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VFFS Films Case Study Stepping Up to the Plate ​ ​ Americans consume more chicken than any other consumer in the world. Per capita consumption of chicken is expected to total 96.5 lbs. this year and to increase to 97.8 lbs. in 2021, according to the National Chicken Council. Fueling this increase is product variety. As a result, chicken packaging formats vary widely to meet specific processor and product needs and include bags, films, and vacuum roll stock packaging, among others. ​ "Packaging advances have improved the safety and quality of poultry products," said Scott Russell, professor of poultry processing and products microbiology at the University of Georgia, in discussing a study on the effects of packaging on the value chain for the chicken industry titled "Chicken and Packaging: A Sustainable Partnership," from AMERIPEN (American Institute for Packaging and the Environment). ​ We have seen a trend of vacuum-packed, individually wrapped products [i.e., Perdue's boneless, skinless individually wrapped chicken breasts]," says Gwen Venable, vice president of communications with the US Poultry & Egg Association. "We have also seen more value-added packaging [i.e., drumsticks that are packaged two per pack and marinated], as well as a reduction in the amount of packaging to protect the product." ​ Packaging must lure hurried shoppers to the refrigerated case, plus it must allow labeling that is helpful to consumers, among other things. But most importantly, all packaging must ensure maximum product integrity. ​ Innovation never sleeps. Powertray LLC, Mackville, NC, was conducting a test with a supermarket chain and major chicken processor, says Huston Keith, principal of Marietta, GA-based Keymark Associates. The refrigerated chicken was packaged in a coated, pressed paper­board tray that was biodegradable. ​ "Bell & Evans is using a PET tray they say is fully recyclable and uses the native barrier of PET," he adds. "It's a vacuum-skin package and it's sold at Whole Foods and other chains." ​ Providing Solutions General Films Inc. (GFI), Covington, Ohio, recognized for years that the vertical form/fill/seal "space" for fresh chicken suffered from high leaker rates. This realization led to the development of BG/2M film, says Tim Weikert, president. ​ BG/2M is a coextruded film with a nylon barrier, featuring two-sided sealing, Octene LLD PE sealant layers, and a nylon interior ply. It is a nine-layer structure, so it provides excellent physical properties, ranging from the sealant to impact strength, says Tom Granata, vice president of sales. This film was designed for fresh poultry packaged on a vertical form/fill/seal machine. ​ GFI began BG/2M trials with a medium-sized US chicken processor. Although experiencing good results, the customer initially balked at its higher pricing. "But we kept sampling and they kept trialing. Finally, they replaced their previous film with our product," Weikert says. ​ Pricing of the new product (on a mil-to-mil basis) resulted in a price increase of about 70 percent more when compared to more traditional packaging. But when factoring in down­gauging opportunities this new film affords, the price goes down. Granata explains the processor was using a 3.25 mil film at one plant that was replaced with a 2.5 mil film that still reduced leaker rates. And the processor achieved much more yield compared to previous yields. With the printing cost factored in, the increase is closer to 40 percent. The film prints well and labels designed for PE films readily adhere. On this processor's line, each 10-lb. sealed, formed pouch of fresh chicken now withstands the rigors of rugged processing and distribution. After making the switch, leaker rates greatly diminished. Overall profitability grew substantially through enhanced productivity, fewer product rejects, and increased customer satisfaction. The processor is seeing a minimum leaker reduction of 50 percent. " " Tom Granata, Vice President, General Films Keith Nichols, Century Furniture’s Plant Three operations manager "BG/2M features higher impact strength, higher tensile strength, a substantially wide-ended heat seal window, the film is about 50 percent stiffer than the traditional solution, which benefits the vertical form/fill/ seal machines," he adds. ​ This processor banked a 20-percent throughput improvement on its packaging lines. This allowed expanded production with a lower footprint on labor. Increased throughput allowed the temperature on the seal to increase so it runs a little faster yielding increased productivity. Contact Tom Granata , submit a Start A Solution form, or call 1.888.436.3456 today! BACK TO VFFS FILM

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT Dawn Wehrman Customer Service Representative Dawn seemed destined to work at General Films. Her career path has woven through numerous manufacturing environments before switching gears at Honda to customer service and cumulating with her joining General Films in the spring of 2021. ​ Dawn attended and graduated from Sinclair Community College in Dayton, Ohio, with an Associate Degree in Applied Science for Business Management and certifications in business management, supervisory skills, and supervision foundations. Fortunately for all the clients Dawn now touches, she soon realized her calling and passion was in the customer service side of the business and not the management side. This career path fits with her personal values and aligns with the customer-focused mission at GF. “I knew in just a few weeks of working at General Films that this was a special place. From Tim (the president) to the people on the production floor, we all strive to serve our customers best collectively.” Dawn is the epitome of a customer service rep that is enthusiastically motivated and thrives on helping others. She loves to listen to her customer’s needs and then proactively puts into motion a plan that diligently and collaboratively fulfills their needs. “I just love working with clients. I take pride in helping people, solving their problems, and delivering on the General Films promise of producing a quality product with exemplary customer service,” states Dawn. Dawn is a proficient multi-tasker that continually juggles communications, and production schedules, monitoring tight lead times to final shipping and delivery. She enjoys jumping in where needed to help her customers collaboratively with her General Film teammates. Dawn’s attributes of passion, enthusiasm, detail, and flexibility shine through for her customers. “I really enjoy working in fast-paced environments where juggling and adapting is required. I call it thriving on chaos.” She respects the collaborative spirit and points out how everyone is always very helpful to pass their knowledge on as she learns more about her new role and the plastics industry. Dawn is a lifelong learner and adamant about knowing all she can about the plastics industry, thus allowing her to serve her customers better. Dawn is recently engaged, and she and her fiancé love to travel. In her spare time, Dawn is an active flower gardener, especially fond of roses! She also loves to read, primarily fiction and fantasy. ​ BACK

SAVINGS FOCUS CAN I USE COEXTRUDED FILMS IN LAMINATIONS OR REPLACE LAMINATED FILM TO LOWER PACKAGING COSTS? The quick answer is YES, and in two significant ways. The first way would be to substitute or replace coextruded barrier film in what was formerly a plain laminated structure without printing. The barrier need should be examined to match up the oxygen barrier requirement and whether the film needs to have nylon on the outside of the web for automatic FFS or in pouch making a conversion. ​ If the OTR (Oxygen Transmission Rate) barrier can be attained and package optics is not a concern, then there can be significant cost savings by switching to a coextruded film to replace a lamination. ​ The second way to save money is to use the barrier coextruded film as the sealant layer in a lamination. For instance, NYLON or EVOH & Nylon, or some other possible barrier combinations, such as Nylon and, or HDPE (high-density polyethylene) for added moisture barrier; whatever the specific barrier requirement is needed in the finished lamination. ​ But it is worth examining coextruded flexible films as a cost-savings alternative. With the correct use of coex films and careful evaluation of the packaging equipment and barrier testing, these coex films can be a great way to offset the rising cost and uncertainty of material pricing fluctuations in today’s competitive marketplace.

CAREERS YOUR FUTURE STARTS HERE ​ We are always looking for quality team members at General Films. They are the strength of our organization and a key to our 70-plus years of manufacturing success. ​ Our Benefits Include: Competitive compensation packages Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and life insurance Paid vacations that start during your first year of employment 401k plan to help build financial security for you and your family Profit-sharing allows each employee to benefit from a job well done A fun, stable, hard-working, and rewarding family atmosphere Shift options to work with you and your family's needs Part-time and full-time opportunities Three-day 12-hour weekend shift is available for select jobs As soon as I started at General Films, I could sense it was a great place for me. My co-workers have been terrific to work with, and we all share the desire to do our best for the company and most importantly, our customers. " " Brenda W. We are proud of our company and the environment we offer our team members. We hope you will consider General Films for the next step in your career. ​ Please CLICK HERE to review the open positions we currently have in our organization.

MOISTURE RESISTANT FILM FOR DRY MIXES TITLE ​ Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. ​ ​

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT Chyanne Lawson Converting Day Crew Chyanne’s background of working at Family Dollar prepared her for her job at General Films. As the assistant manager, she was a multitasker doing whatever needed to be done to do her job well and to the best of her ability. Responsibilities included the register, stocking shelves, working with associates, and handling customers’ needs. She learned to thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing work environment. ​ Chyanne began her career at General Films in the fourth quarter of 2021. She works on the converting lines day shift. She enjoys not only the crew and the environment but also the four 10-hour workdays that offer three days off. That schedule, as well as opportunities to work weekends, gives her and her growing family much-needed flexibility and comfort. What initially made Chyanne feel GF was the perfect place for her was the onboarding, orientation, and training. She was very impressed with how thorough the training was, how well it was explained, and how she never felt hurried or rushed. Chyanne completed her training feeling completely comfortable, confident, and ready to get started on the job. “I love and respect the people I work with and for at General Films. The flexibility of work options, the care, understanding, and the hard-working attitude is a joy to be around.” She really likes the multitasking and diversity of the job. You never know what you will be doing each day. She, as well as her shift workers, know all the responsibilities and tasks that are required to keep the line running, and that allows the team to fill in as needed. The best part is that we have each other’s backs. If someone is down or is experiencing issues, we rally around to support and encourage them. The camaraderie and culture at GF are amazing. Chayanne also serves on the Sunshine Committee, which supports and encourages her fellow workers and the community. “I feel we understand each other, we are all involved in the task at hand, and we are equal players for our team, company, and our customers.” Chyanne is a very busy mom of four kids and one on the way! Her two girls are active in cheerleading, and she enjoys attending and watching her kid’s events. During quieter times, which is not often, she enjoys just hanging around the house entertaining family and friends as well as enjoying cool evenings around their backyard fire pit. ​ BACK

POULTRY FRESH CHICKEN MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE PACKAGING (MAP) FOR FRESH CHICKEN ON VFFS MACHINES ​ Customized 9 Layer Coextrusions offer the ability to custom design and manufacture packaging films. We can precisely provide the right solution for your food processing needs. Whether you are looking for unique barrier properties, transmission rates, excellent sealing, impact resistance, or other performance criteria, General Films delivers. ​ Weak or poorly manufactured poultry bags can pose all kinds of problems for fresh chicken purveyors. Because the risk of illnesses associated with potential contamination from raw chicken purge is so great, just a few punctures, tears, or leaks can transform an entire shipment of product into waste and a sizeable return. Our custom-engineered pre-made Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) poultry bags are made to securely pack fresh whole and or cut-ups and work to reduce leaks and lost profits. Also if your operation is running fresh or IQF on vertical form fill seal (VFFS) machines, our engineered multi-layered coextruded films provide unmatched product protection, enhanced process efficiency, and superior ROI through greater productivity, less waste, and more satisfied customers. ​ Key Benefits for Fresh Chicken Include:​ Excellent physical properties, ranging from the sealant to impact strength, significant reduction in leaker rates Increased profitability through enhanced productivity Fewer rejects and increased customer satisfaction Higher impact strength, higher tensile strength, a substantially wide-ended heat seal window Approximately 50 percent stiffer than the traditional solution Significant throughput improvement allows for expanded production and a lower labor footprint Ideal for high-speed large-volume poultry packaging production > VFFS Machine < After making the switch, leaker rates greatly diminished . Overall profitability grew substantially through enhanced productivity, fewer product rejects, and increased customer satisfaction. " " Fresh Chicken Packaging Films ​ Controlled Vacuum Packaging Film & Bags Our vacuum/dry pack poultry (CVP) bags extend the shelf life and appearance of whole birds, parts, or shelf-ready tray product protection. PV-40 (CVP Bags) (Fresh) The co-ex film with HDPE barrier and Metallocene sealant layer, FDA approved with uses up to 180 F, One-sided sealing, Available in bags or roll stock, Superior stiffness, excellent tear resistance, engineered to eliminate leakers. > DOWNLOAD SPEC SHEET BG/2M (Fresh) Coextruded 9-layer nylon film to reduce leaker rates. FDA approved with excellent puncture resistance and performance. Able to withstand higher seal bar temperatures to increase VFFS machine throughput. > DOWNLOAD SPEC SHEET ​ VF2 (Fresh or IQF) Co-ex film with HDPE barrier where speed and throughput are desired. Can be used in fresh or IQF applications. Superior stiffness, Dart with very good tear and puncture resistance. > DOWNLOAD SPEC SHEET CUSTOMER FOCUS Stepping Up to the Plate Americans consume more chicken than any other consumer in the world. Per capita consumption of chicken is expected to total 96.5 lbs. this year and to increase to 97.8 lbs. in 2021, according to the National Chicken Council. > READ MORE > Dry Pack CVP Bags on a CVP Machine > > General Films Product on a VFFS Machine < > CLICK HERE to learn more about how our packaging solutions are suited to meeting your processing needs.

MARKETS WE SERVE REDEFINING INDUSTRY STANDARDS Our poly films and flexible packaging products are used in markets that range from food processing to industrial technologies and everything in between. No matter what market we’re serving, we always aim to provide the very best products and services in the industry—to redefine our clients’ expectations of quality and what to expect from a comprehensive supplier partnership. Our goal is your satisfaction, and we never stop working to achieve it. ​ MARKETS SERVED Industrial Films Food Packaging SMC FURNITURE OTHER INDUSTRIAL FRESH CHICKEN CHEESE DRY MIXES OTHER FOOD FLUID DAIRY

SUCCESS STORIES SERVING UP SUCCESS FOR OUR CLIENTS ​ What do our customers appreciate? General Films stays flexible to their needs. Across markets and industries, our approach might be custom, but our commitment to quality stays the same. We are here for our customers from design to delivery, and we’re always working to keep pricing competitive. General Films is large enough to get any job done, but we know customer service is key. Looking for a partner that’s flexible to your needs? See what our customers have to say. LEIBY'S DAIRY Leiby’s Dairy is a large regional ice cream mix operation located in upstate Pennsylvania. The Dairy boasts a comprehensives line-up of soft serve ice cream products to leading retail restaurants across America. Leiby’s Dairy began working with General Films more than a decade ago with a Bag-in-Box packaging system. “General Films has been an excellent partner for us. Whenever we need support they are quick to respond. The quality of General Films product offering is second to none, from their bags to filling equipment, and we could not be more pleased in our relationship” commented Keith Zimmerman, owner of Leiby’s Dairy. “Over the past two years with the Covid pandemic and supply chain issues facing all businesses, General Films always responded to our needs and never once ran us out of product,” said Zimmerman. “Along with their professional and friendly customer service, General Films consistently delivers a top shelf product with adequate lead times allowing us to meet our customer demand.” GENERAL FILMS & VISION PLASTICS For more than 20 years, Denny Brashear has worked with General Films, matching the needs of his clients with the specialties of General Films’ products. Besides the consistent quality of General Films’ products, their customer service is a major benefit. They are very accommodating and go out of their way for customers. ​ "One of the most important qualities we see in films is the ability to duplicate a run, and General Films consistently duplicate their runs. Whether it's a week, a month, or several years later, you know the quality and specs received the first time will be matched in subsequent runs." – Denny Brashear, President, Vision Plastics ANDERSON ERICKSON DAIRY FINDS BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP NOT JUST BUSINESS AS USUAL "When you ask me what I would tell others about General Films, I'd say they have good quality products, they listen to the customer, they help us solve problems, they react quickly, and their prices are fair. I like to say that this business relationship has also become a great business friendship. READ MORE ​ – Craig Colonno, Purchasing Director, Anderson Erickson Dairy MEADOWVALE “General Films has routinely demonstrated a commitment to satisfy our quality and delivery expectations without overcommitting or making false promises. They listen to the customer and bring about innovative solutions. Their responsiveness and customer service makes them an easy choice as a trusted partner.” ​ – Joe Gomoll, General Manager, Meadowvale

LEADERSHIP Tim Weikert, President ​ Tim is the second generation of Weikerts to run our company. He has worked in all aspects of the business for over three decades and oversees the development of corporate and product marketing strategies, and is involved in financial management. He has a BA in Marketing and a BS in Industrial Management. Tom Granata, Vice President of Sales ​ Tom has over 33 years of sales and marketing experience and is responsible for the three divisions of General Films: Flexible Packaging, Bag-In-Box Systems, and Industrial Packaging. His duties range from strategy and planning to the development of diverse sales operations. He holds a BS from Ohio University and has completed graduate work at Georgia Tech University. Gus DeLucia, Human Resources Director Gus brings over 25 years of experience in Human Resources through various industries, including chemical, automotive, and consumer goods. In his role as Human Resources Director, Gus focuses on strategic planning, recruiting, employee engagement, training, development, and leadership. He holds a BS in Organizational Communication and Leadership from Eastern Michigan University. Mark Werhan, Plant Manager Mark brings over 25 years of leadership experience in plant management and operations specific to blown film and converting. He is well-versed in manufacturing systems implementation, Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, Team empowerment, workforce training and coaching, total quality management, and good manufacturing practices. As Plant Manager, Mark focuses on Extrusion and Converting departments overseeing their 24/7 operation. He has a BS degree in Chemical Engineering from Oklahoma State University. Rick Bornhorst, General Manager Bag-In-Box Rick started his packaging career with General Films in 1989 and brings over 33 years of experience back as General Manager, Bag-in-Box. In his role, Rick is responsible for sales, market strategy, product development, and supply chain management. He holds a BS in Business Administration from Miami University with a concentration in Industrial Management. A TEAM APPROACH TO PACKAGING​ The General Films leadership team has the industry experience and technical expertise to develop and manufacture innovative, high-quality flexible film products and packaging solutions. Leading by example, our managers take a hands-on approach to encourage success for our employees and to deliver outstanding products and results for our customers.

CONTACT US General Films 645 South High Street Covington, Ohio 45318 Phone: 1.888.436.3456 Fax: 937.473.2403

INDUSTRIAL FILM LAYING THE GROUNDWOR K IN INDUSTRIAL FILM PACKAGING ​ Dependable Industrial Packaging for All Applications We're your source for tough, affordable industrial packaging that protects your products. General Films offers a wide range of custom films from economically priced material for non-FDA regulated applications, to a single layer and coextruded films for special uses. We make linear, a low-density film from 7" tubing to large pallet covers and sheeting and offer a wide range of custom colors as well as a broad assortment of bags on rolls or separated. ​ Coextruded Film Products Some industrial packaging applications require the enhanced strength that only a coextruded film product provides. General Films uses multiple layers of different materials to greatly improve impact resistance and tear strength versus standard films or bags. And our Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) films and bags are the perfect solutions for molding compounds, circuit boards, metal products, and other items that must be protected from environmental forces. ​ Machine Films Made from prime resin, our machine films offer the ultimate flexibility. You can use centerfold films on most L-sealers, and our single wound sheeting is standardized for shrink wrappers. Mattress manufacturers benefit from several grades of machine wrap films. General Films machine films are perfect for use on vertical form/fill/seal equipment. ​ Sheet Molding Compound Films Our SMC film is a coextruded nylon barrier film ideal for the most demanding paste and glass applications. Sizes range from 52”- to 66” in both clear and yellow tint. Peel seal and lock-up versions are available. Its toughness withstands any festooning application and its styrene barrier is perfect for the SMC maturation process. ​ Furniture/Mattress Film and Bags Automated wrapping (compression, fold, and roll). Also includes mattress overwrap film and bags. ​ Driving Home Value To Automotive Manufacturing ​ There’s a lot that goes into making a car. And, if everything goes as it should, drivers will never see the parts we contribute to th e quality of their vehicles. That’s because the things we manufacture work behind the scenes to create optimum driving experiences. We make custom-engineered water shield and laminating films for fabrics and non-woven as well as noise attenuation components. Basically, our products help to protect sensitive electronics and decorative finishes from moisture, and combat road noise to make vehicle cabins more comfortable. ​ ​ OTHER INDUSTRIAL FILMS ​ Performance Products Our packaging films can be formulated to meet rigorous requirements like automotive standard 302 or NFPA flame retardancy. Our antistatic films can meet military specifications or other static-resistant requirements. For sunlight exposure, UVI film provides a substantially longer use life. Light-sensitive products require our photo black film; impervious to sunlight. Many other performance attributes can be met with our ability to custom formulate various packaging films. ​ Box and Barrel Liners Give us your requirements and we'll help size and specify liners for corrugated or drums. Because General Films is a custom resource, you'll get precisely the size and strength you need for your application. ​ Top Sheets Available as individually cut or perforated on rolls, top sheets protect pallets from dirt and moisture. We can help you package your product for maximum durability. ​ Shrink Bundling Films Custom-made to your specifications, our shrink bundling film provides an economical industrial packaging system. The high shrink force and contact clarity protect against in-transit damage, pilferage, and product tampering. ​ Pallet Covers General Films produces dependable polyethylene pallet covers with excellent puncture resistance, so your products arrive safely at their destination. They're available inside seal, bottom seal, flat or gusseted bags so you get the best fit and most protection possible. Also available is a high-grade shrink version for tight product utilization and to reduce load shifting. ​ ​ Gaylord Bin Liners Gussetted or flat Gaylord liners to meet your requirements. ​ ​ ​ ​ One of the most important qualities we see in films is the ability to duplicate a run, and General Films consistently duplicates their runs. Whether it is a week, a month, or several years later, you know the quality and specs received the first time will be matched in subsequent runs. " " Denny Brashear, President, Vision Plastics Industrial Film Packaging Specifications Sheets FC-20/67 IS-100 IS-120 ​ Duratuf 75 Duratuf 100 Duratuf 120 Duratuf 13 DOWNLOAD SPEC SHEETS Material Used LLDPE (Butene, hexene, octene, metallocene) LDPE (standard, shrink) EVA (clarity), IPG (Industrial Grade) blends the above materials of MDPE and HDPE. Availability Flat and gusseted tubing 7-120" Single wound sheeting 15-120" Center fold sheeting 7-120" Multi-fold capabilities Bags on rolls - both BS and SS; 18" lay flat, minimum Separated bags - bottom or side seal Thickness range - .001 - .010 mil Contact Tom Granata , submit a Start A Solution form, or call 1.888.436.3456 today!