MATERIALS | FILM ADDITIVES
Performance of Palsgaard’s Einar 406 PL antifog film additive Source: Palsgaard
Below: Sukano introduced an antiblock masterbatch designed for BOPLA films in conjunction with PLA producer NatureWorks
keeping the packaging clean and transparent, helps reduce food waste and supports sustainabil- ity,” said Asaf Eylon, president of additives & whites at Tosaf. Sukano introduced an antiblock masterbatch designed for biaxially-oriented PLA films in conjunction with PLA producer NatureWorks. The masterbatch is designed to be used with Nature- Work’s Ingeo Extend 4950D for compostable small- format packaging, such as condiment packets, snack and candy wrappers, salad bags, lidding for containers, coffee pods, and sauce dippers, which the companies noted are packaging types set to be restricted by the EU’s PPWR. These packaging types are typically too small for existing recycling sortation equipment, but by using compostable plastics, the packaging can be composted with food waste, which should make them acceptable under the PPWR, said Sukano. The companies said that the new materials, designed to be used on existing BOPP equipment, have overcome previous issues that have faced compostable packaging. “By combining NatureWorks’ Ingeo biopolymer
innovations with Brückner’s biax [film extrusion] technology and Sukano’s proprietary S/AB [slip/
antiblock] surface additive, we’ve opened the door to a new generation of ultra-thin, cost-effective barrier films,” said Roger Tambay, chief growth officer at NatureWorks. “These advances make it possible to reduce thickness while still delivering the sealability, barrier performance, and lamination strength brand owners need. They advance compostable packaging and enhance paper-based solutions, where Ingeo PLA coupled with Sukano masterbatches provides the functionality required for recyclability in the paper stream. At a time when brands are navigating evolving packaging regula- tions, this collaboration offers a sustainable and cost-competitive pathway forward.” The Sukano masterbatch improves the surface quality of BOPLA coextruded films, which both improves film handling and enhances barrier properties. The antiblock component creates a slightly rough surface texture to reduce contact between film layers, and the slip agent component provides a lubricating effect on finished parts. “In the inner layer, the masterbatch increases
surface roughness, preventing the film from sticking during winding and secondary processing. In the outer layer, the masterbatch helps create a smooth and uniform surface to obtain a continuous layer of aluminum with strong adhesion. This results in fewer defects in the metal coating, which is key to achieving excellent barrier properties that meet market requirements. The positive results were confirmed by extensive trials at Bruckner Maschinenbau,” Sukano reported. The company said that packaging with a very thin aluminium coating layer is able to be composted and can be certified according to EN13432.
Enabling recycling Innovators throughout the film supply chain have been working for years to improve post-consumer film recycling and to address challenges in collec-
32 FILM & SHEET EXTRUSION | March 2026
www.filmandsheet.com
IMAGE: SUKANO
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