A multilayer foam film with an enhanced perceived surface whiteness comprising for light-blocking, signage, and general packaging application is disclosed. In an embodiment, the film has a bulk density of less than 0.962 gr/cm.sup.3 wherein more than 50% of the cells in the foam layer are closed cells. In an embodiment, the multilayer foam film has a thickness greater than 1 mil and one of the solid skin layers contains white pigment. In another embodiment the white skin layer has a skin whiteness value of greater than 80 according to ASTM E313-73, and a skin layer tint value of less than 1 according to ASTM E313-73, and The lightness value (L*) of the white skin layer of greater than 90 in CIE L*a*b* dimension according to ASTM E308. In an embodiment, the film has a very smooth surface with a smoothness value of less than 25 in Sheffield smoothness unit configuration according to TAPPI T 538.

The invention relates to the packaging of one or more articles in a packaging sheet material which is moveable from a first condition to a second, expanded, condition to improve the packaging effect of the sheet material. In accordance with the invention the sheet material includes a first portion with apertures which can be moved to an open position to create the second, expanded, condition and at least one, but typically a plurality of spaced apart, second portions which have no apertures, or a different shape and/or pattern of apertures than the apertures of the first portion, so as to form a surface of the said second portion more suitable for the application of a label and/or indications thereon when the sheet material is in the second expanded condition.