Blog / News
Oct.13,2026
Are you thinking about using skin packaging for your products? Perhaps you are a food manufacturer, or maybe you are a buyer for a hardware and tooling business. You know that skin packaging is suitable for your products, but you are unsure whether to choose Surlyn film or skin poly film.
You understand that both films are used in similar applications, but you are confused about which one is more suitable for your specific products. You need to understand the differences between these two materials to determine which film best fits your packaging needs.
IDEAL has been helping clients with skin packaging for many years, and we frequently receive questions about the differences between skin poly film and Surlyn film. Customers want to know which film is better for their skin packaging applications and how each material is used in the production of skin packs.
In the article below, we will explain how Surlyn film and skin poly film are used to make skin packaging. We will also compare these two film options to help you decide which one is a better fit for your products and packaging requirements.
Surlyn® skin packaging film is a lightweight, visually appealing alternative to clamshell and blister packaging. It is commonly used for skin packaging on coated boards when exceptional clarity and high strength are essential. Made from a plastic resin, Surlyn® film is also widely used in food packaging applications.
Skin poly film is another common material used to produce skin packs and serves many of the same applications as Surlyn® film. Skin poly is a type of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) film.
When both high clarity and strength are required, Surlyn® film is often the better choice because it combines these two properties in a single film.
However, if your packaging application requires only high strength or high clarity, skin poly film may be a more suitable option. Different variations are available to prioritize either strength or clarity, allowing you to choose a film that better matches your specific packaging requirements.
Skin packaging, which differs from blister packaging, is produced by placing Surlyn or skin poly film over a product positioned on a backing material and then heating the film. The heat softens the film, allowing it to conform to the product's shape during the vacuum packaging process.
The backing material is typically a flat board made from materials such as blister board, paper, or plastic. Other materials, including cardboard, can also be used to create the backing, depending on the product and packaging requirements.
Skin packaging is commonly used for a wide range of products, including fish, hardware, computer components, electrical components, and many other items.
It is particularly suitable for products that need to be clearly visible and inspected before purchase in retail environments, such as freezers, coolers, store shelves, and other high-visibility display areas.
During the packaging process, Surlyn or skin poly film is placed over the product positioned on the backing material. Vacuum packaging machinery then draws the film tightly around the product and seals it to the backing, creating a close-fitting package that follows the product's shape.
Skin packs generally consist of three main components: Surlyn or skin poly film, a backing material, and a vacuum sealing system. After the film has been vacuum-sealed against the backing, excess material can be removed using a die-cutting machine. This additional step creates clean edges and gives the finished package a smooth, attractive appearance.
To determine whether Surlyn or skin poly film is the right choice for your packaging needs, you will need to consider a few key questions about the clarity and strength required for your film.
♦ Do you require exceptional clarity but not high strength? If yes, a type of skin poly film designed for this application would be the best choice.
♦ Do you require high strength but not exceptional clarity? If yes, a type of skin poly film designed for this application would be the best choice.
♦ Do you require a balance of strength and clarity? If yes, Surlyn film would be the better choice.
With the information above, you should be better equipped to make an informed decision about which type of film is best suited to your skin packaging applications and where to source the materials you need.
If you are still unsure whether Surlyn or skin poly film is right for you, please reach out to one of our packaging experts. They can help you select the right film for your specific requirements and identify a suitable vendor, even if you ultimately decide to purchase from another supplier.
