Adhesive Applications
Taking the highway of flex pack adhesives T
H.B. Fuller puts the spotlight on speed, sustainability and food safety
he drive for greater speed and convenience from packaged food is at its peak, with the demand for
flexible packaging (flex pack) growing exponentially. Creating flex pack is a complex process, bringing together intelligent adhesion of a variety of substances to deliver increased functionality, as well as smart design and high-impact graphics. Elizabeth Staab, EIMEA marketing manager packaging solutions, for global adhesive provider H.B. Fuller, gives us an insight into the key trends in the flex pack market and how adhesive innovation is helping customers respond. The growth of flex pack is here for the
foreseeable future, with 83 per cent of brand owners already using flex pack, and 58 per cent of these confirming they intend to use more of it in the next five years. H.B. Fuller, has identified some key trends, namely the need to produce products more quickly and efficiently; to ensure products comply with food safety legislation and deliver on sustainability. Design, shelf appeal and functionality continue to be a driving force for innovation.
FLEX PACK INNOVATION THROUGH ADHESIVE TECHNOLOGY Adhesive is only a small percentage of the overall package material, but it is nevertheless fundamental to flex pack development. H.B. Fuller is constantly looking for ways to connect its customers to innovative adhesive solutions that will help them stand out from the competition. Staab explains: “That’s why we established our Lüneburg Adhesive Academy, in Germany, which combines state-of-the-art equipment with the collective knowledge of experts drawn from across the globe.” This facility includes invaluable off-site testing equipment for flex pack converters and packaging manufacturers, including a new lab laminator. This is strengthened by expertise at the Pianezze site in Italy, as well as the field-based adhesive technology expert team across the region.
H.B. Fuller Adhesive Academy, Lüneburg, Germany
NEED FOR SPEED The need to accelerate flex pack production is driving converters and the whole packaging supply chain. To maintain a competitive edge, they must respond quickly to changing consumer and manufacturer demands, and to new opportunities created by technological breakthroughs and packaging trends. Take baby food for example. Flex pack pouches extend the product’s shelf life and make it easy for parents to open, pour and reclose, while being simple and hygienic enough for children to drink or suck straight from the package. As a result, the flex pack baby food market is expected to grow at CAGR 8.74 per cent to 2022.2 per cent. To meet this type of growing demand
H.B. Fuller has seen the development of continuous pouch-filling machines to replace slower intermittent machines. Previously limited to 80-100 pouches per minute (ppm), Flex Pack pouches can now be run off at 250ppm3
. Their adhesives are
formulated to enable faster line speeds with clean running performance, and are suitable for a vast combination of substrates. This offers new possibilities to converters who are under constant pressure to deliver to ever-tighter deadlines and expand their product portfolio quickly and confidently.
SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS, SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING Sustainability is a crucial consideration and the flex pack industry has a responsibility to produce sustainable packaging. Staab stresses: “We’re committed to enabling our customers to improve their products and processes by providing adhesives that help them achieve their sustainability goals.” Research from the Flexible Packaging
Association reports that flexible packaging creates less of a carbon footprint as energy consumption and environmental impact during transportation is greatly reduced. It also uses fewer resources and has a higher product to packaging ratio, requiring just 1.5lbs of flexible plastic to package 60lbs of beverage compared to 50lbs of glass.
CREATIVE PACKAGING THROUGH QUALITY ADHESIVES In an extremely competitive consumer market, engaging and vibrant flex pack that grabs the attention of passing shoppers is more important than ever. It is extremely customisable with manufacturers able to make packaging of virtually any shape and size to suit specific products and brands. Importantly, high-quality adhesives also enable the combination of multiple substances, which also offers great flexibility.
THE COMPETITIVE EDGE Converters need to be more agile and responsive than ever before. There is constant pressure to support new packaging designs, speed up processes, hit sustainability targets, not to mention manufacture packaging that will standout visually on the shelf. Meeting these challenges is crucial for converters to maintain a competitive edge. The answer lies in smart flexible
packaging, enhanced by adhesive innovation and investment in a growing market segment. Staab goes further: “The problems of the future can no longer be addressed by one company alone, rather through involvement of the entire value chain! Co-operation is more than ever the key to innovation”.
www.hbfuller.com/eimea
10
March 2018
www.convertermag.co.uk
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