The Latest in Films

Film for Stick Packs and Flow Wrap
A transparent, non-aluminum foil barrier film line is now available for stick pack and flow-wrapped applications. The new Overture One lamination is based on the company’s proprietary ClearFoil barrier-coated polyester coupled with an aggressive sealant. The proprietary structure can achieve comparable performance to foil-based laminations at two-thirds of the thickness, creating an opportunity for cost savings. Oxygen barrier levels are available as low as 0.0008 cm³/100 in.²/24 hrs. and moisture barrier properties are available down to 0.0008 g/100 in.²/24 hrs. The structure enables high-speed sealing for added functionality. Further, its transparent attributes enable brand owners to use product texture and color to enhance shelf appeal. The entire structure can be kept transparent or limited to “windows” to display contents. According to a company spokesperson, the lamination enables those products traditionally packaged via form-fill-seal to be considered for more cost-effective flow wrapping. Overture One is suitable for a wide variety of granular, powdered, liquid, solid, and other applications that can benefit from both clarity and the absence of foil. Stick pack examples include powder and liquid pharmaceuticals, while flow-wrapped products can range from syringes to IV bag overwraps. Rollprint Packaging Products Inc., Addison, IL; 512/ 869-6620; www.rollprint.com.

Dual-Sourced PCTFE
A global manufacturer of packaging products and materials reports that it is the only company in the world that utilizes two different suppliers of PCTFE, a polymer with a high-moisture barrier. Sourcing PCTFE as both Aclar and VapoShield and from two independent companies in two different countries enables the materials manufacturer to increase supply-chain security for its customers. The company offers a global network of production sites producing films in cleanroom environments in North America, South America, and Europe. Multiple production locations and an overall dual-sourcing strategy for raw material suppliers help to ensure product availability. In addition to mono PVC, the company’s product line includes PVdC, PCTFE laminates (both Aclar and VapoShield), lidding foils, pouch laminates, and a wide range of other film products for specialized applications. Tekni-Films, a Tekni-Plex company, 908/722-4800; www.tekni-plex.com.

Recycled-Content Films and More
New films are being introduced with source reduction in mind. The films producer has expanded its Pentaform SmartCycle film line to include Pentaform SmartCycle TH-ES135R for radio-frequency sealing and Pentaform SmartCycle TH-ES150K for heat sealing to water-based adhesive-coated cardstock. Developed to contain a minimum of 35% (TH-ES135R) or 50% (TH-ES150K) post-consumer recycled content, these films can be used as alternatives to traditional polymers. Packages made using these films can bear the SmartCycle logo to extend the life of SmartCycle branded packages. The company obtains the recycled content from its recycling center in Ville d’Anjou, Quebec, which processes both industrial polyester scrap and beverage PETE bottles from curbside recycling streams. The company also highlighted its new Pentaform Biofilm rigid thermoplastic starch (TPS) film and its new TerraPET film. The Biofilm TPS film is derived from high-amylose (corn) starch that is cooked down and combined with stabilizing agents to achieve a film with oxygen barrier better than that of EVOH. It can handle temperatures up to 156° F and 75% RH. TerraPET is a sugarcane-derived plastic film that consists of up to 30% renewable content. The film features the same performance as standard APET films, so it can be processed using the same tooling and equipment. Klöckner Pentaplast, Gordonsville, VA; 540/832-3600; www.kpfilms.com.