MULTI-LAYER PACKAGING | PROCESSING


Multiple benefits: latest in multi-layer packaging


Delegates at a recent conference heard about some of the most recent advances in redesigning multi-layer packaging to be more sustainable – and effective – than before


Multi-layer packaging is critical in many packaging products – especially those that need to provide an oxygen or moisture barrier. However, the need to raise recycling means that many manufacturers are considering alternative methods – such as moving to mono-material solutions. At the recent Multi-Layer Flexible Packaging


conference – organised by AMI and held in Chicago, USA – a number of speakers addressed the move towards mono-material solutions. Andrea Jenn, a consultant at AMI, told del-


egates that both biaxially and machine-direction oriented polyethylene (BOPE and MDO-PE) are on the rise – as they can cut pack weight and improve recyclability. There are currently eight producers of BOPP


www.filmandsheet.com


that are working on the production of BOPE. “Commercial availability is hoped to ramp up over the next few years – with increasing material availability, along with continued improvements in equipment and raw material,” she said. For BOPE, there are two resin choices to make films for different applications. LLD-BOPE is used as a sealing layer in laminates, as base film for frozen food packaging and – in future – as mono-material packaging for applications such as noodles and confectionery. HD-BOPE is for use as a base film for mono-PE stand up pouches (replacing PET in PET/PE laminates). In addition it can be used for flow wrap and vertical form-fill-seal applications and products with barrier requirements. To 2030 and beyond, BOPE is likely to replace


Main image: Multi-layer pouches are an increasingly common form of packaging


September 2023 | FILM & SHEET EXTRUSION 13


IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK


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