Easy-peel packaging
Sealution Peel Polymers are polyolefin-based, single-pellet options with advantages over conventional resins and blends, the co. claims. These polymers are a ready-to-use single pellet formulation that have the ability to be used in blown- and cast-film applications and with PE or PP substrates. The polymers are suitable for a range of peel/seal applications, such as pouches, lidstock and more, and they offer consistent easy-open functionality with no-tear stringing. These products feature advanced technology for consistent processing with reliable peel performance and reduced defects due to low process variability, the co. says.
The Dow Chemical Co., 800/441-4369.
www.dowpackaging.com
Easy-open aseptic carton
A perforation across the entire top of the combiblocCompact aseptic food carton lets consumers easily open the package without tools and dispense all the product by pouring or spooning it out. Consorzio Casalasco del Pomodoro, an Italian manufacturer specializing in tomato products, is first to use this package. But additional products and companies are introducing it in other European countries, including the U.K., Scandinavia, Greece and Switzerland. The combiblocCompact with the full perforation is available in 200, 250, 300, 350, 375, 400 and 500 ml sizes. Because the carton packs are the same size and shape with and without the full perforation when filled in identical volumes, there is no effect on secondary packaging or transport.
SIG Combibloc USA, 610/546-4200.
www.sig.biz
Protective packaging
New NaturePlank engineered honeycomb offers brand owners and fabricators a paper-based protective packaging alternative. The honeycomb plank is made from kraft paper (linerboard) and water-based adhesives. It offers excellent strength and blocking/bracing for a range of protective packaging applications, according to the co. Made with SFI-certified, renewable virgin and post-consumer recycled fibers, the plank is an all-natural alternative to petroleum-based plastic plank products.
Pregis Corp., 877/692-6163.
www.pregis.com
Steam valve
Flexis innovative technology extends product life and enhances the performance, ease-of-use, distribution and display of certain foods, beverages, perishables, granular materials and pharmaceuticals. Examples of functionality include protecting products from damage and contaminants, detecting environmental changes, and making packages easier to open and reseal. The steam valve is recommended for precooked foods that benefit from precise steam heating, including sauces, rice, dumplings and noodles. During the cooking process, the valve actuates at a predetermined temperature and allows a precise amount of steam to escape from the package. Depending on the baffle configuration designed into the valve, more or less steam will be permitted to escape.
Avery Dennison, 626/304-2000.
www.averydennison.com
Shrink-sleeve label
The SkinSleever effect is a technological finish using the Helioflex printing technique which allows for a tactile dimension via a texture on the object, the co. states. This white satin-dyed GPET referenced film gives the film a density and feel identical to paper. Despite this change of material, the procedure retains all the features that have made it successful, starting with its retraction curve. With an 80-percent differential in diameter, it can cover a bottle of champagne. The product allows for creativity, as glass can be customized across the food, pharmaceutical, beverage and beauty markets.
Sleever Intl. Inc., 905/565-0952.
www.sleever.com
Laminating adhesives
The FlextraSL SFA8202/XR1285 adhesives, part of the FlextraSL family of flexible packaging converters, can laminate barrier films to barrier films up to three times faster than with conventional solventless adhesive systems, without sacrificing appearance, the co. states. The barrier-to-barrier laminating adhesives deliver high-quality appearance through excellent wet-out and leveling, high clarity and reduced bubbles from carbon dioxide generation. Outperforming conventional systems, the barrier-to-barrier laminating adhesives accommodate line speeds up to 800-ft/min, slit in as few as 12-hrs, and PAA decay in as few as two days.
H.B. Fuller Co., 651/236-5900.
www.hbfuller.com
Blow/fill/seal tube
The co. has expanded its single-use packaging options with the addition of the DualDose Modified blow/fill/seal (b/f/s) package. The system is designed to keep two components separate until the point of use. When the user bends the outer tube to snap the inside vial, the two components become mixed. The vials are made with the co.'s proprietary in-line modified b/f/s process using recyclable resins and the outer tube can be pre-printed to meet customer's product marketing needs. The system is applicable to a range of products, particularly market segments such as OTC drugs, personal care/cosmetics and veterinary, which increasingly are using single-use packaging options, the co. states.
Unicep Packaging Inc., 800/354-9396.
www.unicep.com
Shrink sleeve
The co. releases its Cryovac 360 full-body shrink sleeve film for primary and multi-pack labeling. The shrink sleeve film is a 5-layer, coextruded label film that combines the benefits of PET-G and OPS to improve the area yield versus traditional 50-micron films, the co. states. Vertical label expansion allows the film to reduce or eliminate label "smile" and "frown" defects. Straight lines at the top and bottom of the label means the labels appear as they were intended, even in difficult multi-pack applications with void spaces. The co. says the materials combination provides a softer lable that minimizes cracking and crinkling typically found in traditional mono-layer PVC, PET-G or PLA shrink label films.
Sealed Air Corp., 201/791-7600.
www.sealedair.com
Adhesive
The new Technomelt SupraCool adhesive provides high bond strength and wider application range than traditional low-temperature technologies while reducing energy consumption, increasing the safety of the end-of-line operation and creating an opportunity to improve mileage over either technology, the co. states. The adhesive features lower temperature application of 250- to 275-deg F, for reduced energy consumption, less equipment wear and increased worker safety. The adhesive also features lower application weights and excellent heat stability, which eliminates gel and char, reduces maintenance and downtime and promotes uninterrupted production.
Henkel Corp., 866/266-5565.
www.henkelna.com
