How Do You Seal Layflat Tubing? Methods and Machines
Polythene LFT (well, we suppose layflat tubing is a bit of a mouthful) is one of the most popular polythene packaging products we sell. It’s not as versatile as some polythene sheeting – but it’s so quick and easy to use, and for some packaged products, it’s the best fit for the job.
Basic methods of sealing polythene layflat tubing
We’ve covered some of the basics in an older post, which covers how to use polythene layflat tubing – but here’s a little more detail on how to seal LFT without any machinery.
Tuck or fold
The simplest methods of sealing layflat tubing don’t need anything other than the LFT itself! By tucking the tubing in on itself, or folding an overhanging section of tubing over the packaged product, you’ll be able to keep the item in place and secure in outer packaging, with no additional sealing required.
It’s fast, making packaging lines more efficient. It also makes opening the packaging easy, and looks fairly good – but this method does cause some wastage, as an excess has to be added on to each section of tubing to perform a tuck or fold. Tucking and folding are suitable for single, solid items, especially long and thin products: blinds, poles, metal tubing – that sort of thing – before boxing in outer packaging.
It’s (quite obviously) not fully moisture-proof, and multiple items (or loose ones) could easily escape a simple tuck, so it’s not going to work for everything.
For more security, you could use tape or staples.
Add tape or staples
A fold can be secured with some sticky tape or a staple, or the tubing can be pinched together with tape sealing it shut. For cases where less of a proper seal is needed, a staple can simply close the end, to prevent the product escaping.
This method makes for less wastage and extends the use cases of tuck and fold – but it takes more time and will slow packaging ops down if done manually. And, if this important to your product and brand – it doesn’t have the most professional look and finish. Tape can look messy and gum up a pristinely-finished item, and staples can tear or snag.
For a professional, moisture-proof finish, you could use a heat sealer.
Using heat sealers with polythene layflat tubing
Heat sealing layflat tubing is fast, simple and effective: it cuts and seals in one operation, and can speed up manual packaging operations – provided that the items being wrapped are small enough to manipulate by hand (although long heat sealers and wide layflat tubing options are available).
With a heat sealer, multiple products can be packaged in a single section of LFT, and the seal will be waterproof. Essentially, using LFT with a heat sealer allows you to make custom-fit bags for your product, with a perfect fit and finish. It’s a more costly investment than tape or staples – but it’s much more professional-looking, and will add additional moisture protection to your products. Plus, it’ll save you time!
Heat sealers can also be used to form packaging with centrefold sheeting and single wound polythene sheeting, too.
Can you use polythene layflat tubing for vacuum sealing?
You can, with the right polymer blend, use polythene layflat tubing for vacuum sealing food or other sensitive items. However, polythene bags on a roll may be a better solution, as vacuum sealers tend to require only one open end. You can use LFT that has been sealed with a heat sealer, but this adds an extra step that a polythene bag for vacuum sealing would avoid.
Order custom polythene layflat tubing
Order polythene layflat tubing to your exact specifications, from NPF Packaging. We provide our customers with custom sizing, material and bespoke polymer blends – with tinting and printing available. With fast lead times and low minimum order quantities, we’ll give you the polythene packaging solution you need, right when you need it. Get a quote now, or call our friendly team on 01773 820415.
