10 Real-World Applications for CLAF® You Might Not Know About

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CLAF® is one of ANCI’s most versatile engineered fabrics. Made from oriented polyethylene, it delivers a unique combination of strength, openness and lightweight performance that traditional nonwovens, wovens or perforated films can’t match.

Because of its durability and mesh structure, CLAF® shows up in far more industries and products than most people realize. From packaging to construction to filtration, here are 10 real-world applications for CLAF® you might not know about.

1. Produce Packaging and Fresh Food Applications

CLAF® is widely used in produce packaging because its open mesh allows airflow while providing the strength needed to contain items like onions, citrus, potatoes and avocados. Its breathability helps extend shelf life and prevent moisture buildup.

2. Reinforcement for Paper and Film Laminates

Many packaging structures rely on CLAF® as a hidden reinforcement layer. When laminated to paper or film, CLAF® dramatically improves tear resistance, dimensional stability and puncture strength without adding bulk. This is common in:

  • Paper envelopes
  • HVAC vapor barrier laminations
  • Industrial paper composites

3. Drainable Building Wraps

One of the most effective uses of CLAF® is as a natural drainage layer in building envelope products. In materials like ANCI’s ALTA® 360 house wrap, the openings in the mesh form vertical channels that move water down and out of the wall without coatings or added spacers.

4. Filtration Support Layers

CLAF® is ideal as a support scrim for filtration media. Its openness allows air to flow freely, while its strength prevents tearing during pleating, thermal forming or high-speed converting. This makes it a strong match for HVAC filters, appliance filters and specialty industrial filtration.

5. Medical and Hygiene Packaging

The consistent mesh structure of CLAF® allows it to be used in:

  • Sterilization packaging
  • Medical tray covers
  • Wipes and hygiene productsIts strength and breathability make it an excellent choice where airflow and durability are essential.

6. Industrial Bags and Flexible Packaging

A surprising amount of flexible packaging uses CLAF® to enhance strength and prevent stretch. Its mesh construction helps bags maintain shape while distributing load evenly, especially for heavy or irregularly shaped items.

7. Needle-Punched and Nonwoven Composites

CLAF® can be incorporated into nonwovens and needle-punched products to provide structure and reinforcement. Its open design allows fibers to interlock through the scrim while improving mechanical strength.

8. Automotive Components

CLAF® is found in select automotive applications where lightweight reinforcement is needed, including:

  • Seat structures
  • Interior trim components
  • Molded compositesIts dimensional stability and formability make it an ideal reinforcement layer.

9. Furniture and Bedding Components

Manufacturers use CLAF® as a reinforcement scrim in foam composites, cushion structures and mattress components. It increases durability without adding noticeable weight or thickness.

10. Sustainable Packaging Solutions

As a 100 percent polyethylene product, CLAF® is compatible with many PE recycling streams and often replaces heavier multi-material structures. Companies pursuing lightweighting or recyclability improvements use CLAF® to build stronger single-polymer packaging.

Why CLAF® Works in So Many Applications

At the core of CLAF®’s versatility is its engineered mesh structure. The oriented strands give it the strength to reinforce, the openness to allow airflow or drainage and the flexibility to bond with films, papers, foils and coatings. Whether used on its own or as part of a composite, CLAF® delivers performance that traditional materials struggle to match.

With new applications emerging in filtration, construction and sustainable packaging, CLAF® continues to prove why it’s one of the most adaptable engineered meshes available today.

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