Cailong PLA Metallized Film & PLA Alumina Oxide Film – The Biodegradable High-Barrier Solution for a Greener Future

In an era where sustainability is no longer optional but imperative, the packaging industry faces mounting pressure to replace traditional petroleum-based plastics with eco-friendly alternatives. Among the most promising breakthroughs is Cailong PLA metallized film and Cailong PLA alumina oxide film – two innovative biodegradable materials that combine exceptional barrier performance with complete compostability. Developed by Cailong New Materials, these films are redefining what’s possible in green packaging, offering brands a tangible path to reduce their environmental footprint without compromising quality or functionality.

What Makes Cailong PLA Metallized Film and PLA AlOx Film Unique?

Derived from renewable resources like corn and wheat starch, PLA (polylactic acid) is a bioplastic that naturally decomposes under industrial composting conditions into water and carbon dioxide. Unlike conventional plastics that persist for centuries, Cailong PLA metallized film and its alumina-coated counterpart (PLA AlOx film) retain this inherent biodegradability while adding crucial performance upgrades through advanced coating technologies.

1. Full Biodegradability – The Core Advantage

Both Cailong PLA metallized film and PLA alumina oxide film meet international biodegradation standards (such as EN 13432 and ASTM D6400). Under proper composting conditions, they break down completely within months, leaving no toxic residues or microplastics. This makes them ideal substitutes for PET, OPP, and other fossil-based films in single-use packaging, directly tackling the global “white pollution” crisis.

2. Superior Mechanical Strength

Despite being bio-based, Cailong PLA coated films exhibit outstanding tensile strength and tear resistance. According to factory test data (GB/T 1040.3), the MD tensile strength reaches 117 MPa for metallized grade and 108 MPa for AlOx grade, while TD values are even higher at 126 MPa and 150 MPa respectively. Elongation at break ranges from 101% to 127%, ensuring durability during handling, transport, and end-use – performance on par with traditional high-grade plastics.

3. Remarkable Heat Sealability and Printability

One of the major hurdles for many biodegradable films is poor heat-sealing performance, but Cailong PLA metallized film excels here. With a heat seal strength of 7.5 N/15mm (tested at 85°C/80°C, 135kPa/2s) for the metallized version and 7.2 N/15mm for the AlOx version, these films seal securely without adhesive failures. Moreover, their surface tension (44 mN/m) ensures excellent ink adhesion, enabling high-definition flexo and gravure printing – critical for brand packaging aesthetics.

4. Exceptional Barrier Properties – The Game Changer

Plain PLA is known for moderate oxygen and moisture permeability. However, through Cailong’s proprietary high-vacuum metallization and alumina deposition processes, Cailong PLA metallized film achieves an oxygen transmission rate (OTR) as low as 3.0 cc/m²·24h and a water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of 2.50 g/m²·24h (ASTM methods). The PLA alumina oxide film offers OTR of 25 cc/m²·24h and WVTR of 10 g/m²·24h – both significantly lower than uncoated PLA, extending shelf life for snacks, coffee, dried meat, and pharmaceuticals. Importantly, this barrier upgrade does not compromise biodegradability, as the coatings are thin and fully compostable.

5. Glossy Appearance and Good Shrinkage Control

With a metallic or transparent glossy finish, Cailong PLA metallized film adds visual appeal to luxury packaging, while the alumina version provides a crystal-clear high-barrier layer. Thermal shrinkage at 100°C/10min is 4.0% (MD) and 1.2% (TD) for the metallized type, and 4.1% (MD) / 3.1% (TD) for AlOx – ensuring dimensional stability during heat-sealing lamination.

Application Fields – Where Cailong PLA Films Shine

Thanks to their balanced properties, Cailong PLA metallized film and PLA alumina oxide film are rapidly replacing conventional plastics in diverse packaging scenarios.

Food Composite Laminates

For snack bags, biscuit wrappers, and instant noodle sachets, Cailong PLA AlOx film serves as an excellent outer or middle layer in multi-layer laminates. It provides high oxygen barrier to preserve freshness, while its heat-sealable nature simplifies pouch making. Major food brands are switching to these films to meet EU and US single-use plastic directives.

Paper-Plastic Composite Bags

Combining Cailong PLA metallized film with kraft paper or recycled paper creates premium-looking, fully recyclable or compostable packaging for coffee beans, beef jerky, nuts, and tea leaves. The metallic layer enhances light protection and aroma retention, extending the product’s flavorful shelf life – a critical advantage for specialty food exporters.

Beyond Food – Medical, Agricultural, and 3D Printing

The future holds even broader adoption. In medical packaging, Cailong PLA coated films offer sterile barrier properties; in agriculture, they can be used as biodegradable mulching films; and in 3D printing, PLA filaments are already popular, and metallized versions could enable new decorative applications. Cailong is actively piloting these segments.

The Future of Cailong PLA Metallized Film and PLA AlOx Film

The global biodegradable plastics market is projected to grow at over 15% CAGR through 2030, driven by regulatory bans on single-use plastics and rising consumer preference for sustainable products. Cailong PLA metallized film and PLA alumina oxide film are poised to capture significant share, especially as production scales up and costs decrease. Cailong New Materials continues to invest in R&D to improve heat resistance, processability, and barrier even further – aiming to match or exceed traditional plastics in every performance metric while maintaining full biodegradability.

Moreover, as recycling infrastructure for bioplastics improves, these films can be integrated into circular economy models. Their low carbon footprint (from plant-based feedstocks) combined with end-of-life compostability makes them one of the most environmentally responsible choices available today.

Why Choose Cailong?

Cailong New Materials is a leading Chinese manufacturer specialized in vacuum metallized and coated films. With years of expertise in PLA processing, the company offers consistent quality, customized thickness (e.g., 40μm for metallized, 25μm for AlOx), and reliable supply chains. Every batch undergoes rigorous testing for adhesion (Grade 1 by 3M600 tape test), thickness tolerance, and optical properties.

For brand owners, converters, and packaging designers, switching to Cailong PLA metallized film or PLA alumina oxide film is a strategic move that aligns with ESG goals, enhances brand image, and meets tightening global regulations – all without sacrificing the functional excellence your products deserve.