A Communication from the PLACE Div. of TAPPI
- Published: July 31, 2004, By David J. Bentley, Jr., Editor
Providing practical information to the converting & packaging industries
Conference to Highlight Packaging
Flexible packaging is the unifying theme for the 2004 TAPPI PLACE Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana, on August 30 to September 2. The meeting comprises 30 technical sessions of which eleven relate directly to flexible packaging. The titles of these sessions are as follows:
- Biodegradable Films
- Medical Packaging
- Barrier Primer
- Packaging and Converting Adhesives
- Peelable Seals
- Flexible Packaging Adhesives
- Active Packaging
- Barrier Technology and Applications
- Brand Authentication
- Converter Spotlight
- Advances in Flexible Packaging Barriers.
The remaining sessions that cover subjects in the areas of film extrusion, extrusion coating, and hot melt products also relate directly or indirectly to the more general area of flexible packaging. Many of the products made by film extrusion or extrusion coating eventually find their way into flexible packaging applications.
Barrier Applications
Daniel R. Ward of Equistar Chemicals LP is the chairperson for the session on Barrier Technology and Applications. The session begins with “Study of Stability of EVOH” by Hedeshi Onishi of Nippon Gohsei. This paper introduces a new thermally stable low ethylene content EVOH designed for flexible film applications. A paper on “Coextrusion of Cast Barrier Films” by James D. Stobie of Macro Engineering and Technology covers market trends for cast barrier films. It compares blown vs. cast films and addresses advantages and disadvantages of each technology.
In the session on “Advances in Flexible Packaging Barriers,” Anton Stauffer of PTI-Packaging Technologies talks about “On-Line Seal Inspection For Retortable Pouches.” The paper discusses the first technology to inspect a heat seal sample without sample preparation and to use special inks that non-invasively offer immediate test results. The new technology has use in on-line and off-line inspection of heat seals on any type of pouch from stand-up to four-side sealed pouches.
Julie Gibson of Dow Chemical USA is the chairperson for the session on “Peelable Seals.” In a paper during that session entitled “A Novel Peel-Seal System,” Alex Hayden of Rexham Healthcare Flexibles will describe a novel adhesive peel system that provides consistent peel strength independent of sealing conditions.
The “Peelable Seals” session also has a paper on “A Win-Win Film for Easy-Open Seals in the Packaging Room and the Consumer's Kitchen” by Brad Bastion of Printpack, Inc. He notes that the way consumer packaged goods companies actually run their vertical form-fill-seal operations has significant impact on consumer experience with films designed as easy opening. The author also describes a study that compares these alternatives in the context of marketplace demands.
To register for the meeting or to learn more information, visit tappi.org. Follow the links marked Conferences & Symposia and select 2004 PLACE Conference. Information is also available by telephone at 1-800-332-8686 (United States), 1-800-446-9431 (Canada), or +1-770-446-1400 (Other).
New Test Method Proposed
The European PLACE Committee of the PLACE Division is proposing a new TAPPI Standard Test Method called "Rheological Indicators to Predict the Extrusion Coating Performance of Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)." The scope of the method notes that it describes how oscillatory measurements are useful to characterize LDPE. The storage modulus and zero shear viscosity are convenient parameters to predict the extrusion coating performance of LDPE.
The next step in the adoption of this proposed test method is formation of a Standard-Specific Interest Group. This group will conduct a review of the proposal and then conduct a ballot regarding its adoption. Any member of TAPPI who is in good standing and has an interest in this topic is eligible to join the Standard-Specific Interest Group. To join, please contact Charles Bohanan at TAPPI by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. no later than October 1, 2004.
