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The most common types of cellophane used for packaging are moisture-proof sealable transparent cellophane (MST); moisture-proof sealable transparent coloured cellophane (MSCT); moisture-proof sealable transparent anchored cellophane (MSAT); and moisture-proof saran coated cellophane (MXXT).
Jute or Hessian
Jute fabrics of different types, like single warp and double, are used for making the jute bags. Sometimes, the jute fabrics are also made water proof either by lamination or coating with bitumen or plastic for packaging.
Aluminum foil
Please see metal foils section.
Plastics
There are various types of polymeric materials i.e. plastics which are converted into plastic films and have got wide application in packaging. Plastics are light in weight, very strong, hygienic and non-conductive. They do not rust, rot or react with most chemicals. Some of the important polymeric materials are given in the Table 2.
Table 2. Different types of plastics used for packaging
Polyethylene :
Low density polyethylene (LDPE)
High density polyethylene (HDPE)
High molecular high density polyethylene (HMHDPE)
Linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE)
Very linear low density polyethylene (VLLDPE)
Copolymers like surlyn or primacor (EAA)
Polypropylene :
Bioxially oriented poly propylene (BOPP)
Cast poly propylene (CPP)
Tubular quenched poly propylene (TQPP)
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) >
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
Polystyrene (PS)
Poly carbonate (PC)
Poly amide or nylon (PA)
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Polyethylene:
These materials have an excellent sealability, good moisture barrier, low temperature durability  and good tear resistance . LDPE is heat sealable, odour free and shrinks when heated. It is less expensive than most films and is therefore widely used in shrink or stretch-wrapping. HDPE is stronger, thicker, less flexible and more brittle than LDPE. They are however water-proof and chemically resistant and are used instead of multi-wall paper sacks for shipping containers. Generally, polythene is used for packaging processed and fresh meats, cheese etc. High density polyethylene is used in making containers, milk and detergent bottles, bags and industrial wrapping. Low density polyethylene is used for pallet and agricultural film, bags, coatings and containers.
Polypropylenes:
Polypropylene is often termed a breathable film. This film does not provide a good gas barrier, but is used mainly for moisture barrier properties and for temperature resistance in retort or pasteurized packaging. The material has good clarity, high gloss and excellent crack resistance. Packaging material made of polypropylene are used for bottles, jars, crisp packets, biscuit wrappers and boil-in-bag films among many other applications.
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)/ Polyester (PS)
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