Stationery & Packaging
Custom PVC Film for Stationery, Binders, Document Protection, and Packaging
Achilles USA manufactures custom PVC, cast polypropylene (CPP), EVA, and olefin films for the stationery, bookbinding, document protection, and flexible packaging industries. Our calendered PVC films have served this market for decades, and our dedicated CPP extrusion line gives stationery and packaging converters a non-PVC alternative with single and multi-layer constructions up to five layers. Every film is custom-formulated to your exact thickness, clarity, finish, and performance specifications, with options for anti-static, RF-sealable, and antimicrobial properties.
What types of stationery and packaging applications use PVC and CPP film?
Achilles USA PVC and CPP films are used across six core stationery and document protection applications, each requiring a different combination of clarity, stiffness, surface finish, and specialized features:
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Page protectors and sheet protectors: clear, copy-safe PVC or CPP film sleeves that protect documents inside three-ring binders without lifting toner or ink from printed pages.
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Menu covers: semi-rigid, high-clarity PVC film for restaurant and hospitality menu construction, with wipe-clean surface options and antimicrobial formulations available.
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Document holders and folders: flexible to semi-rigid PVC film in clear, tinted, and opaque colors for presentation folders, report covers, and multi-pocket document organizers.
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Binders and ring binder covers: semi-rigid PVC film used as the exterior cover material for three-ring binders, available in a full range of textures and colors.
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Badge holders: clear, lightweight PVC film for ID badge sleeves and credential holders used in corporate, healthcare, and event environments.
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Flexible packaging: CPP, EVA, and olefin films for heat-sealable packaging applications requiring clarity, puncture resistance, and shelf appeal.
Materials
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Cast polypropylene (CPP)
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Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)
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Olefin
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PP (polypropylene)
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PVC (polyvinyl chloride)
Capabilities
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Color: clear, custom, opaque colors in both polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene (PE), tint
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Finishes: textured films (DPC, Orange Peel, Suede, French Calf and many more.)
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Flexible and semi-rigid film
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Hand: 21 to 57 PHR.
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Thickness: 4-120 mil
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Width: 3″ to 110″
Specialized Features
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Copy lifting prevention: film is formulated to prevent toner and ink from transferring from printed documents to the film surface, critical for page protectors and document sleeves used with laser-printed materials.
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Anti-static: reduces surface static charge buildup, preventing dust attraction and making it easier to insert and remove documents from sleeves and holders.
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Antimicrobial: inhibits the growth of bacteria and mold on the film surface, important for menu covers, healthcare badge holders, and high-touch stationery applications.
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RF and heat sealable: film can be bonded using radio frequency or thermal sealing equipment, enabling efficient high-volume manufacturing of pouches, sleeves, and document holders.
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Printable: surface-treated for compatibility with offset, digital, screen, and UV print processes, allowing direct printing on folders, covers, and packaging films.
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Cold crack resistance: maintains flexibility and integrity at low temperatures, important for stationery products stored or shipped in cold environments.
Regulatory Compliances
CPSIA
The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) sets strict limits on lead content and phthalates in products designed for children. Achilles USA can supply graphics films with CPSIA compliance documentation for face stock or laminate applications in children's products, educational materials, and consumer goods.
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REACH / SVHC
The European Union's REACH regulation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) restricts the use of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) in products sold within the EU. Achilles USA can formulate PVC graphics films to meet REACH SVHC requirements, making them suitable for converters and brand owners supplying European markets.
PROP 65 (California Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act)
California's Proposition 65 requires businesses to warn consumers before knowingly exposing them to chemicals listed as known carcinogens or reproductive toxins. Achilles USA PVC graphics films are available in formulations that meet PROP 65 requirements, including non-phthalate versions for applications subject to phthalate restrictions.
RoHS
RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) limits the use of specific hazardous materials in electrical and electronic equipment sold in the EU. Our films formulated to RoHS standards are suited for converter applications where end-use products fall under electronics labeling or component marking.
CONEG
CONEG (Coalition of Northeastern Governors) restricts the intentional introduction of heavy metals, including lead, cadmium, mercury, and hexavalent chromium, into packaging materials. Our compliant formulations meet CONEG standards for brands and printers whose graphics products are used in regulated packaging applications.
Non-Phthalate Formulations
For applications where phthalate-free materials are required by customer specification, end-use regulation, or retailer compliance programs, Achilles USA offers non-phthalate PVC film formulations across our graphics and face stock product lines. This applies to both monomeric and polymeric grades.
Frequent Asked Questions
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What is the difference between PVC and CPP film for page protectors and stationery?
PVC film has been the standard material for page protectors, binders, and document holders for decades, offering excellent clarity, tunable stiffness from flexible to semi-rigid, and compatibility with RF sealing. CPP (cast polypropylene) film is the non-PVC alternative, offering similar clarity and heat sealability with a lighter, more flexible feel and a lower environmental footprint. Achilles USA produces both, and our engineering team can help you determine the right material for your application, sealing method, and any PVC-free requirements.
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What does 'copy-safe' mean in PVC film for page protectors?
Copy-safe, also called copy-lift prevention, means the film is formulated so that toner and ink from laser-printed documents do not bond to or transfer onto the film surface over time. Without this property, standard PVC film can cause printed text or images to lift off the page and stick to the inside of the sleeve, permanently damaging documents. Achilles USA copy-safe formulations are engineered specifically for use with laser-printed, inkjet, and offset-printed materials.
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Can Achilles USA produce multi-layer CPP film for flexible packaging?
Yes. Achilles USA's extrusion line is capable of producing single- and multi-layer films up to 5 layers, using CPP, EVA, polyethylene, olefin, and custom-blend formulations. Multi-layer constructions allow converters and packaging manufacturers to combine properties, such as heat seal strength on one side and printability or barrier performance on the other, all within a single film structure.
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What finishes are available for PVC stationery and binder film?
Achilles USA PVC stationery films are available in a wide range of surface finishes built directly into the film during calendering, including DPC (double-polish clear), orange peel, suede, French calf, and custom-embossed textures. Finish selection affects surface feel, gloss level, and print compatibility. Our engineering team can match a specific finish to your product's aesthetic and functional requirements.