Everything you want to know
The most frequently asked questions, grouped by product. Can’t find your question? Just call: +32 56 90 24 91 — you’ll speak to a specialist right away.
Practical questions
Where can I buy packaging film for my food business?
At AB Flexibles in Waregem. We supply thermoforming film, topseal film, flowpack film, vacuum bags, doypacks and trays made to measure — with personal advice and a sample to test on your own line first. Ask for no-obligation advice.
How do I request a quote or sample?
Via the contact form, by e-mail to info@abflexibles.be or by phone on +32 56 90 24 91. Describe your product and machine — you’ll receive a concrete proposal within 48 hours.
What is the minimum order quantity?
That depends on the film type and printing. We also think along for smaller volumes — get in touch and we’ll look at the options together.
How quickly can you deliver?
Standard films are usually delivered quickly from stock. For custom and printed film you get a clear lead time with your quote — and we stick to it.
Do you deliver internationally?
Yes. From Waregem we deliver throughout the Benelux and internationally. Ask about shipping options for your region.
About thermoforming
Which thermoforming film suits my machine?
Our films suit all common thermoforming machines, including Multivac, GEA and Variovac. Tell us your machine model and we’ll match structure, thickness and seal layer.
Should I choose flexible or rigid bottom web?
Flexible bottom web (50–280 µ) moulds to the product — ideal for vacuum packing. Rigid bottom web (150–1200 µ) gives a sturdy, crystal-clear tray shape for MAP and chiller-cabinet presentation.
Which materials do you use for thermoforming film?
Flexible: PA/PE or PA/EVOH/PE via blown or cast extrusion. Rigid: APET, rPET, gPET, APET/PE and APET/EVOH/PE — each with or without barrier, in multiple colours.
Can I cook or sterilise in a thermoformed pack?
Yes. Our films are pasteurisable and sterilisable, and there is a special cook-in film with excellent sealing properties for sous-vide and cooking processes.
How do I prevent leaking seals?
The cause is usually a mismatch between top and bottom web or contaminated seal bars. We supply top and bottom web as one matched system — that makes a world of difference.
Is there recyclable thermoforming film?
Yes — we develop mono structures and supply rPET variants with comparable barrier. Ask for our sustainability check.
About tray sealing
Which trays can topseal film be sealed onto?
Onto trays in PP, PET, aluminium, PS and other materials. Tell us your tray type and we’ll advise the right seal layer — or supply tray and film as one matched whole.
What is the difference between peel and non-peel?
Peel film opens easily without tearing — consumer-friendly. Non-peel gives a maximum, permanent seal for extra safety.
What does anti-fog film do?
Anti-fog prevents condensation on the inside of the film. Your product stays crystal-clear in the chiller cabinet — crucial for fish, meat and meals.
What is skin packaging?
The film is vacuumed around the product like a second skin, directly on the tray. Premium presentation, less moisture loss and longer shelf life — ideal for fish and meat.
Which tray should I choose for ready meals?
PP trays: heat-resistant, lightweight and microwave-safe, with excellent fat and moisture resistance. For maximum presentation choose crystal-clear PET; for MAP packaging PET/PE.
Does MAP packaging really extend shelf life?
Yes — by adjusting the atmosphere in the pack, your product stays fresh considerably longer. Our barrier films (incl. PET/EVOH/PE) hold that protective atmosphere.
About flowpacking
Should I choose horizontal (HFFS) or vertical (VFFS) flowpack?
Horizontal for solid products: biscuits, confectionery, meat and cheese. Vertical for bulk and liquid: potatoes, vegetables, fruit, soups, sauces and sweets.
What is the difference between fin seal and lap seal?
Fin seal seals inside to inside (in/in) — the strongest seam. Lap seal overlaps the film (in/out) and uses less material. We advise per product and machine.
Is flowpack film suitable for freezing?
Yes, our horizontal flowpack films are freezer-proof and retain their seal strength and flexibility at low temperatures.
Which materials are available?
PA/PE, PET/PE and BOPP, in various thicknesses and with or without barrier. BOPP is also a nice step towards recyclable mono packaging.
Can flowpack film be printed?
Certainly — clear or printed in your house style, with matt or gloss finish and window effects so the product stays visible.
About vacuum, cooking & doypacks
Which vacuum bag thickness do I need?
For standard products 70–90 µ is enough. Products with sharp edges (bones, crusts) require 100–140 µ. In doubt? Send us your product and we’ll advise free of charge.
What is the difference between a vacuum bag and a shrink bag?
A vacuum bag is sealed airtight; a shrink bag (40–95 µ) then shrinks tightly around the product. Shrink bags give a tighter presentation and are ideal for maturing cheese and meat.
Up to what temperature can cooking bags withstand?
Cooking bags up to 121 °C for pasteurisation, sterilisation and sous-vide. Retort bags go even above 121 °C in the autoclave — with high barrier against gas, light and water vapour.
Why choose a doypack?
A doypack stands upright on the shelf, is lighter and unbreakable — the economical alternative to glass, cans and boxes. Suitable for liquid and solid products.
Are doypacks resealable?
Yes — optionally with ZIP or Eurolock, and finished with rounded corners. Clear or printed in your house style.
My product doesn’t fit any standard bag. What now?
Then we make a custom special bag. Thanks to our extensive laminating capabilities and material knowledge, we can realise almost any structure, shape and closure.
Green questions
Is your packaging recyclable?
We are fully committed to recyclable mono materials such as PE/EVOH/PE and PP. Our PET trays are 100% recyclable and available in recycled rPET.
What does the PPWR mean for my packaging?
The European packaging regulation gradually imposes recycling targets. We translate them into concrete material choices that make you futureproof today — ask for our sustainability check.
Can I use thinner film without losing quality?
Often, yes. Modern structures deliver the same barrier with less material — less consumption, lower packaging contribution. We’re happy to test it on your line.
Does recyclable packaging lower my packaging contribution?
Yes — via eco-modulation you pay a lower contribution (Fost Plus/Valipac) for well-recyclable packaging. Choosing sustainable pays off financially too.
Still have a question?
Send us your product and machine — you’ll get a concrete, personal answer from a specialist within 48 hours.