Packaging Design & Materials Flashcards

Which property of a polymer material describes its ability to return to its original shape after deformation?

Answer: Elasticity

Elasticity is the property that allows a material to recover its original shape after a deforming force is removed.

In flexible packaging, what does the term 'barrier layer' primarily protect against?

Answer: Moisture, oxygen, and light transmission

A barrier layer in flexible packaging is engineered to limit the transmission of moisture, oxygen, aromas, and sometimes light to extend shelf life.

What is the primary function of a headspace in a sealed food package?

Answer: To allow for thermal expansion and modified atmosphere

Headspace allows for product expansion, accommodates modified atmosphere gases, and provides necessary volume for pressure equalization.

Which test method is commonly used to evaluate the seal strength of flexible pouches?

Answer: Peel test

The peel test measures the force required to separate two bonded substrates, making it the standard method for evaluating heat seal strength in flexible packaging.

What is 'caliper' as it relates to paperboard packaging?

Answer: The thickness measurement of the board

Caliper refers to the thickness of paperboard, typically measured in points (thousandths of an inch) or millimeters.

Which packaging material category is LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) most commonly used for?

Answer: Flexible films and squeeze bottles

LDPE's flexibility, low cost, and good moisture barrier make it ideal for flexible films, shrink wrap, and squeezable containers.

In package design, what does 'dead fold' refer to?

Answer: The ability of a material to hold a crease without springing back

Dead fold is the property of a material (like foil or certain papers) to retain a fold or crease without elastic spring-back.