Metallized Barrier Film: Where It Fits and How to Choose
2026-10-24
Metallized barrier film is a plastic film with a very thin aluminum layer deposited under vacuum. It brings light and UV blocking to a structure at a fraction of the weight of a foil core. See the full specification on the Metallized Barrier Film product page.
VMPET or VMCPP
| Type | Base film | Where it fits |
|---|---|---|
| VMPET | PET | Printability and stiffness; barrier layer inside a laminate |
| VMCPP | Cast polypropylene | Low-temperature heat seal on the non-metallized face |
VMPET is normally chosen when the structure needs a printable, stiff barrier layer. VMCPP is chosen when the same film has to seal as well as block.
How the metallized layer is specified
The aluminum layer is specified by surface resistance rather than by thickness, typically 1.5 to 2.5 Ω/□. It is produced by high-vacuum deposition with plasma surface treatment on the base film. Surface resistance describes the metallized layer; it is not a product performance figure.
What metallizing does
- Blocks light and UV, protecting photosensitive ingredients
- Adds an incremental moisture and oxygen barrier within a laminate
- Allows a printed, reflective finish without a foil core
What it does not do
Metallizing is not a substitute for a foil core where the formulation needs a low moisture transmission rate. For hygroscopic actives, an aluminum foil laminate or an Alu-Alu system remains the stronger structure. See PTP Aluminum Foil.
Using it inside a structure
- As the barrier layer, usually between a print layer and a heat seal layer, for example BOPP/VMCPP or PET/VMPET/PE.
- As a light-protection layer ahead of a transparent seal layer where the pack must still be printable.
- As printed wrappers or sachets where a reflective finish carries the brand.
Recyclability note
The aluminum layer makes a metallized structure harder to recycle than a mono-material film, and it should not be described as recyclable without checking the full structure. Where recycling is a stated requirement, mono-material alternatives should be considered.
A selection checklist
- Confirm whether the requirement is light blocking, moisture barrier, or both.
- Choose VMPET for print and stiffness, VMCPP for sealing as well as barrier.
- Check the surface resistance value against the agreed specification.
- Confirm print adhesion on the face you intend to print.
- Verify barrier performance on the finished structure, not on the film alone.
Next steps
Send us the format, the sensitivity of the fill and the finish you need through Contact Us, or review Metallized Barrier Film for the specification.
Have questions about this topic?
Send your pack format and target market — our technical team replies within 48 hours.
Recommended materials
