POLYMER FILMS | ADDITIVES
Beyond easing processing and boosting performance, additives for film production are increasingly helping to enhance product and system sustainability. Mark Holmes reports
Formulating better films
Additives and additive masterbatches have long played a big role in production of films for both packaging and industrial applications, acting as processing aids to boost slip, providing antiblocking and antistatic properties, enhancing antifog, or improving light stability. However, the need to simultaneously meet circular economy targets and improve film recyclability is climbing up the priority list for all solution providers. The current market for film additives and masterbatches presents many opportunities, especially in the area of sustainability, according to Ampacet. The company says that additive masterbatches will continue to have a significant role to play in enabling new and innovative solutions that support sustainability goals. The drive towards a more circular economy is well underway in plastics and Ampacet believes it has a number of valuable contributions to make in this area. “Vibrant economic conditions in the United
States currently are supporting demand growth in many film markets. The growing demand for on-the-go convenience and shelf appeal continues to drive significant growth in smaller, easier-to-
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handle packages. This is why, for example, Stand Up Pouches (SUP) are growing faster than just about any other packaging format. They are easier to ‘grab-n-go’ and offer the bonus of providing sustainability advantages, significantly increasing the product-to-package ratio,” says Jim Morrison, Strategic Business Manager, Flexible at the company. “While we talk about the consumer preference for on-the-go convenience favouring SUPs and flexible packaging, the conflicting consumer preference is for more sustainable solutions. Whereas films certainly offer product-to-package ratio advantages, there are more challenges when it comes to the collection, sorting and recycling of films at materials recovery facilities (MRF). We support the recent passage of the RECOVER Act in the United States that provides funding to support state and local recycling infrastructure. There is much work to do with respect to these challenges,” he says.
Morrison adds that multi-layered barrier films contribute significantly to sustainability by protecting products and extending shelf life, but
January 2020 | COMPOUNDING WORLD 27
Main image: Film additive demands are changing as producers look towards mono-layer and more homogenous structural components to meet
sustainability targets
IMAGE: POLYONE
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