STRETCH & SHRINK FILM | MATERIALS
Materials suppliers have developed formulations that allow stretch and shrink film producers to
offer mono-material films, or ones that incorporate more recyclate
Wrap artists: advances in stretch and shrink film
Materials development is fundamental to the development of stretch and shrink films. At last year’s Stretch and Shrink Film conference – held in Charleston, USA and organised by AMI – delegates heard how sustainability helps to drive the devel- opment of thinner films, higher performance and alternative materials. Fernando Guajardo, market development lead engineer at Sabic, said that trends such as sustain- ability and the need for stiffer, thinner stretch film dominate the market. “We need to reduce plastic use by downgaug- ing,” he told delegates.
Sabic has developed a solution that can reduce pallet goods damage while using less plastic per pallet, he said. In addition, there is a more efficient wrapping process and higher tear resistance of the film – despite containing recyclate. A typical stretch film might use five layers of
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mLLDPE in a 17-micron thick structure. Sabic’s design is similar – but it includes a ‘polyolefin enhancer’ layer in the middle. The structure was evaluated on an ESTL simulator FTP 750, to measure ultimate strain, holding force and tear resistance in the cross direction. One key finding was that it allowed a higher
elongation than an incumbent mLLDPE, resulting in the use of less plastic per pallet. In addition, a higher holding force in the 350-450% stretch range helped to raise pallet stability and reduce the risk of damaged goods. Tear resistance in the cross direction was also doubled.
Stretch alternatives Grace Lancaster, product manager and sustainabil- ity analyst at Lantech, explained the company’s ongoing efforts to find alternatives to plastic stretch film when requested by customers.
Main image: Stretch wrap is vital in ensuring that pallet loads remain stable
� June 2024 | FILM & SHEET EXTRUSION 13
IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK
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