wiring systems around your engine, while our innovative AluPet and CuPet materials provide special protection for the sensitive electronic ‘brains’ of your vehicle – including safety sensors and driver assistance systems. Our films ensure these vital components are protected from heat, moisture, and wear. 

Our industrial-grade films are hard at work in factories and infrastructure projects worldwide. From protecting the power cables that keep factory robots running to safeguarding the undersea cables that connect our telecommunications networks, our BOPP and MOPP films provide essential protection.  

We also apply special treatments to our films that help them stick perfectly to various surfaces These same materials protect the cables in industrial machinery, robot arms, and electric motors, ensuring they can withstand the demanding conditions of modern manufacturing environments. 

Our Commitment to a Greener Future 

At SJA Filmtech, we believe protecting our environment is just as important as protecting your products. That’s why we’ve developed innovative ways to use recycled materials in our packaging films without sacrificing quality. Think of it like this: those plastic bottles you recycle at home? We can turn them into high-quality packaging materials. In fact, up to 70% of some of our films come from recycled sources, helping reduce waste while maintaining the high performance you expect. 

We’ve also created a smart recycling system right here at our facility. Any waste or trim from our production process doesn’t go to landfill – instead, it’s carefully sorted, processed, and transformed into new materials. It’s like giving our production materials a second life, ensuring nothing goes to waste. 

Three ways we’re making a difference: 

• We turn your everyday recycled plastics into new packaging materials (up to 70% of the final product) 

• Our films help you meet your company’s environmental goals while maintaining product quality 

• We collect and transform our own factory waste into new materials, creating a continuous recycling loop 

Looking Ahead 

 As we move toward 2025, our focus remains on developing solutions that address your specific industry challenges. Our technical team is ready to work with you to identify the perfect combination of products and services for your needs. Whether it’s our advanced spooling technology, precision converting services, or innovative sustainable materials, we have the solutions to drive your success. 

 Contact us today at 01282 774364 or get in touch by completing our quick and simple online enquiry form. to discuss how our industry-specific solutions can transform your operations in 2025 and beyond. 

The post Innovative Solutions for Your Industry: SJA Filmtech’s 2025 Vision appeared first on SJA Film Tech.

What is Bioplastic?

Bioplastics have the advantage of being much easier to degrade, implying that they are more sustainable.

Dubbed the “PlantBottle” by fizzy pop giant, Coca Cola – bioplastics can be used for packaging purposes and are made from plant or other biological materials as opposed to petroleum. Typically, bioplastic is produced by extracting sugar from plants such as corn and sugarcane, which is then converted into polylactic acids (PLAs) and is commonly used in food packaging. Bioplastic can also be produced from polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), which are engineered from microorganisms.

In essence, anything made primarily from a renewable source (such as the previously mentioned sugarcane or even vegetable fats) can be considered a bioplastic.

Are Bioplastics Biodegradable?

The term ‘biodegradable’ suggests that an item will decompose within a few weeks or months. By definition – a material is biodegradable if the above is possible and it can be broken down into water, carbon dioxide and compost by microorganisms. Not all bioplastics are biodegradable, despite the fact BBC Science Focus recently reported that most bioplastics take approximately between three to six months to decompose, which is much faster than traditional plastic materials.

Examples of Bioplastics

Biobased nylons, bio-PE, bio-propylene, bio-PET and bio-PP are examples of bioplastics. The most common type of bioplastic is thermoplastic starch, which according to a 2019 report by Innovative Industry, accounts for 50% of the bioplastic market at the time of publication.

Are Bioplastics a Sustainable Alternative To Plastic?

The fact bioplastics are made from renewable materials suggests that theoretically, they’re better for the environment than conventional petroleum produced plastics. Further to this, as previously noted, they take a much shorter amount of time to decompose. However, despite the obvious positive elements of bioplastics, it has been widely noted that they aren’t enough to solve the huge plastic problem the globe faces. Bioplastics require higher temperatures in order to decompose and some bioplastics can emit toxic residues. Furthermore, if bioplastics end up in landfills without enough oxygen, then they can take much longer to degrade and potentially produce methane gas.

Conclusively, bioplastics alone can’t solve the global issue with plastic pollution, as they require users to dispose of them in a responsible way and for them to go to the correct landfill environment. Nevertheless, the fact they can be produced without using fossil fuels and that in the correct environment they degrade much quicker than other plastics, means that they do go some way to assisting with the plastic crisis.

Find your Eco Food Packaging Solutions with SJA Film Technologies

With businesses looking for alternative sustainable packaging supplies, SJA Film Technologies provides various solutions to meet the demands and ultimately, protect the environment from harmful materials.

If you have any queries, get in touch with a member of our team online or alternatively, call us on 01282774364.

The post What’s the Role of Bioplastics in a Sustainable Packaging Future? appeared first on SJA Film Tech.

The post A Guide to UK Food Packaging Symbols appeared first on SJA Film Tech.

The post The Art of Packaging Design appeared first on SJA Film Tech.

Our experts have provided a simple breakdown of the slitting and rewinding procedure, along with answers to some of the most burning questions when it comes to slitting machines.

The role of a slitting machine

The mechanism used for the slitting process is often referred to as a slitter, a slitting machine or a slitter rewinder. To put things simply, the main role of a slitting machine is to convert (slit) papers, film and foil materials so that large rolls of these materials can be cut into narrower rolls.

A slitting machine consists of three main parts; the unwind, the slitter and the rewind. By feeding a large roll of your chosen material through the slitter’s unwind, your material will then unwind and be slit into various widths, before being rewound into cores of various widths.

A good example to portray the slitting process in everyday life would be when using an ATM machine. The receipts that you receive from an ATM machine were originally part of a master roll, however, after going through the slitting process they are divided into many smaller rolls, which are eventually used to supply a receipt for your transaction.

What is Slitting Steel?

The process of slitting steel involves wide steel coils being fed through a slitter machine, which cuts the material into narrow strips. From this, the cut strips (also referred to as strands) are then recoiled to create a narrow slit coil.

What is a Slitting Machine Operator?

Slitting Machine Operators bear the responsibility of ensuring the quality of materials passing through the slitting machine. The role involves managing, setting up and operating slitting machines so that they slit, bend or straighten sheets of materials such as paper and metal, among others. Specifically, a slitting machine operator will observe pre-defined tolerances and examine various final products.

For more information on the expert slitting and rewinding services that we can provide your company with, visit our dedicated slitting and rewinding page.

Industry Leading Slitting & Rewinding Services

At SJA FilmTech, we are proud to supply a variety of different businesses within the converting industry with our leading slitting and rewinding services.

Find more information on the expert slitting and rewinding services available, or give our team a call on 01282 774364. If you can’t get in touch with us over the phone right now, you can request for us to call you back at a more convenient time by completing our quick and simple online contact form.

The post What does a slitter machine do? appeared first on SJA Film Tech.

In recent times, there has been a noticeable movement towards eco-friendly packaging. Consumers are becoming increasingly environmentally savvy, with many now demanding ‘green’ packaging so they can play their part for the planet.

Eco-friendly packaging is more environmentally sustainable because it has less intensive production and disposal requirements. There is less energy input, lower disposal waste, and increased opportunity for recycling.

Below, we outline the main advantages of using eco packaging for your product.

1. Lower your carbon footprint

Environmentally friendly packaging has a lower carbon footprint throughout the entire product lifecycle. The initial production effort requires less energy, but there will likely be fewer transportation emissions, and more favorable disposal methods. In many cases, eco-friendly packaging will be recyclable or biodegradable.

2. Bolster your ‘green’ brand message

Eco-friendly credentials can form a powerful part of your company’s brand. By committing to protect the environment throughout your product lifecycle, you can improve your corporate social responsibility and reach new types of customers. And you can also demonstrate this on your packaging to increase your sales.

3. Become hypoallergenic & non-toxic

Different types of plastics and other synthetic materials can contain traces of toxic elements, such as Phthalates and Bisphenol A (BPA). Some people can develop allergic reactions to certain chemicals. But natural, non-toxic packaging is hypoallergenic, making it safer and less likely to cause a reaction.

4. Green packaging lets you be creative

Another benefit of choosing ‘green’ packaging methods is that they allow you to be more creative in your product presentation. Rather than following the crowd and developing uninspiring boxes, bottles and pouches, you can make an impact with innovative designs. This is a sure-fire way to get noticed in your industry.

5. Ensure biodegradability

Synthetic materials like plastic can take thousands of years to decompose in landfill sites. This places a tremendous burden on the environment and regularly impacts wildlife, especially in rivers, lakes, and the sea. Biodegradable product packaging is superior because it is kinder to fragile ecosystems and will not impact on wildlife.

6. Reach new customer segments

Although not the primary focus for choosing eco-friendly packaging, the practice can enable your business to reach new customer segments. There is a growing audience for eco-friendly packaging and companies that place a clear focus on the environment. This can translate into a larger audience for your firm.

Contact SJA Film Tech for eco-friendly packaging supplies

SJA Film Technologies is a specialist global packaging supplies company.

We supply companies with innovative, high-quality packaging solutions, including eco-friendly packaging supplies.

This includes liners, films, papers, and spooled products.

For more information on eco-friendly packaging and to chat with our team, please contact us online.

The post Advantages of using eco-friendly packaging appeared first on SJA Film Tech.

High-quality, sterile and secure packaging materials for equipment, samples, and medications requires great expertise, advanced technology, and reliable distribution. This all begins with the medical packaging manufacturing process. In this article, we provide a basic overview of medical packing production and what it entails.

The medical packaging process

Medical packaging refers to the materials and packaging products healthcare providers use to securely hold medical equipment, medications, and other resources.

Medical packaging production is the process of manufacturing items like pouches, bags, containers, wraps, blister packs, rolls, papers, and similar for the healthcare industry. These are used in medical settings or to contain consumer products available via retailers and pharmacies.

Packaging is designed for many different purposes, including to prevent contamination, prevent unauthorised access, prevent spillages, ensure adequate shelf-life, and meet industry and regulatory compliance.

Safety and legal considerations

The nature of the healthcare industry and customer requirements means that bespoke packaging solutions are often required to ensure adequate patient safety and legal compliance.

Production of custom packaging requires great skill, advanced technology and knowledge of the most suitable materials for the task. When patient health is concerned, nothing but the best materials and production processes available will do.

Many customers require bespoke packaging solutions. Custom packaging solutions, such as bespoke medical blister packaging, is vital to meet ongoing demand. Blister packs, in particular, help to maintain security with anti-tamper designs and give effective protection during transportation and storage in different environments.

Medical device packaging

Medical device packaging is used to contain equipment designed for medical procedures. Bespoke medical packaging is often crucial to ensure safety and reliable storage and transportation. Keeping equipment intact, safe, and secure is key to the process. Legal compliance is equally important to consider.

Sterile packaging

Packaging for medical purposes requires containers to be sterile to prevent infection and contamination from external sources.

Sterile packaging is made in an ‘ISO standard’ clean room. This ensures very low levels of particulates like dust and vaporised particles to ensure no contamination. Class 7 or Class 8 ISO clean rooms are recommended for sterile packaging.

Trust SJA Film Tech for medical packaging solutions

SJA Film Tech is a UK-based medical packaging manufacturer with a long track record of producing high-quality medical packaging solutions. Many healthcare providers across the UK and beyond rely on SJA Film Tech to supply off-the-shelf and bespoke packaging for the medical industry.

As a global packaging and film supplier, the company has great experience and expertise in the supply of medical packaging solutions. SJA delivers cost-effective, reliable packing solutions internationally. Delivery is fast with short lead times from the start of manufacture to final distribution. The company has six technical labs and 125+ years experience that ensures the highest quality packaging solutions.

The post Medical Packaging Production appeared first on SJA Film Tech.

With the topic of climate change firmly on the agenda, the role of sustainable packaging has become vital among companies large and small.

In this article, we provide an overview of the subject matter and explain what sustainable packaging is, why it is important, and highlight sustainable packaging materials.

What is sustainable packaging?

Sustainable packaging is a term used to describe product packaging that has a limited impact on the environment.

Companies that use sustainable packaging methods aim to have a low carbon footprint across part of or across the entire supply chain.

This ensures there is minimum impact on the environment, from the raw materials used for and during the manufacturing process, right through to the eventual disposal or recycling of the packaging.

Sustainable packaging can be completely recyclable, reusable, or have an eco-friendly production process.

But it is worth noting that few – if any – companies achieve 100% sustainability.

However, what they can do is strive to achieve good sustainability as best they can.

One such example would be using no more than the required amount of packaging.

It is common for some companies to use too much packaging.

Consider the times boxes are far too big for the product they contain!

In these cases, companies should consider downsizing to save materials.

Other brands may decide to move towards using more eco-friendly packaging materials.

Why packaging sustainability is important

Packaging sustainability is important because it helps to lower a company’s environmental footprint, thereby having a positive impact on the environment as a whole.

Packaging sustainability is a balancing act between environmental, economic, and social factors across the lifecycle of a product.

Just because a company claims its product or packaging is good for the environment does not make it sustainable.

Sustainability is a long-term, supply chain-wide approach.

For packaging to be truly sustainable, even the energy produced to make it must be primarily from renewables.

Eco-friendly packaging materials

Since so many consumers now avoid brands that are not environmentally conscious, it makes sense for companies to adopt eco-friendly packaging over materials like plastic.

One such example is cardboard and paper.

Most cardboard and paper comes from sustainable tree stocks, and may already have been recycled prior to use.

They are also nearly entirely biodegradable, making them better for wildlife and the ecosystem.

Plastic alternatives like polylactic acid are also becoming more popular, as are organic fabrics and other biodegradable materials.

That said, it is important for consumers to conduct their own research to guide their buying habits.

SJA Film Tech supply a variety of eco friendly film options.

Visit SJA Film Tech to see our full list of advanced packaging materials

At SJA Film Tech, we are dedicated to researching the most advanced, feature-rich packaging for the future.

This includes producing sustainable, environmentally-friendly packaging to meet the demands of brands in all industries.

Please visit our website to find out more about how we can help your company.

The post The role of sustainable packaging in 2020 appeared first on SJA Film Tech.

Changing packaging options has been a high concern with the potential impact of plastic waste in the oceans. A number of supermarkets have actually began selling more drinks in cartons under the impression that they’ll be recycled, whereas Green Alliance has reported that the UK only has the facilities to recycle a third of the containers in circulation.

Compostable confusion

Over 80% of people believe biodegradable plastics are environmentally friendly. Despite this there is not much understanding of what the term means and how the material should be properly dealt with. A number of retailers are very worried with the confusion of the situation.  Potentially, biodegradable plastics can harm the environment if people mix compostable plastics in with conventional plastics! Many companies that are trying to use this type of plastic have also implied that this material did not break down as expected in standard conditions.

Ministers across the country have said that all businesses will require to pay for 100% of costs when dealing with the material when it finally becomes waste. To put this into perspective, it’s currently around 10%.

More information on these topics is to be expected later in the year. The timeline for the implementation is still unclear, and we’re still waiting for the government to confirm if the deposit return will apply with every container size.

In addition to this the government has also partly banned microbeads, plastic straws and stirrers with cotton buds is planned to be banned in later this year.

The ban on polystyrene has is also in discussion as the Treasury has made promises to finally introduce tax on plastic packaging that does not have 30% recycled content.

Choose SJA Film Tech for your food packaging films!

At SJA Film Tech, we provide a wide range of food packaging solutions to help meet the needs of many different catering and packaging requirements.

Let us help you with finding a packaging film suitable for your brand.

If you have any questions regarding our services, don’t hesitate to give us a call on 01282 774364 or get in touch by completing our quick and simple online enquiry form.

The post How the plastic packaging ban ‘could harm environment’ appeared first on SJA Film Tech.

Why is Packaging So Important?

We understand packaging in all its glory and know what consumers are looking for when they’re making a purchase.

Contrary to the popular saying, when it comes to your packaging, it’s not just what’s on the inside that counts. Consumers are swayed by what they see and read, so it’s the outside that’s usually the deciding factor in purchases. In fact, some may argue that the packaging is the single most influential aspect of purchasing decisions.

Packaging can be boiled down to serve three main purposes:

Practical Storage and Transportation

If you’re a retailer, the practical aspects of storing and transporting products shouldn’t be overlooked. Your products need to get to their destination safely and in one piece, while still keeping your budget in mind.

Product Freshness

The packaging you choose will determine its freshness at its end destination, particularly if you’re selling food products. To make sure your goods make it to their “Use By” or “Best Before” date, they need to be packaged in materials that will keep them as fresh as possible. Failing to do this could mean a lot of prematurely-spoiled items, resulting in a loss of money (and no one wants that!)

Attracting Consumers

As already pointed out, packaging plays a massive part in consumer decision-making. Taking the time to design your packaging so that it’s eye-catching, attractive, and appealing to your customers will make all the difference to your sales.

What Are Your Packaging Options?

Let’s take a look at your options for packaging your products safely, securely, and cost-effectively. Each material has its positives and negatives, so what you choose will depend on its purpose.

Glass Packaging

Pros

• Transparent – You’re able to see its contents from the outside
• Resistant to heat and moisture
• Recyclable
• Non-reactive material – Wont alter the taste of food

Cons

• Difficult to transport and carry – Will need to be transported carefully to avoid breakage
• Can break easily – A potential danger

Aluminium Packaging

Pros

• Lightweight material – Making it easy to transport and carry
• Recyclable
• Resistant to heat, gases, corrosion and moisture, making it ideal for storing a wide range of contents

Cons

• Not very strong – Will not be ideal for heavy goods
• Can’t be welded – Very rigid in its shaping options
• Tends to be one of the more expensive choices out there

Tinplate Packaging

Pros

• Cheaper alternative to aluminium – Good for your wallet!
• Durable
• Heat and water resistant
• Recyclable

Cons

• A heavy material
• Will react with food contents, altering the taste

Tin-Free Steel Packaging

Pros

• A strong material that is durable
• More cost-effective than tinplate
• Heat-resistant

Cons

• Cannot be welded
• Tends to corrode easily
• It’s heavier than aluminium and so is more difficult to transport and carry

Paper and Paperboard Packaging

Pros

• A light material that’s easy to carry and transport
• Reasonably strong to suit a lot of purposes
• Cost-effective
• Recyclable
• Made from recycled materials

Cons

• Breaks and tares easily
• Absorbs moisture and is not ideal for humid environments
• Not a good light-barrier

Polyester Packaging

Pros

• A strong material
• Acts as a good barrier to a range of contents
• Resistant to tears and breakages
• In its rigid form it can be recycled

Cons

• The debris from polyester is a potential threat to the environment

Plastic Packaging

Plastic packaging has had some bad press because of its potential negative impact on the environment. However, plastic remains one of the cheapest, diverse, and flexible options for packaging materials.

Not all plastics are the same though, and each type has its own uses. If you’re not sure what plastic will be best for your products, that’s okay. Just give us a call and we’ll be happy to talk through your choices with you.

Get in Touch

Find out more about the world’s leading food packaging supplier.

Get in touch with SJA Film Tech today. Our team will walk you through your options, whether you’re debating the plastics or going with glass. We’ve got all the answers to your packaging questions.

If you haven’t already guessed, we’re experts when it comes to packaging, design, and materials, and we’re truly passionate about what we do. Packaging is what makes products stand out and look beautiful. We’ll work with you to make sure you’re packing and presenting your products perfectly for optimum sales results.

Call us now on 01282 774364 for a chat with a friendly member of our team.

Alternatively, arrange a callback at your convenience when you contact us online.

The post What Food Packaging is Right For You? appeared first on SJA Film Tech.