Treofan simplifies laminate structure and boosts sealing performance of BOPP films
Treofan Germany GmbH & Co. KG, a leading global manufacturer of biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) films, has developed a new 5-layer BOPP film using Vistamaxx performance polymers from ExxonMobil Chemical. Using Vistamaxx polymers in the heat sealable side of a new, metallized BOPP film simplifies the laminate structure, allows aluminum foil to be replaced and can reduce costs compared to market reference alternatives.
Treofan was looking to develop a new BOPP film for the packaging of instant soups, but would also be well-suited for any other kind of dehydrated powdered product such as spice blends or instant sauces. Meeting the needs of brand owners is key to gaining a foothold in this market.
Sealing performance is key
For a new film to be successful, it would need to achieve at least the equivalent seal strength, seal integrity (hermeticity) and seal-through powder contamination as the market reference. Treofan contacted ExxonMobil Chemical to learn more about the versatile capabilities of Vistamaxx polymers.
On discovering that Vistamaxx polymers can be used to tailor BOPP film formulations to improve packaging sealing, optical properties and processing performance, development work started.
Today laminates for soup pouches are usually comprised of a 7-9 μm aluminum foil and a sealant, made of PE, with a thickness of 10-30 μm. The PE sealant is either a blown film, adhesive laminated to aluminum foil or directly extrusion coated on the aluminum foil.
Treofan developed a metallized BOPP film, Treofan MSB 30, using Vistamaxx performance polymers in the heat sealable side. MSB 30 replaces the aluminum foil and PE sealant. On the outside of a soup pouch, many brand owners prefer printed paper. Instead of printed paper, a reverse printed BOPP film or a printed PET film can be applied. MSB 30 provides brand owners full latitude for their product design.
“Vistamaxx performance polymers are key to the development of Treofan MSB 30 metallized BOPP film”, said Paul-René Clauss, sales developer, Vistamaxx performance polymers, ExxonMobil Chemical. “They enable the laminate structure to be simplified, while boosting sealing performance.”
Simplified laminate structure
The application of MSB 30 allows the number of laminate components to be reduced from 3 layers to 2. The potential for cost savings for the entire laminate mostly depend on the PE sealant grade, which was previously used.
Sealing properties boosted
Using Vistamaxx polymers in MSB 30 boosts its sealing properties.
Market reference laminates offer a minimum seal strength of 5N/15 mm, which cannot be achieved with a standard BOPP film as the sealant. Treofan MSB 30-based laminate, however, offers a seal strength of about 8N/15 mm and even higher, if desired.
Seal integrity (hermeticity) is also enhanced. SKYE tests indicate a much higher overpressure versus a standard BOPP film. Besides high seal strength and seal integrity, seal-through powder contamination is a key feature for powdered products. At pouch filling, powder particles within the seam area should be incorporated to ensure hermeticity. Standard BOPP films are limited in being able to fulfill this task.
“Using Vistamaxx polymers to enhance the sealing properties of this BOPP film has made a significant difference and allows us to enter new markets,” said Detlef Hütt, Innovation Engineer, Treofan Germany GmbH & Co. KG.
Brand owner testing
Several brand owners and converters have been running samples recently. Application tests of our film usually take 6-12 months to complete.
