--- title: What does “Composite” mean for packaging materials? description: Understand what composite packaging materials are and how to model multilayer structures in SyncForce --- [Skip to content](https://support.syncforce.com/knowledge/what-does-composite-mean-for-packaging-materials#main-content) [![Syncforce\_logo\_tagline](https://support.syncforce.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Syncforce_logo_tagline.webp?width=480&height=72&name=Syncforce_logo_tagline.webp)](https://www.syncforce.com/) Open main navigation Close main navigation Hello. How can we help you? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Home](https://support.syncforce.com/knowledge?hsLang=en) 2. [Product Data Management](https://support.syncforce.com/knowledge/product-data-management?hsLang=en) 3. [Packaging Data Management](https://support.syncforce.com/knowledge/product-data-management?hsLang=en#packaging-data-management) # What does “Composite” mean for packaging materials? ## Understand what composite packaging materials are and how to model multilayer structures in SyncForce, including the difference between laminated and co-extruded films. A composite packaging material is a structure that consists of **two or more different materials combined into one functional unit**, where the materials cannot be easily separated. ### Examples - Beverage cartons (paper + polymer + aluminium) - Flexible films (e.g. PET / PE or PA / PE) - Metallized or coated films (e.g. PET + AlOx) --- #### In SyncForce When working with composite materials: - Set **Material Type = Composite** - Define each material separately in the **Composite Layers** section - Ensure that the **total material split equals 100%** This allows correct: - Material reporting - Recyclability assessment - Compliance documentation --- #### Important - Composite refers to **material composition**, not how the structure is produced - Both **laminated** and **co-extruded** films are composites if they contain multiple materials --- ### Laminated vs Co-Extruded Films Composite films are often multilayer structures. These layers can be combined in two main ways: --- #### 1. Laminated (adhesive-based) Separate films are produced first and then **bonded together using an adhesive layer**. ### Characteristics - Layers are physically glued - Allows combining very different materials (e.g. plastic + aluminium) - Common for high-barrier packaging --- #### 2. Co-Extruded (no adhesive) Multiple materials are **extruded together in one process**, forming a single integrated film. ### Characteristics - Layers are melt-bonded - No adhesive is used (may include tie layers) - Often used for recyclable or mono-material structures --- #### Key Difference - **Laminated** = layers bonded with adhesive - **Co-extruded** = layers fused during production --- ### Typical Multilayer Structure Flexible packaging films are usually built in functional layers: **Outside → Inside (product contact)** - Print layer (PET, OPP) - Barrier layer (EVOH, Aluminium, PA) - Structural layer (PE, PP, PET) - Seal layer (PE, CPP) --- #### Example Structures - PET / Al / PE - OPP / EVOH / PE - PA / PE These are all **composite materials** because they contain multiple material types. --- ### How to manage this in SyncForce For both laminated and co-extruded films: - Select **Material Type = Composite** - Add each layer as a material in **Composite Layers** - Define the **percentage (%) per material** - 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