Case Study: The Use of Aclar® Packaging Film for Protecting Parts at Boeing

The Challenge

Boeing, a global leader in aerospace, needed a packaging solution that could meet the rigorous demands of protecting high-value components such as avionics and composite materials. These parts are highly sensitive to environmental conditions, particularly humidity, dust, and chemical contaminants, which can degrade performance and reliability over time.

Traditional packaging options like polyolefin films and standard plastic wraps did not provide the long-term protection Boeing required. The consequences of inadequate packaging included:

• Corrosion from humidity

• Degradation of electronic components

• Loss of material integrity

• Increased costs and production delays

Boeing needed a solution that would ensure reliable protection during manufacturing, transportation, and storage.

The Solution: Aclar® Packaging Film

To address these issues, Boeing partnered with a trusted supplier and implemented Aclar® Film, a PCTFE-based material known for its excellent barrier properties. Key benefits included:

• Superior Moisture Barrier: Prevents corrosion of humidity-sensitive components

• Chemical Resistance: Shields parts from contamination

• Thermal Stability: Maintains performance across fluctuating temperatures

• Lightweight and Transparent: Reduces packaging weight and allows visual inspection without opening the package

The Implementation

Aclar® Film was integrated into various stages of Boeing’s operations, including:

• Moisture Barrier Bags: Used to seal electronic components and prevent corrosion

• Protective Wrapping: Applied to delicate composite materials for protection during handling and assembly

• Long-Term Storage: Enabled extended usability of spare parts by maintaining a stable storage environment

The Results

The use of Aclar® Film provided Boeing with several measurable benefits:

• Enhanced Longevity: Improved preservation of sensitive components by reducing corrosion and environmental damage

• Cost Savings: Lowered the need for replacements and refurbishments due to better packaging performance

• Operational Efficiency: Allowed for visual inspection without unsealing packages, saving time and maintaining seal integrity

• Environmental Benefits: Reduced waste by enabling reuse of durable packaging materials