US-based flexographic printing and converting solution provider Packaging Products (PPC), in partnership with Toray Plastics (America), has developed high-barrier PVdC-free packaging for US based firm Utz Quality Foods.

The new packaging lamination is a combination of Toray's Torayfan CBS2 BOPP film and co-extruded BOPP print web. The Torayfan is a clear, PVdC-free flat sheet designed for use as an inside sealant web.

PPC sales administration vice president Will Woodford said: "Though PVdC-coated OPP film keeps bakery and snack foods fresh and gives consumers a window to the product inside the package, the film has several drawbacks.

"It yellows as it ages, becoming brittle and prone to flex cracking. It has experienced price hikes that have made end-user costs surge, and it has required many flexographic printer/converters to use EMA additives or other supplemental materials to promote bond adhesion for laminating to PVdC-coated OPP.

"Besides those concerns, reports about PVdC-coated films' potential negative long-term effect on the environment have made some manufacturers uneasy."

As part of the collaboration, an extensive testing has been carried out which involved comparing the performance of CBS2 with traditional PVdC-coated BOPP film.

When compared with traditional BOPP film, the CBS2 has shown enhanced quality moisture and oxygen barrier as well as good lamination bond. It also eliminates the need for priming, additives or any changes to PPC's lamination process.

The results also showed that the film provided a heat-seal range, oil resistance, puncture resistance and stiffness, yield advantage, and a longer storage life.

Utz successfully tested the material with new option and test data provided by PPC on its own machinery.

Currently, Utz uses the material for the packaging products such as its tortilla chips, party mix, corn chips, Puff N' Corn and similar salty snacks in the portfolio that don't require a metalized lamination.

Toray noted that the CBS2 BOPP film has been developed with barrier properties using its resin technology and non-PVdC barrier layer, which is designed for heat sealability.

 

Source : packagingmaterials.packaging-business-review.com

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