The opening mechanism in a beverage package, where a mixed mode failure occurs, is a rather complex phenomenon. A better knowledge in respect of fracture mechanics is needed for the proactive prediction of the overall opening performance. Reliable material data used for virtual simulation of the opening mechanism is extracted by characterization and calibration of the packaging materials. Knowledge of how to choose appropriate constitutive models for the continuum material and how the damage initiates and propagates to various loading conditions is of great interest. The virtual tests, replicating the physical tests, are performed with the aid of the finite element method. Non-linear material response, anisotropic material behaviour, large deformation and fracture mechanics are identified effects that are all included in the virtual model. The results presented in this paper show possible selections of material models in conjunction with material damage models, adequately describing thin polymer films behaviour. Comparison between the physical test and the virtual test, exerted to fracture Mode I – Centre Cracked Tension, showed a good correlation for the chosen modeling technique.