FAQ. 27 Answers.
POF (Polyolefin) Shrink Film
Frequently Asked Questions
Six categories. Twenty-seven questions. POF vs PVC, food contact, ASTM testing, lead times, MOQ, machine compatibility, and distribution. The procurement and technical answers buyers ask before placing the first order.
01
Product & Technology
What POF (polyolefin) shrink film is, how 5-layer co-extrusion works, POF vs. PVC, hot-perforated and perforated polyolefin formats.
Q01What is POF shrink film?
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POF (Polyolefin) shrink film is a multi-layer packaging film that contracts under heat. It is produced from polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) resins. POF is safer than PVC during heat sealing because it does not release harmful gases when heated or welded. It is more transparent, more environmentally compatible, and approved for direct food contact. MGS manufactures 5-layer co-extruded POF shrink film in the 12-30 micron range.
Q02What does 5-layer co-extrusion mean?
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Co-extrusion is the process of fusing several polymer layers into a single film in one production step. In MGS's 5-layer architecture, each layer carries a specific role: the outer skins handle seal performance and surface gloss, while the inner layers deliver mechanical strength and balanced shrink behavior. Compared with 3-layer films, 5-layer co-extrusion gives more consistent thickness distribution and higher tensile strength. See our 5-layer co-extrusion technology page for the full breakdown.
Q03What is the difference between POF and PVC shrink film?
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POF (Polyolefin) film offers several advantages over PVC. It contains no chloride, so it does not release HCl gas when heated or welded — the conditions where PVC becomes hazardous. POF delivers higher shrink ratio (60-75% TD versus PVC's 40-50%), better optical clarity (haze under 1.5), higher tensile strength, and is approved for direct food contact. POF also runs at thinner gauges with equivalent performance: 19 micron POF matches the strength of 25-30 micron PVC, cutting material consumption.
Q04How long does POF shrink film stay stable in storage?
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Sealed POF shrink film rolls keep their mechanical and optical properties for 12 months when stored at 15-25°C, in low humidity, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. After unsealing, we recommend using rolls within 6 months. Each MGS production lot is numbered and traceable, so distributors can rotate stock on a first-in / first-out basis without quality drift across batches.
Q05What thicknesses do you produce?
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MGS produces POF (polyolefin) shrink film in 12, 15, 17, 19, 25, and 30 micron gauges. The 12-15 micron range suits lightweight items (cosmetics boxes, stationery); 17-19 micron is the standard for food packaging and multipack applications; 25-30 micron is intended for heavy or irregularly shaped products. Our gauge selection guide on the machine compatibility page maps each thickness to its typical application.
Q06What is hot-perforated POF shrink film?
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Hot-perforated POF shrink film carries regular micro-holes formed by a heated needle process. The perforations let air escape during shrinking, so the film conforms tightly to the product without trapped bubbles. MGS also produces macro-perforated film (larger hole diameter, high air permeability) and micro-perforated film (controlled-breath packaging). All perforated formats are available as center-folded or single-wound rolls in the 12-30 micron range.
Q07What applications use perforated film?
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Perforated POF (polyolefin) shrink film is the format of choice for breathable food packaging — fresh fruit and vegetables, baked goods (bread, pastries, simit), cheese, deli items, and fresh meat. The perforations prevent condensation during shrinking and extend shelf life. The hole pattern is matched to the application: macro-perforated film for products needing intensive ventilation, micro-perforated film for applications where visual clarity must be preserved.
02
Ordering & Delivery
Lead times, minimum order quantities, billing currencies, and custom box printing services.
Q05What is your delivery lead time?
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MGS ships within the same calendar month. Instead of the 60-90 day wait typical of long-haul imports, your order leaves the Balıkesir factory within the same month it is placed. Standard sizes are off-the-shelf from inventory. Custom sizes and printed orders typically need 2-3 weeks of production scheduling.
Q06What is your minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
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MGS focuses on B2B distributors and converters. MOQs vary by product type: jumbo and semi-jumbo rolls are sold by the ton; finished goods (center-folded, single-wound) are sold by the pallet. Volume tiers and current MOQ thresholds are negotiated per distributor agreement — contact us through the inquiry form for specifics.
Q07Which billing currencies do you support?
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MGS bills Turkish distributors in Turkish Lira, removing the currency exposure and letter-of-credit costs that come with importing. International distributors can be invoiced in major foreign currencies. Specific billing currency and commercial terms are negotiated per distributor agreement — contact us for the options that fit your market.
Q08Do you offer custom box printing?
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Yes. Center-folded and single-wound films can be supplied in printed master cartons carrying the distributor's logo and brand mark. This is a standard service that lets distributors reach end users under their own brand identity. See our products page for the full list of formats available with private-label printing.
03
Quality & Certifications
ASTM standards, quality control process, food contact safety, and test result transparency.
Q09Is POF shrink film food-safe?
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Yes. MGS POF shrink film is approved for direct contact with food. The polyolefin structure contains no chloride and no phthalates. Production follows food safety standards. Detailed test results and certification documents are linked from the technical specifications page (TDS library).
Q10Which ASTM standards do you test against?
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MGS POF films are tested against five ASTM standards: ASTM D882 (tensile strength and elongation), ASTM D2732 (free shrink), ASTM D1003 (optical clarity / haze), ASTM D1922 (tear resistance), and ASTM D3420 (impact strength). All test results are published openly on the technical specifications page.
Q11How does your quality control process work?
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Continuous thickness monitoring, in-line haze testing, and winding tension control run on the production line itself. Every production lot is numbered and held in a traceability record. Our R&D partner Great Silver Pack contributes 30+ years of polyolefin formulation experience, which underpins consistent batch-to-batch quality.
Q12Do you hold ISO certification?
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MGS's quality management system certification is in progress. Our R&D partner Great Silver Pack already holds ISO 9001. All MGS products are manufactured and tested to ASTM standards. For the current certification status, contact sales@mgsfilms.com.
04
Machine Compatibility
Compatible machine types, tunnel temperature settings, line speed optimization, and Maripak machines with MGS film.
Q13Which machines is MGS POF film compatible with?
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MGS POF (polyolefin) shrink film runs on L-sealers, side sealers, automatic packaging lines, and shrink tunnels. With our partner Maripak's machine engineering experience, our films are tuned to the operating windows of each machine type and line speed. The full machine-to-film matching guide is on the machine compatibility page.
Q14What should the shrink tunnel temperature be?
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The recommended tunnel temperature for POF (polyolefin) shrink film is 150-180°C. The optimum setting depends on film gauge, product size, and line speed. The general rule: thinner films (12-15 µm) run at lower temperature and higher speed; thicker films (19-30 µm) need higher temperature and slower speed. Detailed temperature and speed tables are on the technical specifications page.
Q15Can I use MGS film on Maripak machines?
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Yes. MGS film has been tested and tuned on shrink packaging machines built by our partner Maripak. Maripak has been Turkey's leading shrink packaging machine manufacturer since 1989. Maripak and MGS are separate companies, with independent management and independent ownership. For machine compatibility support, reach our team through the contact page.
Q16I am seeing film tearing or burn-through. What should I check?
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Start with seal temperature: too high burns the film, too low leaves the seal incomplete. Rebalance line speed against tunnel temperature for the gauge in use. On 12-15 micron films, confirm tunnel airflow is even across the chamber. If the issue persists, reach our technical support team at +90 216 365 85 70 or sales@mgsfilms.com.
05
Distribution Partnership
Application process, partner support, territory rights, and existing Maripak distributor pathways.
Q17How do I apply to become a distributor?
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Submit the application form on the distribution partnership page. The form asks for company information, your operating territory, current customer portfolio, and projected annual volume. Applications are reviewed within 5 business days.
Q18What support do you provide to distributors?
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MGS distributor support includes private-label box printing for brand identity, technical product training, the full TDS and product catalog, regional marketing materials, and a dedicated sales contact. Our sample roll program makes it easy for end users to evaluate the film before committing to volume.
Q19Do you grant territory rights?
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MGS offers regional distribution rights. During the application review, your operating territory and current distribution network are evaluated, and a territory plan is built around them. Exclusivity is tied to volume commitment. For specifics, complete the application form on the distribution partnership page or reach us at sales@mgsfilms.com.
Q20Is there an advantage for existing Maripak distributors?
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Maripak and MGS are separate companies, with independent management and independent ownership. That said, current Maripak distributors are welcome to apply for MGS film distribution and are reviewed through the standard distribution partnership pathway. Submit the application form when ready.
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Imports vs. Domestic Production
Why local manufacturing, import-cycle risks, cost comparison, and Great Silver Pack quality benchmarks.
Q21Why should I choose MGS over imported POF film?
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Three reasons. First, lead time: same-month delivery from Balıkesir replaces the 60-90 day wait of long-haul imports. Second, financial risk: FX swings, letter-of-credit costs, and customs friction drop out of the cost equation. Third, flexibility: lower MOQ thresholds and faster turnaround on custom sizes. MGS holds the quality bar of imports because our partner Great Silver Pack is one of the world's leading POF film exporters. The full comparison is on our domestic manufacturing advantage page.
Q22Is MGS quality the same as imported film?
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MGS uses the co-extrusion formulation developed through Great Silver Pack's R&D. The resin recipes, layer ratios, and process parameters are set by the Great Silver Pack R&D team. The Balıkesir factory equipment matches the standards of the Great Silver Pack facility. Production is supervised by Great Silver Pack technicians on site. The result: Great Silver Pack quality, Balıkesir logistics.
Q23How does local sourcing reduce stock risk?
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The 60-90 day lead time on long-haul imports forces distributors to hold large safety stock and tie up working capital up front. Same-month delivery from MGS raises stock turn and shortens the cash cycle. Working with smaller, more frequent orders, distributors cut warehousing cost and reduce write-off risk on slow-moving SKUs.
Q24Is MGS positioned as a low-cost option?
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No. MGS is a smart logistical upgrade, not a discount substitute. Same Great Silver Pack R&D technology. Same 5-layer co-extrusion architecture. Without customs friction, currency exposure, or month-long waiting periods. The cost advantage comes from logistics efficiency, not from cutting quality.
Related Pages for Deeper Detail
5-Layer Co-Extrusion Technology
Layer architecture, Double Bubble production process, and how 5-layer compares to 3-layer films.
Open Page →Technical Specifications & TDS
ASTM test results, gauge tables, and the full mechanical and optical property set.
Open Page →Machine Compatibility Guide
L-sealer, side sealer, and automatic line compatibility. Temperature and speed reference tables.
Open Page →Product Portfolio
Jumbo roll, semi-jumbo, center-folded, and single-wound formats. Gauge and width options.
Open Page →Distribution Partnership
Territory rights, partner support, application form. Become an MGS distribution partner.
Open Page →Domestic Manufacturing Advantage
Imports vs. local production comparison. TCO analysis, lead time, and risk reduction.
Open Page →About MGS — Quick Facts
MGS Maripak Great Silver Ambalaj is a 5-layer co-extrusion POF shrink film manufacturer based in the Balıkesir Industrial Zone (OSB), Turkey. Our technology partner Great Silver Pack (Shenzhen) is one of the world's leading POF film manufacturers and exporters.
MGS draws on our partner Maripak's 35+ years of machine engineering experience to tune our film products to the operating windows of every shrink machine type on the market.
Maripak and MGS are separate companies, with independent management and independent ownership.
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Tons/Day Capacity
24/7
Continuous Production
12-30
Micron Range
Contact
TEL+90 216 365 85 70
EMAILsales@mgsfilms.com
ADDRESSBalıkesir OSB, Altıeylül/Balıkesir
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