Selecting a cosmetics overwrapper or a pharmaceutical overwrapper starts with matching the film web, self-adhesive tear-tape tension, end-fold plows and heated side-seal plates to the folding carton board.
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Cosmetic vs Pharmaceutical Carton Overwrapping at a Glance
Bicor™ AB is a two-side acrylic coated sealable OPP film designed for general use in overwrap and HFFS packaging as an unsupported web or in a lamination.
Bicor™ AB film is supplied in nominal thicknesses (gauge 80 100 132; µm 20 25 33) tested per ASTM D2673.
Bicor™ AB typical optical values across its three gauges are Haze (% 1.6 1.7 1.9) per ASTM D1003 and Gloss (90 87 87) per ASTM D2457.
Bicor™ AB crimp seal strength (g/in 540 560 600 per ASTM D882 260°F(126°C)/20psi/0.75sec) pairs with minimum crimp seal temperatures of degree 185°F(85°C) 205°F(96°C) 185°F(85°C).
Bicor™ AB acrylic-to-acrylic coefficient of friction is 0.25 0.24 0.22 per ASTM D1894, and WVTR is g/100in²/24hr 0.47 0.37 0.26 per ASTM F1249 at 100°F(38°C),90%RH.
Bicor™ AB is lap sealable to other acrylic coated and sealable PVdC coated films, and is not recommended as the sealant webs on VFFS machines because of poor hot tack.
Bicor™ ASB-X one-side acrylic / one-side sealable PVdC coated OPP film is offered in thicknesses of gauge 110 150 170 210 (µm 27.5 37.5 42.5 52.5) per ASTM D2673.
Bicor™ ASB-X optical values across its four thicknesses are Haze (% 1.3 1.2 1.4 1.4) per ASTM D1003 and Gloss (90 98 98 90) per ASTM D2457.
| Subsystem | Cosmetics Overwrapper Priority | Pharmaceutical Overwrapper Priority | Shared Machine Verification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overwrap film web and optics | On the LINEVO Automatic Cosmetic Box Overwrapping Machine, the wrapping and heat-sealing process closes the film around fragrance and skincare cartons, with film barrier properties and sealing settings selected for the product and storage requirements | The LINEVO Automatic Pharmaceutical Box Overwrapping Machine wraps medicine cartons, supplement bottles, probiotic kits, and health products that demand a moisture-proof, tamper-evident finish to ensure product integrity | Verify film slip, antistatic treatment and cut-length registration on production cartons |
| Self-adhesive tear-tape applicator | The LINEVO Automatic Cosmetic Box Overwrapping Machine integrates a standardized high-speed Tear Tape (Easy-Open) Applicator for precise placement of the opening strip, enhancing user convenience and maintaining a sleek, professional look | The LINEVO Automatic Pharmaceutical Box Overwrapping Machine integrates a standardized high-speed Tear Tape (Easy-Open) Applicator for precise, millimetric placement of the opening strip, enhancing both consumer convenience and product security | Review tape continuity, tab access and the opening path on samples instead of treating a gold line as a security guarantee |
| End-fold plows and side sealing | A perfume box overwrapper folds film around a closed box and heat-seals the folds, where box stiffness, corners and surface finish affect the folds and contact marks | The wrapping and heat-sealing process closes the film around health-product cartons, with film barrier properties and sealing settings selected for the product and storage requirements | Match heater block geometry, spring pressure and dwell time to film gauge and line speed |
| Folding carton board mechanics | For a closed perfume or cosmetic box in clear film, review box rigidity, film and format parts to prevent loose folds or marked box faces | Wraps rigid medicine and supplement boxes in BOPP or cellophane film with envelope-folded, heat-sealed ends, and runs a single or double-sided tear tape into the wrap | Confirm board grain direction, crease recovery and corner squareness before machining change parts |
| Line integration and inspection | The LINEVO Automatic Cosmetic Box Overwrapping Machine is integrated with a Siemens PLC and HMI interface offering real-time throughput monitoring and comprehensive fault diagnostics | Overwrapping configurations for medicine cartons, vitamin and supplement boxes and healthcare kits combine servo film feeding, cutting and folding, quick-change format adjustment, and a PLC and touchscreen with fault diagnostics | When an overwrapper follows a cartoner, the two machines must agree on box orientation, pitch and stop signals, or plan the operator position and buffer for hand feeding |
Tear-Tape Applicator Tension, Adhesive Tack and Opening Tab Geometry
FLEXOPP™ B-THL has a wetting treatment level of dyne/cm 38 per ASTM D-2578, dynamic COF (UTR/UTR) of 0.30±0.05 per ASTM D-1894, haze (% 1.8 2.0 2.2 2.2 2.5 2.8 3.0 3.0 3.5 3.5) per ASTM D-1003, and gloss (at 45⁰) of Unit 88 86 85 85 85 82 82 80 78 78 per ASTM D-2457.
FLEXOPP™ B-THL has a heat seal initiation temperature of ⁰C 105 and minimum heat seal strength of gm/25mm 300 325 350 350 375 400 425 450 450 450.
Futamura Cellophane™ films are biobased and renewable cellulose films derived from wood pulp sourced from managed plantations, available in high barrier, semi-permeable, and heat-sealable grades.
Futamura Lacquered Cellulose Films are heat sealable on both sides and incorporate specialist lacquers for enhanced moisture, oxygen, and aroma barrier performance as well as resistance to oils and greases.
Cosmo Films high-shrink tight wrap BOPP overwrap films offer shrinkage values in the range of 9-11 percent and are meant for individual cigarette packs, while medium shrink BOPP overwrap films offer shrinkage in the range of 4-6 percent and are suitable for bundling individual cartons.
According to Conrad Hart-Brooke, head of packaging at Taylors of Harrogate, the Innovia Propafilm grade used on Yorkshire Tea boxes is an anti-static, high-speed overwrapping film where a high level of anti-static enhances machine performance and minimizes dust attraction onto the wrapped packs while offering good puncture and impact resistance.
Each Essentra SupaStrip tear tape incorporates an easy-to-use tab cut that simplifies removing the overwrap film.
Essentra Tapes printed tear tape can be produced as a 5mm-wide tape printed with brand names to enhance brand image and indicate where to open the overwrapped pack.
Filtrona Tapes Supastrip Prism decorative holographic tear-tape films are available unprinted or flood-printed in widths starting from 1.6mm and can be combined with print for brand protection.
Within the Filtrona Tapes holographic tear-tape line, Prism Ultra provides de-metallized or selectively metallized holographic effects, and Prism Unique supplies bespoke hologram designs.
Essentra Tapes SupaStrip PCR tear tape is manufactured from recycled PET and reportedly contains 70% post-consumer resin (PCR) in a single ply, 23micron film.
Integrating a tear strip removes the need for knives or other sharp implements, minimizing the risk of product damage and personal injury during carton opening.
Envelope End-Fold Kinematics and Side and End Heat Sealing
Solid Bleached Board (SBB, GZ, Invercote) is a multiply construction made exclusively from bleached chemical pulp and usually has a pigment coated top surface.
Folding Box Board (FBB, GC2, Incada) with a cream back is a multiply construction made from layers of mechanical pulp sandwiched between layers of bleached chemical pulp.
Paperboard performance and physical properties at Holmen Iggesund mills are measured in a standard test climate of 23°C/50% RH on samples taken from board production.
Holmen Iggesund classifies paperboard surface gloss values of < 40% as matt, ≥ 40% to < 70% as medium gloss, and ≥ 70% as high gloss.
Paperboard grammage (weight per unit area) is assessed in accordance with ISO 536 and expressed in g/m2.
Paperboard absolute moisture content is measured in accordance with ISO 287 and expressed in % of the paperboard weight.
Paperboard interply or interlayer strength (ply bond) is measured in accordance with ISO 16260 using a Scott Bond type tester and expressed in J/m2.
Paperboard L & W 15° bending resistance is measured in accordance with ISO 2493-1 and expressed in mN.
Paperboard L & W 5° bending stiffness is measured in accordance with ISO 5628 and DIN 53 121 and expressed in mNm.
Paperboard surface strength is measured per ISO 3783 in m/s to evaluate the ability of the board surface to withstand picking and blistering.
Film Optics, Friction Window and Folding Carton Board Mechanics
Bicor™ ASB-X crimp seal strength is g/in 650 600 650 700 per ASTM D882 260°F(126°C)/20psi/0.75sec.
Bicor™ ASB-X has an acrylic/acrylic COF of 0.24 per ASTM D1894, WVTR of g/100in²/24hr 0.53 0.23 0.21 0.17 per ASTM F1249 100°F(38°C),90%RH, and OTR of cm³/100in²/24hr 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5 per ASTM D3985.
Taghleef TSS is a transparent BoPP film, both sides heat sealable and treated, constructed with a treated heat sealable layer, an OPP core, and a heat sealable layer with MST=105ºC.
Taghleef TSS rolls on a 76 mm core have outside diameters of 305 mm, 588 mm, 716 mm, and 825mm, while rolls on a 152 mm core have outside diameters of 337 mm, 605 mm, 730 mm, and 838 mm.
Taghleef TSS nominal thicknesses are µm 15 18 20 25 30 35 40 48, with unit weights of g/m2 13.7 16.4 18.2 22.8 27.3 31.9 36.4 43.7 and yields of m2/kg 73.3 61.0 54.9 44.0 36.6 31.4 27.5 22.9.
Taghleef TSS has Haze (% 2.0 2.3 2.6) per ASTM D1003, Gloss (45°) of 85 per ASTM D2457, and Dynamic COF (NT/NT) of 0.25 per ASTM D1894.
Taghleef TSS thermal shrinkage (130°C , 5 mins) is MD 6.0 and TD 3.0, its heat seal range is °C 105 - 140, and its NT/NT seal strength is g/cm 170 230 300 130°C ;0.5 s.
Taghleef TSS surface treatment level is mN/m 38 per ASTM D2578, and its water vapour permeability at (38°C - 90% RH) per ASTM F1249 is g/m2/d 9.0 7.5 7.0 6.0 5.0 4.0 3.5 3.1.
Taghleef TSS film should be conditioned in the operating environment for at least 24 hours before processing and is suitable for use up to 6 months from the date of production.
Torayfan® BMS matt BOPP film is specified in 15 µm and 20 µm gauges with nominal yield of m²/kg 73 54.5.
Torayfan® BMS matt BOPP film has COF (sealant to sealant) of 0.4 0.4 per ASTM D1894, heat-seal strength @121°C of N/25mm 3 3, SIT (>2N/25mm) of °C 105 105, matt-side gloss (20°) of 6 6 per ASTM D 2457, and haze of % 57 57 per ASTM D 1003.
Torayfan® BMS rolls are wound on a standard paper core with an internal diameter of 152.8mm, with a minimum roll width of 340mm and a maximum roll width of 2450mm.
FLEXOPP™ B-THL heat-sealable BOPP film is produced in Micron 15 18 20 23 25 30 35 40 48 50 (Gauge 60 72 80 92 100 120 140 160 192 200) with a film density of gm/cc 0.91 per ASTM D-1505.
Static and kinetic coefficients of friction of plastic film and sheeting are determined in accordance with ASTM D1894 and ISO 8295.
Controlled laboratory heat seals formed according to ASTM F2029 are peeled apart at a controlled rate to measure Ultimate Seal Strength after cooling per method ASTM F88.
Hot Tack Strength is peel-tested within 150ms of the heat seal being formed per method ASTM F1921, whereas Ultimate Seal Strength is measured after cooling per method ASTM F88.
The LINEVO LV-BT280 / LV-BT350 Series covers a combined box length × width × height range of 40–200 × 20–120 × 10–70 mm across the series at a packing speed of 30–80 boxes per minute depending on box size.
LINEVO calculates shift output for overwrapping using Wrapped boxes per shift = agreed boxes/min × (scheduled minutes − stopped minutes), counting only running minutes and deducting rejected boxes separately.
The LINEVO LV-BT280 / LV-BT350 Series uses a mechanical cam linkage to drive film feed and the push-box sequence, paired with a variable-speed inverter so line speed follows the upstream box feed without stopping.
The LINEVO LV-BT280 / LV-BT350 Series feeds tear tape on both sides of the film to seal into the wrap and utilizes PID-controlled heat-seal plates on the side and end sealing elements.
Pharmaceutical Tamper Evidence, Serialization Visibility and Line Integration
When configuring automatic pharmaceutical box overwrapping machines within pharmaceutical packaging machines lines, engineers coordinate overwrap seam placement with barcode cameras, bundler lanes and line-clearance access.
The LINEVO Automatic 3D Overwrapping Machine for Perfume Boxes integrates a precision tension-controlled tear tape feeding system to ensure the golden opening strip is neatly positioned on every packaged box.
The LINEVO Automatic Cosmetic Box Overwrapping Machine features Modular Quick-Change Format Adjustment requiring no manual tooling and is integrated with a Siemens PLC and HMI interface.
The LINEVO Automatic Pharmaceutical Box Overwrapping Machine features an Integrated Anti-Counterfeit Tear System with standardized high-speed Tear Tape (Easy-Open) Applicator integration for precise, millimetric placement of the opening strip.
The LINEVO LV-BT280 / LV-BT350 cosmetic box overwrapper runs at 30–80 boxes/min for boxes 40–200 mm long, 20–120 mm wide, and 10–70 mm high, with 220 V / 380 V, 50/60 Hz, 4.5 kW electrical supply, 2100 × 850 × 1500 mm machine dimensions, and approx. 550 kg weight.
When upstream pharmaceutical carton discharge in LINEVO’s stick-pack-to-carton example is 18 cartons/min—below the 30–80 boxes/min operating band of the LV-BT280 / LV-BT350 overwrapper—the overwrapper runs on demand via inverter speed control.
For an overwrap band running around box width W and height H with overlap allowance s, the developed band path in one plane is C = 2 × (W + H) + s, while film web direction, end-fold allowance, and cutting arrangement require confirmation.
Sample-Review and Factory Acceptance Checklist Before Locking Tooling
Before finalizing format change parts on a cosmetics overwrapper or a pharmaceutical overwrapper, run filled production cartons and actual film reels through sample testing or submit your format brief via request a quote.
- Verify tear-tape tracking, tab die-cut registration and ribbon unwind tension across continuous speed ramps using production film reels.
- Test side-seal destructiveness and carton corner recovery on filled pharmaceutical boxes to confirm tamper-evident opening without crushing lightweight board.
- Scan printed lot and serialization barcodes through the overwrap film or verify end-panel seam clearance on bundled multipacks.
- Document format change parts, pusher plates, side-fold plows and heater block recipes for each carton dimension in the quotation scope.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should a cosmetics line evaluate heat exposure and sealing contact marks on decorated cartons?
Folded overwrap still requires heat at its sealing contacts, so for heat-sensitive contents or decorated cartons, engineers compare measured pack exposure with the product owner's allowable exposure under the same time and temperature conditions on a filled-pack check. On perfume and cosmetic box overwrapping runs, send normally filled and closed production boxes because their stiffness, corners and surface finish affect the folds and contact marks. Agree the side seam, end folds and tape position using a wrapped reference sample, and review loose folds, wrinkles or seal marks against box variation, film handling and sealing conditions during a trial with your materials.
Why does tear tape curve, tunnel, or snap during high-speed carton overwrapping?
Loose folds, wrinkles and seal marks usually trace back to box variation, film tension or seal temperature, so an overwrapping trial is only meaningful with your own production boxes and film. When addressing loose or uneven fold lines on cartons during changeover, box height and film tension are set from the sample box. On samples, review tape continuity, tab access and the opening path.
Can a single overwrapping machine run both luxury cosmetics cartons and pharmaceutical cartons?
The LINEVO LV-BT280 / LV-BT350 Series carton cellophane overwrapping configuration serves both perfume, cosmetics and skincare boxes, gift sets and cartons and pharmaceutical cartons, supplement boxes and herbal remedy packs. One machine can wrap several box sizes within its range, with change parts and adjustments for each size, provided every size is listed so the parts and changeover steps are included in the quotation. Across the 40–200 × 20–120 × 10–70 mm combined series envelope of the LINEVO LV-BT280 / LV-BT350 Series, select the model, box orientation and format tooling together because each box size requires dedicated folding and pushing tooling.
What sample materials should we send LINEVO to scope a carton overwrapper?
Send filled production cartons for every format, your film and tear-tape datasheets, artwork dielines showing foil or barcode zones, and target line speed, then discuss your carton overwrapping project.
Sources
- LINEVO — Cellophane Overwrapping Machines; Cosmetics and Personal Care Packaging Machines; Pharmaceutical Packaging Machines; Automatic Perfume Box Overwrapping Machine; Automatic Cosmetic Box Overwrapping Machine; Automatic Pharmaceutical Box Overwrapping Machine.
- European Carton Makers Association — Folding Carton Style Code Reference and Good Manufacturing Practice Guide.
- International Organization for Standardization — Primary Packaging Materials for Medicinal Products and Bar Code Symbol Print Quality.
- American Society for Testing and Materials — Haze, Specular Gloss, Linear Tear Resistance, and Coefficient of Friction of Plastic Film and Sheeting.
- European Committee for Standardization — Child-Resistant and Tamper-Verification Packaging Requirements for Medicinal Products.
- European Parliament and Council — Falsified Medicines Directive and Safety Features Regulation for Human Medicinal Products.
- Food and Drug Administration — Drug Supply Chain Security Act Product Identifier Guidance and Current Good Manufacturing Practice Holding and Distribution.
- Taghleef Industries and Futamura Chemical — Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene Overwrap Film and Regenerated Cellulose Film Technical Datasheets.
- Essentra Tapes and Bagla Group — Self-Adhesive Tear Tape and Opening Ribbon Technical Specifications.
- Metsä Board and Holmen Iggesund — Folding Boxboard and Solid Bleached Board Technical Guides.