Thin wall packaging | conference report
barrier layer and processing technology employed. The analysis found measurable
differences in O2 GTR performance for packages produced by the different
processing methods. Injection moulded containers using barrier IML labels, for instance, provide the typical oxygen barrier performance required for packaging of medium shelf life and modified atmosphere packaging of fresh and processed meats and pasta, comparing well with laminated thermofor- med packaging. Multilayer coinjection moulded parts provide the performance required for retort packaging of ready meals, fruit juices and vegetables and compare well with coextruded thermoformed containers. Nico van de Walle, product innovation manager at
Belgian IML label printer Verstraete, expanded further on the use of the technology to deliver functional benefits such as light or oxygen barrier in injection moulded packaging applications. The company offers barrier labels printed on a range of multilayer CPP films with an EVOH barrier layer (OTR ranges from less than 0.5 to 2.0 cc/m2
/
day.atm, depending on the structure).
Barrier performance When used in a full coverage label application, the technology provides high levels of barrier. Van de Walle presented data showing that barrier performance of an IML injection moulded container was better than that of a thermoformed alternative in both long term perform- ance and retort shock (barrier performance of EVOH is highly influenced by relative humidity resulting in a significant loss of barrier immediately after steam retort processing). The improved long term performance is attributed to
netstal claims its overmould- ed foil barrier packaging
could be cost competitive with cans for long life packaging
applications
the positioning of the EVOH layer, which in an IML package is much closer to the outside surface of the pack than is the case in a thermoformed product. This results in a lower average level of humidity - and so a better oxygen barrier – in the EVOH layer in the IML package. “For wet content, you can reach with barrier IML the same barrier level with less EVOH compared to a thermoformed barrier cup,” said van de Walle. For the same reason, recovery of barrier perform-
ance after retorting is also faster than thermoformed alternatives, he claimed. It currently takes around three days for the IML barrier to recover to its full perform- ance. Van de Walle said future label materials could incorporate oxygen scavenger technology to provide interim protection. In a review of the available – and developing – barrier
options for injection moulded thin wall packaging, Netstal manager application technology Rüdiger Grings
Oxygen barrier perfOrmance by prOcess and applicatiOn source: eval europe
www.injectionworld.com April 2012 | INjECTION WORLd 49
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