Materials

Published: June 01, 2001, By PFFC Editorial Staff

Metallic Paper and Board Packaging Offers Qualities for Upscale Look
Metallized Products Inc.,, Winchester, MA; 781/729-8300; 888/MPI-8088
MicroBrite high-gloss, reflective papers and boards reportedly have a smooth finish and excellent layflat properties that can be printed, folded, scored, embossed, die-cut, and glued without cracking. Papers feature a highly reflective surface that can be printed with transparent inks for a metallic effect or with opaque inks; the combination of color and reflectivity is said to create an upscale look.

Rotary Screen Inks Suited for Combo Printing
Deco-Chem Inc., Mishawaka, IN; 219/259-3787
Co.'s latest line of rotary screen inks, Rotary Label Plus (RLP), is now being offered for combination printers. RLP Series inks are said to be excellent for package and product label marks. Product reportedly works well with other inks, including rotary screen and flexo inks. Inks are sold in a variety of colors as well as clears.

Water-Based Coating Is Resistant and Versatile
ADM Tronics Unlimited Inc., Northvale, NJ; 201/767-6040

Aqualene 4370 is a repulpable, water-based coating said to have excellent product resistance characteristics for a wide range of demanding paper packaging applications. Product produces a smooth, glossy, durable surface on paper and boards, while delivering good flexibility for scoring the folds, co. reports. Also said to provide excellent grease, oil, and water resistance properties, as well as lactic and acetic acid resistance.

Adhesive Saves Money and Time
National Starch & Chemical Co., Bridgewater, NJ; 800/797-4992
Cool-Lok is a low-temperature, hot melt adhesive said to reduce usage up to 50%. Cost savings also result from reduced downtime and labor associated with nozzle clogging and parts replacement. Product reportedly does not form char or produce harsh odors usually associated with volatiles and charred adhesive.

Two Low-Gel Resins Offer Benefits
AT Plastics, Brampton, Ont., Canada; 905/451-1630
Co. is introducing two grades of extrusion coating EVA resins to the flexible packaging and thermal laminating film markets. Ateva 2811 is a low-gel, high-clarity, low-seal-initiation-temperature 28% VA resin. It is said to provide excellent heat seals to temperature-sensitive inks or substrates. AT 81641 is a chemically enhanced, low-gel, 16% VA resin designed to improve the bond to primed plastic films when extrusion coated. Resin can increase adhesion to a wide variety of printed substrates during heat sealing, co. reports.

Adhesive Provides Foam Bonding
Adchem Corp., Riverhead, NY; 631/727-6000
The 7333-74 transfer, unsupported adhesive is said to offer excellent bonding characteristics to a broad spectrum of foam substrates, including challenging products such as ether, ester low perm urethane, and melamine foams. Co. reports additional features include excellent elevated temperature performance; easy-release, 74# liner that enhances die-cutting; high peel strength; high shear resistance; and a biostatic additive that inhibits microbial growth.

Films Offer High Moisture Barrier
Klöckner Pentaplast of America, Gordonsville, VA; 540/832-3600
Pentapharm COC coextruded films are said to offer cost-effective, high-moisture-barrier properties for pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and other blister packaging applications. Films have a low specific gravity resulting in higher thermoforming yields and material cost savings on a per package basis, co. says.

Cylinder Lubricant Helps Cut Debris
Max Daetwyler Corp., Huntersville, NC; 704/875-1200
Micro-Pel NF nonflammable engraving cylinder lubricant is said to be easy to apply. Dry coating on the cylinder reportedly eliminates debris from collecting and sticking to the engraving diamond stylus. Coating protects cylinder from score marks by allowing the shoe to glide smoothly along the cylinder surface. Sold in 5-gal packages.