Extrusion-based coating/laminating and adhesive-based film laminating are different manufacturing techniques a converter can use to make a composite construction. The physical properties and performance characteristics of flexible packaging made by extrusion coating and laminating can be identical to that made by film laminating. Many of the major components of the final constructions are also the same. So which technique should be used for a particular product package? The decision is not an easy one, with equipment availability, run length, polymer specifications, and manufacturing efficiencies some of the major variables in this equation.

The performance properties of extruded and adhesive-laminated structures are frequently dependent upon the types of polymeric, adhesive and surface treatment/priming ingredients combined to deliver the intended package performance. Multiple performance criteria such as mechanical properties, gas and moisture barrier properties, sealability, printability and cost will be integrated to satisfy the multiple performance properties of both rigid and flexible packages. Many polymeric materials are thermodynamically incompatible due to differences in their chemical make-up. Combining these materials can create the potential for phase separation and structural degradation. The key is to create a heterogeneous layering within an extrusion or adhesive lamination process so performance properties will not degrade over time