Pactiv Extends Zipper Closures to Pre-Packaged Sliced Meat and Animal Cracker Packages

Published: March 17, 2004, By PRESS RELEASE

SUMMIT, NJ, USA—The range of commercial packaging applications for Pactiv’s Hefty Slide-Rite Advanced Closure System has been extended to encompass first-time zipper closures for commercial sliced meat and animal crackers, says the supplier of materials that go into Pactiv's new zipper applications.

According to Ticona , Pactiv's Hefty Slide-Rite closures, which are comprised of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) blends, use up to 10% Topas cyclic olefin copolymer (COC). "Topas COC adds stiffness and strength to improve top retention and opening force, such as the force needed to pull the slider off the track and to pull the tracks apart, respectively," explains Ticona."The meat is packaged in a transparent, hooded bag, while the crackers are in a foil-lined bag having a metal tamperproof seal. Closure length ranges from 5.25 inches (13.3 cm) in the cracker package to 10 inches (25.4 cm) in the one for sliced meat."

Pactiv offers Slide-Rite closures as 0.3 to 1.25-in. (7.6 to 32 mm) strips on reels.  These are used globally in form, fill, and seal machines, where narrow strips of film (or fins) at the base of the track are heat-sealed to bags, reports Ticona.

Says Pactiv's global technology manager Gary Rehwinkel, "[The cyclic olefin copolymer's} dimensional stability improves our efficiency by reducing rejects due to closure curvature. Curvature occurs when the tracks and fins shrink at different rates, so we fine-tune Topas COC content to match track and fin shrinkage," he adds.

Ticona says Pactiv has seen double-digit growth for its Slide-Rite closures in consumer packaging based on many factors. "Customers like the closures because they are easy to open and close and provide a secure, consistent seal. Manufacturers like them because they help boost brand marketshare by projecting a high-quality image and adding value through consumer convenience and reclosability."

In addition, Pactiv designs and sells Slide-Rite closures and licenses their use and the equipment needed to add it to bags, reports Ticona. "Slide-Rite technology can be integrated into new or existing horizontal form-fill-seal machinery for automated operations, as well as into fabrication equipment for pre-made pouches and bags."

For information about Topas' COC and its uses in packaging, email Ticona at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For information about Pactiv's Slide Rite Advanced Closure system, contact Larry Rebodos at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Visit Ticona at ticona.com. Learn more about Pactiv at pactiv.com.