MATERIALS | THERMOFORMING
Prime Sulapac has “a more forgiving processing window” for greater manufacturing flexibility and fewer production challenges, it says. Its lower thermoforming temperature requirements can save up to 20% in energy savings due to shorter heating times. This can cut production time and increase operational efficiency. It has been used to replace traditional plastics such as PS, PP, and PET, for packaging inserts and other thermoformed products including point-of- sale displays, logistic trays, single-use food packag- ing, and blister cards.
Above: Scanfill’s new thermoforming film is made from Sulapac’s Flow 1.7 PLA-based material
(PLA). It supplies this to Scanfill as granules. The material can be used as a direct replacement for conventional polymers such as polystyrene and PET. Scanfill says Degrafoil Flow 1.7 products have a
smooth, fibre-like surface that “feels distinct from conventional plastic”. The product can be coloured in many ways but is not available as a transparent grade.
It is available in widths up to 1450 mm and thicknesses 350-1200 microns. “With Degrafoil Flow 1.7, our clients can
respond to demands for renewable content and reduced carbon footprint while continuing busi- ness as usual,” said Karl Banke, sustainability specialist and technical support at Scanfill. Degrafoil Flow 1.7 is made at Scanfill’s facility in southern Sweden following the requirements for food contact materials.
Bio-based sheet The company also offers a line of bio-based wood- plastic composite sheet – called Prime Sulapac – which is now available in US through Primex. The material is a combination of wood from industrial side streams and biodegradable biopoly- mers. This gives the aesthetic appeal of natural fibre products with the durability and functionality of plastics. It can be used for thermoforming and other applications. Prime Sulapac sheets for thermoforming have a high bio-based content and are industrially com- postable. The material has a low carbon footprint and can be mechanically recycled, helping to minimise waste. It leaves no persistent microplastics or toxic chemicals behind, says the company. “Our key design principle is to create materials
that are safe for people and the planet,” said Joona Kontinen, growth and innovations manager at Sulapac. “To ensure this, we conduct rigorous testing – with internal standards often ahead of regulation.” Unlike many bio-based materials that require strict temperature control during manufacturing,
18 FILM & SHEET EXTRUSION | September 2025
Factory changes Two thermoforming manufacturers are expanding capacity in Costa Rica. Nelipak has broken ground on a new healthcare
packaging production factory there. It will include: thin-gauge thermoforming for medical device trays and blisters and heavy-gauge thermoforming for deep draw tubs and trays. Due to open in mid-2026, the 60,000 sq ft
Class-A industrial facility will expand Nelipak’s regional capacity and capabilities. The site will be ISO 13485 certified and include ISO-7 cleanroom manufacturing space, making sterile-barrier healthcare packaging. It will also allow for future building expansion. “This investment underscores our long-term commitment to our customers in Latin America and the Caribbean,” said Pat Chambliss, CEO of Nelipak. In addition, Placon has opened a new ware- house and centre facility in Costa Rica. The 150,000 sq ft facility will act as the supply chain hub for the warehousing, transport and inventory management of Placon’s medical-related packaging. “Costa Rica has become a medical manufactur- ing hub for many of our customers,” said Justin Stovall, EVP of commercial operations at Placon. “Our goal is to provide them with the packaging they need, closer to their regional operations.”
CLICK ON THE LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION: �
https://thermoformingdivision.com �
www.profileplastics.com �
www.rayplastics.com �
www.kiefel.com �
www.wm-thermoforming.com �
www.suedpack.com �
www.korozogroup.com �
www.scanfill.se �
www.sulapac.com �
www.primexplastics.com �
www.nelipak.com �
www.placon.com
www.filmandsheet.com
IMAGE: SCANFILL
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