Packaging Resource Center: The Latest in Films and Foils

Chemical-Resistant Polyester Films

A polyester film is designed to offer chemical and scratch print resistance without overlamination when used with a specific resin ribbon. THERMLfilm includes a new matte topcoat that allows thermal transfer printing. The product features a permanent acrylic adhesive that bonds in harsh environments to many surfaces including metals, ceramic, glass, powder coat, paper, and plastics. When printed using the Ricoh B110CU resin ribbon, the label provides two-year outdoor durability. In North America, the product is backed with a 50-lb release liner. In Europe, the labels are backed with a glassine liner. FLEXcon Corp., Spencer, MA; 508/885-8200; www.flexcon.com.

Conformable Film

Engineered for compound curves and full-squeeze applications, this film provides print capabilities without an added topcoat. Mil MDO films are available in white or matte clear and are designed for water flexo, UV flexo, UV rotary screen, and solvent-based print methods as well as hot stamping and cold foiling. Global Co-Ex films are supplied with or without topcoats; the topcoated version provides better print surface and ink anchorage, while the nontopcoated films work as a print surface when corona treated on press. Fasson Roll North America, Pasadena, CA; 626/304-2000; www.fasson.com.

Source-Reducing Films

A line of films reduces the use of source material compared with traditional films and promotes lower energy consumption. The Empower suite of films comes in three varieties—INsight, Synergy, and Endurance—which allow brand owners to reduce their packaging environmental footprint while maintaining moisture properties and increasing yield. The films may also offer users marketing opportunities. Customers can print on the sealant layer of INsight, while Synergy offers high barrier protection that adds stiffness to a package using less material. Endurance, a thin-gauged mono­layer sealant film, is designed to run 20–30% thinner than do other comparable films to provide cost-effective performance by increasing yield per roll and reducing waste. Pliant Corp., Schaumburg, IL; 847/407-5508; www.pliantcorp.com.

Solventless Overwrap Lamination

For primary or secondary packaging applications, a solventless overwrap lamination suits applications that require barrier but not necessarily the high-performance characteristics of foil-based structures. The three-layer Flexi-Free 6836 lamination is composed of (outer to inner): 48-gauge polyester, 48-gauge metallized polyester, and 0.0015-in. linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). LLDPE adds puncture resistance and sealing benefits. The polyester layer can be flexographically printed on its reverse side to provide up-to-10-color graphics. Flexi-Free 6836 can be run on high-speed form-fill-seal machines. Ampac Packaging LLC, Cincinnati, OH; 513/ 671-1777; www.ampaconline.com.

Two-Layer Duplex Films

A coating produces two-layer PVC/PVdC duplex specifications exhibiting identical moisture and gas barriers to three-layer PVC/PE/ PVdC triplexes. Formerly incorporated to counteract brittleness and curling of PVdC, the PE layer has been eliminated by applying PVdC dispersion directly onto the PVC. This coating process provides a more consistent distribution of the PVdC. The coating’s manufacturing process uses long, low-tension flotation ovens where the PVC is suspended on a cushion of air, reducing residual strain and the tendency to curl. INEOS Films, Delaware City, DE; 302/264-1787; www.ineosfilms.com.