The sealing film is the unsung hero of a capsule — get it wrong and capsules leak, go stale or fail on the machine. Get it right and you have a clean, fresh, branded product. This guide explains the film types, how to match them, and how to avoid the most common sealing problems.
The main film and lid types
- Adhesive lids — peel-and-seal lids you apply by hand. Best for DIY, prototypes and small batches with no sealing machine. See adhesive lids.
- Heat-seal lids & filter paper — food-contact lids (and filter paper) applied with heat on semi-automatic or automatic machines; support logo printing. See heat-seal lids & filter paper.
- Roll film — continuous film for automatic lines; the recurring consumable for volume production, and the route to custom printed film. See roll film.
- Custom printed lids — your branding on every capsule, for OEM, retail and gift boxes. See custom printed lids.
How to match film to capsule and machine
Three things must line up:
1. Capsule format & material — the film must suit your capsule (Nespresso, Dolce Gusto, K-Cup; PP, aluminum, compostable).
2. Sealing method — adhesive (hand), heat-seal (pre-cut lids) or roll film (automatic). Your machine determines which.
3. Branding — plain for testing, custom printed for retail.
For a fully compostable product, the film must be compostable too — not just the cup.
Heat-seal parameters
Heat sealing is a balance of temperature, time and pressure (commonly in the 160–270°C range, with short dwell times). The right settings depend on the film and capsule; too cool and it leaks, too hot and you scorch the film. These are dialed in during testing.
Why capsules leak after sealing (troubleshooting)
The usual culprits:
– Wrong film for the capsule/material — mismatched lid and cup.
– Sealing temperature/time off — incomplete bond.
– Powder on the sealing rim — contamination prevents a clean seal.
– Damaged or warped cups — poor incoming quality.
– Inconsistent machine pressure — uneven seals.
A pilot or sample run catches these before you commit to volume.
Don’t forget repeat supply
Films are a recurring consumable — unlike machines, you reorder them continuously. Set up repeat supply so you never stall production. (This is also why films are a great long-term supplier relationship.)
Get film samples
Match and test your film before scaling. Request film samples with your capsule and machine details, and we’ll confirm compatibility.
FAQ
Pre-cut lids vs roll film — which? Pre-cut/adhesive for small batches and some semi-auto machines; roll film for automatic, high-volume, printed production.
Can I print my logo on the film? Yes — heat-seal lids and roll film support custom printing.
What seals compostable capsules? A compostable film/lid — ask us to match it.
