MATERIALS | STRETCH AND SHRINK FILM
to make a film that met the same criterion. “Adding PCR to film is unsustainable,” said Lancaster. “Stretch film should only be recycled downstream.” Another approach is to reduce the amount of film needed to wrap a pallet safely. This could be achieved in three ways: optimising the setting on existing wrapping machines; replacing older wrapping machines with the latest models; and using higher performance films to achieve the necessary containment force using less film. In one case, by optimising a legacy machine –
Above: OCS says its test and measure- ment systems can identify gels in film – to improve quality
“There are proven additive solutions to re-stabi- lise PCR feedstock, in order to get the best possi- ble performance,” said Srabotic.
Pallet loads Lantech has carried out a project to assess the performance of plastic stretch wrap alternatives – such as a paper-based product, a film made from virgin resin, and one made from 30% PCR. “The test design aimed to produce a fair,
accurate comparison of material by weight, cost, and carbon footprint at a required load contain- ment force required for damage free shipment,” said Pat Lancaster, chairman of Lantech. One surprising result was that 30% PCR stretch
film requires more virgin resin that using virgin resin alone. A test load wrapped with PCR-based film needed 270g – of which 189g is virgin resin – to meet the necessary containment force. This compares with 133g of virgin resin, which was used
through tuning and other methods – helped cut film use by 42%. By replacing an old machine with a newer one saved 28%. Using a higher grade of film – such as a premium or ultra grade – helped to cut material use by 47%. A combination of all three strategies could reduce material use by up to two-thirds, said the company. However, Spain-based Saica makes a variety of
stretch and shrink films that use PCR. One example is its 40-micron collation shrink film with 50% recyclate. The film was shown at K2022 as a five-layer coextrusion, to package six 1.5l water bottles. The company claimed “excellent holding force and package integrity for bundle products”. Similarly, it showed a 60-micron collation shrink film with 50% recyclate, in collaboration with Plastigaur, and a 90-micron shrink hood with 50% PCR for pallet wrapping. Here, the structure was a three-layer coextrusion. “Converters can develop films with a high
percentage of PCR by adapting and tuning their formulations, production equipment and process- es,” said Luis Pellejer, director of Saica.
�
Booth C835
diing.kuen@hibox.hinet.net
www.facebook.com/DiingKuen
www.diing-kuen.com
IMAGE: OCS
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50
