Understanding Rollstock: The Foundation of Modern Packaging Processes - Packaging Deep Dive #3

The final instalment of our ‘Packaging Deep Dive’ series: here you’ll learn how to order Rollstock correctly – from technical preparation and costing right through to a checklist for smooth production.
Rollenware verstehen: Die Basis modernen Verpackungsprozesse - Packaging Deep Dive #3

Want to order Rollstock?

Don’t go in unprepared!

When it comes to Rollstock, it often starts with a simple question: “How much does the film cost?” That’s understandable. Of course, the price is what counts in the end. However, a calculation only makes technical sense once the fundamentals have been clearly defined. Rollstock are not a standard off-the-shelf product.

As already explained, it is always the result of the interplay between the product to be packaged, the machine and the format. And that is precisely why it is worth following this sequence:

  1. Define product
    How big is your product? How heavy? What is its consistency? A bar behaves differently from powder, and granules differently from bulk goods. These factors influence the packaging format, choice of material and the subsequent sealing process.

  2. Define machine
    Which filling machine is used for production? HFFS or VFFS? What core diameter is required? This determines the technical parameters within which the roll stock must operate.

  3. Determine the roll width and repeat pattern
    Only now can the web width, fin, seal areas and repeat be accurately determined. The print layout can be set up to suit the press – including a print position sketch.

  4. Place an order in the system
    Once all the technical parameters are in place, the calculation becomes reliable – and the order can be planned. This is precisely where our ordering system really comes into its own.

Don’t have all the technical specifications to hand? No problem. Especially if you’re working with a contract filler, not all the parameters are under one roof. Roll width, repeat pattern or core diameter are often issues that need to be clarified through discussion.

We’re happy to help you sort out any outstanding issues – either with you or, if necessary, directly with your contract filler. That’s exactly what we’re here for.


Per item or per metre?

How to calculate correctly for fabric sold by the metre

Flexible packaging is often priced by the metre. In practice, however – particularly when it comes to your production planning – you tend to think in terms of quantities. And this is precisely where confusion often arises.

The good news is that if you know your repeat, the conversion is very simple.


How many metres do you need?

If you want to produce a specific number of pieces, you calculate:
Number of pieces × repeat (in metres) = total length required


How many pieces can be made from one roll?

It works the same way the other way round:
Total length / repeat (in metres) = number of pieces

The advantage of working with us is that you can plan and order directly in quantities. This makes planning much clearer – especially when dealing with multiple varieties or smaller print runs.


The technical checklist:

You should clarify this before placing your order

Rollstock work best when all the parameters are clearly defined in advance. To help you keep track of everything – whether you’re a brand or a contract bottler – here’s a concise summary of the key points.

Before you place your order, you should be able to answer the following questions:

Machine type
On which filling machine will the material be processed?
Process direction
Horizontal (HFFS) or vertical (VFFS)?
Format specification
Flow wrap, flat pouch (three-side seal) or stand-up pouch?
Web width
Is the web width within the machine's technical tolerance?
Repeat length (pitch)
What is the length of a single pouch section on the roll?
Sealing medium
Is the film designed for the required sealing method? (inner side to inner side)
Core diameter
What is the inner diameter of the roll core? Typical: 76 mm or 152 mm
Unwind direction
How must the print image be oriented on the roll?
Order unit
Is the order calculated and placed in units (pieces) or linear meters?

Conclusion:

Rollstock works – provided the system is right

Rollstock forms the basis of automated packaging processes. It determines whether production runs smoothly, efficiently and according to plan. At its core, it always comes down to the same interplay: the product, the machine, the roll width and the repeat pattern must all be technically compatible.

Only when these parameters are clearly defined does printed film become a functional packaging solution. A structured approach avoids unnecessary adjustments, saves time in production and ensures process reliability – whether you are a brand or a contract filler.