Materials
- Published: November 30, 2001
Substrates, Inks, Adhesives, Polymers...
Inks and Coatings Use Antimicrobial Technology
Colorcon, No-Tox Products, West Point, PA; 215/661-2652; colorcon.com
A patent application has been filed for No-Tox AM inks and coatings, which will feature AgION antimicrobial technology said to reduce or eliminate the growth of bacteria, yeasts, and molds in packaging. Product will directly address a growing concern over microbial growth on the inside surface of packaging films and other commonly used substrates. Mfr. says antimicrobial delivery system provides for continual slow release of silver, a natural antimicrobial compound, ensuring packaging longevity and integrity. The anitmicrobial can be added to the film or coextrusion during the extrusion process. An alternative to extrusion or extrusion coating application of antimicrobials is to apply the additives as a coating, which is advantageous because the antimicrobial additive can be placed in a controlled manner where the material is needed. Also, the coating can be applied in a later step, minimizing the exposure of the product to contamination. Coatings are said to possess unique characteristics, because unlike other antimicrobials, these coatings are extremely effective, do not degrade in hostile environments, are long lasting, and can be applied with standard coating equipment available to the packaging converter. Coatings can be applied by direct or offset gravure to a variety of substrates including paper, foil, nylon, as well as corona treated films such as PE, OPP, or PET. Coated films, Tyvek, and other substrates can be coated as well. Reportedly has reduced a broad spectrum of bacteria and molds below detectable limits in laboratory settings. The co. is optimistic that it can be as effective on such bio-threats as anthrax.
Substrate's Reproduction and Strength Qualities Make It Mini-Flute Alternative
Westvaco Corp., New York, NY; 212/688-5000; meadwestvaco.com
Forte packaging substrate is said to offer a superior, high-value alternative to mini-flute board for the construction of small- and medium-sized packaging. Product is 36-pt solid fiber board said to provide compression strength equal to or greater than F, G, and N mini-flute board. It combines a smooth and bright (GE 85) coated facing stock with a virgin kraft board to deliver what is said to be brilliant graphic reproduction without washboarding, and supports demanding print production techniques such as embossing and foil stamping. Available in various roll widths or sizes.
Film Ideal for Flow-Wrapping Applications
UCB Films, Smyrna, GA; 877/UCB-FILM; ucb.be
Propafilm OFS, designed for flow-wrapping pizza, is said to give an eye-catching glossy finish with a shrink performance ideal for protecting delicate toppings. Said to provide excellent optics and clarity and to be more consumer-friendly than other very tight shrink films that can be difficult to remove. Print-receptive coating is suitable for gravure, flexographic, and litho print systems, which can be supplied on either the inside or outside of the finished roll for surface or reverse printing. Suitable for carton overwrap, video cassettes, confectionery, and perfume products, co. reports.
Note: In the October issue, an incorrect photo ran with the UCB Propafilm OS BOPP item. We apologize for any confusion this error may have caused.
Synthetic Paper Resists Tearing
Yupo Corp. America, Chesapeake, VA; 888/USE-YUPO; yupo.com
TPGA 90 synthetic paper is a heavyweight, blemish-free, translucent stock that is highly resistant to tearing and stretching, co. notes. Said to provide a distinctive edge for design applications. In addition to superior toughness, paper reportedly exhibits excellent finishing properties and is extremely well suited for folding, die-cutting, perforating, foil stamping, and embossing.
Removable Adhesive Enhances Coating
National Starch & Chemical Co., Bridgewater, NJ; 800/797-4992; nationalstarch.com
Ultra-removable PSA is based on microsphere technology said to enhance coating qualities and performance properties. Product's development involved electron microscopy and high-speed photography to determine that formulations containing microspheres and low binder levels yielded products exhibiting improved resistance to build or peel over time, strong bonds that are broken easily when force is applied, and suitability for re-use. Typical uses are product labeling decals and bar code labels.
