PHOTO: SABIC’s multi-layer and polymer blend technology for flexible packaging may enable manufacturers to reduce transport losses, optimize protection of goods, maximize pallet stability by increasing holding force of collation shrink and stretch films used to protect food packaging, making them stronger. They may help reduce the environmental impact of packaging by enabling down gauging whilst improving the holding force. Manufacturers may achieve down-gauging options that reduce thicknesses by up to 20% compared to current film concepts

TODAY, an estimated one-third of food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted, equivalent to 1.3 billion tons of food every year, according to the Save Food report by the Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Even in the most developed supply chain systems such as those in Europe, 4% of transported goods are damaged in some shape or form due to low pallet stability. A growing consumer focus on convenience and sustainability will also drive continuous changes and innovation in packaging.

The new SABIC PP Flowpact product families, especially the very high MFI grades, are formulated to help customers for thin-wall food packaging applications where a good balance of high stiffness and high flow is required:

• Enabling down gauging, thereby reducing packaging waste
• High flow and fast crystallization generates shorter cycle times, thus lowering production costs

SABIC LDPE film grade is a new product for manufacturing very thin-gauge packaging:

• Offers excellent draw-down ability, running stable at a film thickness as low as 12 μm, using less raw material and enabling higher production line speed
• Typically used in both mono and coex films and is available as a certified renewable grade
• Provides full compliance with stringent food-contact regulations for a broad range of applications with both fatty and non-fatty foods

Advanced 5-layer barrier film structures are another new product from SABIC for applications in meat packaging by using blown film technology. The use of high-purity SABIC LLDPE 218BE and LDPE resins was crucial to achieve improved draw ability and cleaner operations, with fewer deposits.

• Visit SABIC @ Hall 6, Stand D42

www.sabic.com