MATERIALS | BIAX FILM
Right: Perforated anti-fog film could help to cut waste from tomato crops
One aim is to move from films being industrially compostable to home compostable. This is a technical challenge and involves redesigning the structure. Elements of this include adding an enzyme to the outer PLA layer and using a PLA/ PHA blend. The BOPHA/BOPLA films can be made in sequential or simultaneous mode, he said. The company has dedicated BOPHA/BOPLA lines in operation.
At the moment, Bruckner is testing the scalability – for moving from a 1m to a 4m wide line. In the trials, Bruckner has produced 60-80% PHA with PLA blend in all three layers of the film – including with the extra enzyme. It has also produced cavitated PHA film for the first time. Some areas of focus include decreasing the
shrinkage and tear propagation of the composta- ble film.
He said that while 100% PHA is home composta-
ble, systems formulated with other biopolymers can also achieve home compostability.
Anti-fog performance Aldo Mortara, commercial director at Brazil-based Vitopel, explained how his company has devel- oped anti-fog BOPP packaging to extend shelf life for fresh produce. The company performs much of its research on a biaxial film pilot line – which he said is the only one in Latin America. “Examination of the farm-to-retailer food supply
chain reveals that food loss is a result of inefficien- cies, and its hidden costs are often greater than retailers’ net profit,” he said. He cited tomatoes as an example of a crop that
suffers excess amounts of waste – with as few as 59 of every 100 tomatoes grown making it to stores. Overcoming this could save around 40 million tonnes every year – and cut CO2 emissions from tomato loss by up to 80%. He said that anti-fog film – which avoids deterio-
ration of products by contact with water droplets – could help to achieve this. “Micro perforations – matched to the breathing
rate for each specific product – is needed, along with mono-material recyclable packaging,” he said. One example is for protecting broccoli, which is
transported over long distances. Here, perforated anti-fog film helped to extend shelf life from 10 to 30 days.
Beyond anti-fog film, he said that active and intelligent packaging – such as incorporating anti-microbial additives – can help to quell fungal growth for products such as cauliflower and bananas.
36 FILM & SHEET EXTRUSION | October 2023
BOPE grade SCG Chemicals presented details of a new HDPE resin, which it says can be processed into BOPE using tenter frame technology. “It requires a unique balancing of processing and film properties,” said Kanyanut Narkchamnan, full PE research and development leader at SCG Chemicals in Thailand
Its S197F multi-modal technology is available with low molecular weight (for stiffness and processability), high molecular weight (for tough- ness) or very high molecular weight – which adds higher mechanical properties and stretchability. “BOPE film made of S197F provides high heat
resistance and good mechanical and optical properties – suitable for printing and coating in multi-layer structures,” she said. The films can be used to replace BOPA and
BOPET, she said – and are appropriate for moisture barrier applications.
In one case study – showcased at ProPak Asia – the BOPE film showed good dimensional stability and could maintain high line speed during the printing process. Seven-colour printing could be performed at a line speed of 100 m/min. The film was also used to make a recyclable, all-PE stand-up pouch – for applications such as liquid detergent or for packaging food. The structure comprised a 25-micron HD-BOPE layer, ink and adhesive, and a 120-micron PE layer. This compared with a previous structure, in which the BOPE layer was a 15-micron BOPA layer. n AMI runs a number of film-related conferences. The next is Multilayer Flexible Packaging, which is held in Barcelona, Spain in November. For more details, contact Carole Charrade on +44 (0) 117 314 8111 (
carole.charrade@
amiplastics.com).
CLICK ON THE LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION: �
www.amiplastics.com �
www.novachem.com �
www.brueckner.com �
www.vitopel.com.br �
www.scg.com
www.filmandsheet.com
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