Polymeric composition of matter, oriented polymeric films and shrink bags made therefrom

Molecularly oriented films (10) for use in shrink packaging comprise a blend of 10 to 90% by weight of linear low density polyethylene with ethylene vinyl acetate. The blend can form one layer (16) of a triple layer film laminate, the other layers being a barrier layer (14) for instance comprising an ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer and a third layer (18) which can be ethylene vinyl acetate or a blend similar or identical to that forming the layer (16). As an alternative, a five layer film can utilise the linear low density polyethylene, for one or more of its layers (116, 120, 122, 118), in the form of a blend as aforesaid or alone. Bags made from the multiple layer films are especially useful for the shrink packaging of meats having large cavities and bony protrusions.