A flexible film for packaging articles such as food is provided. The film comprises
a layer of polyvinylidene ("PVdC") homopolymer, polyvinylidene and methyl acrylate
("PVdC-MA") copolymer or other polyvinylidene chloride copolymer. A dienophile
such as, for example, ethyl trans-cinnamate, methyl trans-cinnamate, dibutyl maleate,
dimethyl maleate or maleic anhydride is blended with the PVdC polymer or PVdC-MA
copolymer to reduce yellowing of the film caused by degradation of the PVdC or
PVdC-MA through heat or electron beam irradiation. Preferably a range of about
0.05% and about 5% by weight of the dienophile is added to the PVdC or PVdC-MA.
