What is AIMPLAS?

AIMPLAS is a
Technology Centre
with more than 20
years of experience
helping companies in
the plastic sector
Staff

We are a team of
more than 100 highly
qualified professionals
Resources

Over 8.500 m2 facilities with state-of-the-art

equipments and instrumentation
Our greatest asset: your confidence

8.3M€ +1.500 +500

revenues customers associates

2013 DATA
Revenues by
activity

RGB
20/5/95
Market
oriented

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20/5/95
Global expertise across the whole plastics value chain

Production and/or
Production and/or
commercialization of Manufacturing / Valorisation
commercialization End-users
semi-manufactured
of plastic raw Transformation of plastic waste
raw materials
materials
“COMPOUNDING”
We work with industry leaders…
And also with SMEs committed to R&D and quality
Materials for Flexible Packaging

Vicent Martinez Sanz

Dpto. EXTRUSION
[email protected]

Conecte con @aimplas

Materials for flexible packaging

Content

o Multilayer films and packaging requirements

Main film properties for flexible packaging

Basic multilayer film structure
Advantages of thermoplastic films
Flexible packaging and sustainability RGB
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o Multilayer film technologies

Thermoplastic coextrusion
Extrusion coating
Lamination with adhesives
Benefits and drawbacks of adhesive lamination
Materials for flexible packaging
o Thermoplastic films: Main families and properties

Mechanical strength
Barrier properties
Thermal resistance
COF: Slip agent additives
Surface Energy : Features for corona treatment

HDPE, LDPE , LLDPE RGB

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CPP, BOPP, Metallized and special coatings
OPET
OPA

Biopolymers

Usual applications for multilayer films

Quick tests for film material identification

Multilayer film

Film combining 2 o more single films

BOPP film
RGB
Ink
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Adhesive

Met BOPP film

Multilayer microscope enlarged view coextruded film

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Multilayer microscope enlarged view laminated film

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Human hair
thickness
Why combining different materials in the
same structure?

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Why combining different materials in the
same structure?

In most applications one single material do not offer the

whole range of properties required for product packaging

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Why combining different materials in the
same structure?

In most applications one single material do not offer the

whole range of properties required for product packaging

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The combination of different materials, providing different
functionalities, allows for a optimal structure to meet
packaging requirements
Packaging requirements

o Mechanical strength

o Seal-ability

o Hygiene & Safety

o Barrier properties O2 RGB

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o Transparency / Opacity

o Thermal resistance CO2

flavor
o Printability
MAP
 Main properties of films in flexible packaging

Material Thermal Barrier

sealability Oxygen Moisture Light
Paper & Cardboard --- --- --- XX
Al foil --- XXX XXX
RGB
XXX
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LDPE XX -- XX -
BOPP X - XX -
Met BOPP - X XX XX
EVA XXX - - -
EVOH - XXX --- -
PVDC XX XX XX -
Multilayer film structure

Structural layer: BOPP, OPET, OPA

Inks
Adhesive RGB
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Barrier layer: Foil Al, EVOH, PVDC, PA

Adhesive

Seal layer: LDPE, CPP, EVA, Ionomers

Benefits of plastic materials for packaging

o Good mechanical strength / low weight balance

o Good barrier properties

o Thermal seal-ability

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o Reciclability 21/160/0

o Low cost

o Printability

o Easy processing by several techniques

allowing free design and shapes
Packaging trends

Plastic packages are gaining share vs. traditional materials

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Packaging trends

Flexible packaging overcomes rigid packages

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Flexible packaging features

o Thin gauge films with improved mechanical strength

o Optimal barrier properties thanks to multilayer

structures and special coatings

o High speed production in Form/Fill/Seal lines RGB

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o Lower environmental impact due to weight reduction

and transport cost savings
Drawbacks: Difficult to recycling

o Low gauge films, low bulk density, combination of different materials

(plastic, paper, metal….)

o Need for layer separation using solvents or other techniques to allow

material recycling
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o Need for compatibilizers when reprocessing plastics with different
melting points

o Usually this type of waste is diverted to:

Energy recovery: plastic incineration

Mechanical recycling: low value products (bin bags,

pipes, pots, etc.)
Technologies for multilayer films

o Thermoplastic coextrusion:
Blown film coextrusion
Cast film coextrusion

o Extrusion-coating

o Adhesive lamination
Thermoplastic coextrusion
Simultaneous extrusion of different polymeric materials through a
common die
Blown film coextrusion
Cast film coextrusion
Thermoplastic film coextrusion

Process for multilayer films (up to 11 layers) combining different

thermoplastic polymers
Thermoplastic film coextrusion

Process for multilayer films (up to 11 layers) combining different

thermoplastic polymers

Thermoplastic tie layer adhesives are needed to join non-compatible polymers

Thermoplastic film coextrusion

Recycled material can be sandwiched between functional barrier layers

Thermoplastic film coextrusion

Recycled material can be sandwiched between functional barrier layers

Functional additives are only added in the functional layer

Thermoplastic film coextrusion

Processing polymers with different rheological properties lead to interlayer

instabilities and optical deffects
Thermoplastic film coextrusion

Complex technology, high investments, expensive maintenance

equipment………but gaining share in the extrusion industry

Mainly in multilayer sheet for thermoforming semi-rigid trays requiring

barrier properties and glossy appeal
Extrusion-coating

Thermoplastic coating onto web substrate

Extrusion-coating

Widely used process for kraft paper coated with

LDPE to improve packaging performance:

o Moisture barrier proof

o Thermal sealability
o Improved puncture and tear strength
Extrusion-lamination
Lamination with adhesives
Process for joining films of different materials (plastic, aluminium foil, textile,
cardboard, etc.)
Lamination with adhesives

Dry lamination

Wet lamination
Benefits lamination with adhesives

BOPP film

Ink

Adhesive

Met BOPP film

o Reverse printing ink and adhesive layer are sandwiched between films to
avoid direct contact with product to meet legislation requirements
Benefits lamination with adhesives

o Lower energy costs (mainly solvent-less) compared to other coating or

coextrusion processes

o High speeds (up to 600 m/min)

o Wide range of bioriented films, metallized, specialty coatings for high

demanding applications

o Precise control of film thickness

o Lower equipment investment costs

o Process efficiency and flexibility to adapt for short runs

Drawbacks lamination with adhesives

o Need for optimising adhesive coating weight

o Adhesive curing time lasts for 7 days

o COVs generation for solvent based adhesives

o Migration risks for PAAs generated from aromatic isocyanates

Primary aromatic amides (PAAs) can be originated from
degradation of aromatic isocyanates (TDI, MDI) included in
formulation of PUR adhesives and some printing inks

PAAs are considered carcinogenic substances at very low

amounts
Free monomer migration

Foil Al Sealing PE layer Food

PAA

TDI
Free
monomer

Adhesive
not yet cured
Free monomer migration

Foil Al Sealing PE layer Food

Free monomer migraton to food

PAA
Free monomer
reacts leading to
Water migration PAAs

TDI
PAAs migration to food monómero
libre

Adhesive
not yet cured
European Regulation 10/2011 estates in annex II that
plastic materials for food contact applications shall not
release PAAs in quantities exceeding the specific migration
limit 0,1 mg per kg of food or simulant
Migration essays by specific HPLC
chromatographic analysis allows PAAs detection
within specific migration limits to assure laminate
safeness
If the adhesive curing process is fully completed, the
laminated is safe with no risk for free monomer
migration to the food

So that the importance of defining curing conditions

(temperature, moisture and time) of adhesive
system in order to assure lack of non-reacted
components
Curing rooms

o Temperature 40-50 ºC
o RH 50%
o Effective air circulation

Curing time for reels can be

reduced to 3 days
Adhesive bond strength

Strip 15 mm width
Separation speed 100 mm/min
Adhesive bond strength

Good bond strength leads to film break

Materials in flexible packaging: Non plastic

o Paper and Cardboard

o Textiles woven / non woven

o Aluminium foil

High barrier properties

Excellent for retort packaging

Recommended thickness> 12 µm to avoid pin-hole

Type A Quality best wettability free of rolling oils

Need special ink and adhesives series for printing and laminating
Aluminium Foil Rolling Process
Aluminium foil wettability
Aluminium Foil Quality

45º

OK No OK
Materials in flexible packaging: General properties
Plastic films general properties

Thickness

Higher thickness films offer better mechanical strength and barrier properties
(WVTR and OTR), but also affects transparency and haze

Coextruded films biaxially oriented offer thin gauge films with improved
mechanical strength and high yielding (m2 /kg)
Thermoplastic films properties

MATERIAL THICKNESS DENSITY YIELD

(µm) (g/cm3) (m 2/kg film 25 µm)
Cellophane 10 – 30 1.45 27.1

HDPE 350-1000 0.95 41.5

LDPE 25-200 0.92 42.7

BOPP 20-40 0.90 43.5

BOPET 12-30 1.39 28.3

BOPA 12-30 1.16 33.9

Mechanical strength

Depends on polymer type and heavily influenced by the extrusion

process and the polymer chain orientation

o Blown film extrusion (HDPE y LDPE) offer good balance in both MD

and CD

o Cast film and biaxial orientation (BOPP, OPET, OPA) increase

mechanical strength up to 300%
 Mechanical properties

Property Unit HDPE LDPE BOPP BOPET BOPA

Tensile MD N/mm2 35 32 140 230 250
Strength
TD N/mm2 48 28 280 260 280

E-Modulus MD N/mm2 862 303 2000 4400 3500

TD N/mm2 897 338 3500 5200 3800

Elongation MD % 450 470 220 110 110

TD % 500 550 70 90 100
Tear MD gm 150 230 35 35 75
propagation
TD gm 150 310
 Tensile
Tensile strength stress

Higher Young´s Modulus means lower

elongation under tensile stress so that
the material show poor elastic behabiour

Young´s Modulus
(kg/cm2 ) Rubber
PVC(plastified) 350-560
Strain
LDPE 1.000 - 1.800

LLDPE 2.000 - 2.800

HDPE 5.600 - 9.100

BOPP 7.700 - 24.000

BOPET 14.000 - 39.000

BOPA 14.000 - 15.500

Foil Aluminum 704.000

Mechanical properties
Mechanical properties can be heavily affected by little changes in
temperature

This fact is critical when working with thin gauge films and high
temperatures in drying tunnel to avoid elongation and other dimensional
defects
Web tension
Depends on each material Young´s Modulus, and film thickness and width
 Web tension
Factor web tension
(N/cm/mm)
PE 7 - 21
CPP 14 - 35
BOPP 21 - 70
PET 35 – 105
PA 7 – 21
Foil Aluminum 35 - 105
Cellophane 35 - 70

Example: Film PET de 40 microns y 80 cm width

35 N/cm/mm x 80 cm x 0,04 mm = 112 N

As a rule of thumb, keep minimum tension to spread film assuring roll traction and
in order to avoid wrinkles, elongation and other defects
Checking web tension

Machine Direction

If after crosscut film peaks lift MD, mean too much tension
Checking web tension

Machine Direction

If after crosscut film peaks lift CD, mean too much temperature on nip
Causes of film wrinkles

o Excessive web tension

Causes of film wrinkles

o Excessive temperature in nip

calender or drying tunnel

o Dimensional changes due to

moisture or solvent absorption
Causes of film wrinkles

Check rollers alignment

Causes of film wrinkles

Balanced NIP pressure

Causes of film wrinkles

Check uniform film gauge and avoid slack edge

Defects in laminating: Curling

Causes:
o Different film tension

Tips:
o Check proper film tension
o Rewind PE film as outer layer in the reel
Thermal resistance

Ability to withstand boiling, sterilization or retort treatments

MATERIAL HDPE LDPE PP PET PA

Maximum service 100 66 116 204 177

temperature (ºC)
Thermal resistance

Also affects dimensional stability and thermal seal-ability

Lab heat sealing tester

 Barrier properties

Property Unit RCF HDPE LDPE Cast PP BOPP BOPET BOPA

OTR cm3 /m2 day 670 1800 7000 3700 2250 45 35

MVTR g / m2 day 1 5 15 11 7 28 300

@ 90% HR

Fats resistance +++ + - + +++ +++ +++

Comparison films 25 microns

Barrier properties
Barrier properties essays

Coloumetric
detector

As the oxygen gas permeates

through the test film into the
carrier gas, it is transported to
the coulometric detector where it
creates an electric current with a
magnitude that is proportional ASTM F1249-06 Standard Test Method for Water Vapor
to the number of oxygen atoms Transmission Rate Through Plastic Film and Sheeting Using a
flowing into the detector Modulated Infrared Sensor
ASTM D3985-05 Standard Test Method for Oxygen Gas
Transmission Rate Through Plastic Film and Sheeting Using a
Coulometric Sensor
Additives
Plastic materials contain a wide range of several additives for improving specific
performance:
o Antioxidants
o Light stabilizers, UV absorbers
o Plasticizers
o Impact modifiers
o Nucleating agents, clarifiers to enhance optical properties
o Antistatic agents to minimise build-up of static electricity
o Anti-block particles to create surface micro-roughness to prevent film layers to
stick together
o Slip agents to reduce the surface COF avoiding film adheres to rolls metal
surface
Coefficient of Friction
Ability to sliding of two surfaces in contact with each other

COF > 0.50 Resistance to slip surfaces

COF < 0.20 High slip films that can be prone to roll
telescoping
COF test

Static COF consider just starting motion

Calculated by finding the initial peak force required to move the sled and
dividing the value by the weight of the sled

Dynamic COF consider regular motion

Calculated by finding the average load during the test and dividing this by
the weight of the sled
UNE-EN ISO 8295: Plásticos. Películas y láminas. Determinación de los coeficientes de fricción
ASTM D1894: Standard test method for static and kinetic coefficients of friction of plastic film and
sheeting
Slip agents
Based on fatty acids amides (erucamide)
that migrate to film surface forming
a low friction layer

Low molecular weight primary amides bloom rapidly to film surface leading to:

o Haze and poor aesthetics

o Masking Corona treatment reducing surface energy
o Causing delamination
o Poor seal strength
o Build up wax layer on equipment surfaces
Thermal sealing defects

Isocyanate free
monomer migrates to
outer layer and reacts
with erucamide leading
to polyurea (TM =250ºC)

Adhesive
not fully cured
COF changes in laminates

PET film Adhesive PE film

Erucamide tends to migrate towards adhesive side (or even closer

films such as PET or PA) due to attraction to polar groups
Surface energy
Thermoplastic films are non-porous inert substrates with poor wettability
properties for inks, adhesives or other coatings.

Surface treatments are needed in order to raise surface energy at a minimum

dyne level
Surface Energy levels for converting
Printing solvent based inks 38-42 Dyne/cm
Printing waterborne inks 44-48 Dyne/cm
Lamination adhesives 38-44 Dyne/cm
Plastics Surface Energy
PP 29-31 Dyne/cm
PE 30-31 Dyne/cm
PS 38 Dyne/cm
ABS 35-42 Dyne/cm
PA <36 Dyne/cm
PMMA <36 Dyne/cm
PET 41-44 Dyne/cm
PVC 39 Dyne/cm
PC 46 Dyne/cm
Treatments to increase Surface Energy

o Primers or adhesion promoters

o Flame oxidation treatment
o Corona treatment
o Atmospheric plasma
o Primers or adhesion promoters
o Flame oxidation treatment
o Corona treatment

High voltage discharge in the air-gap between electrode

and dielectric cylinder ionize air particles into high energy
species (ozone generation) that collide onto film surface
breaking molecular bonds and forming high polarity
functional groups for ink anchoring

Plain PE PE surface after Corona treatment

o Corona treatment

Films must be Corona treated immediately after extrusion process (pre-treated films)

Polyolefins (specially PP) require high power treaters in order to assurer enough dine level

Corona treatment is non permanent, so that dyne level decay over the time can be noticed
due to:
o Additives (slip agents) migrate to film surface masking Corona treatment
o High levels of humidity in the environment
o Contamination from dust, debris, oils, etc.

In-line refresh Corona treatment is needed right before the printing or lamination process
in order to reach minimum dyne level
o Corona treatment
Surface Energy measurement methods

Contact angle measurement

Test inks or pens
Corona treater
Adjust power supply to watt density according to each film properties

Power supply
Watt density (W min / m2) =
Line speed x Film width
Corona treater

Check air-gap distance (1.5-2.0 mm) across electrode and cylinder

Corona treater

Avoid moisture or dust into corona chamber that could lead to

high voltaje arcing
Corona treater
Keep electrode and roll cleanliness
Corona treater

Check web tension and wrapping angle to avoid back side treatment
Anti-seal effect due to back side treatment

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o Atmospheric plasma

A precise flow of high energy ionized gas

clean, etch and functionalize substrate surface

More intense and lasting treatment than Corona

 o Atmospheric plasma Plasma

dyn/cm Corona

Treatment lasting up to 18 month

meses

Higher surface energy levels up to 60 dyn/cm

No risks back-side treatment or pin-holes

Suitable treatment for waterborne coatings onto BOPP films

Optic defects: Blisters do to non-homogeneous adhesive application
Defects in laminates: Blisters

Causes:
o Low surface energy in carrier web leads to bad wettability
o Slip additives migration mask corona treatment

Tips:
o Check adhesive application onto web treated side
o Refresh corona treatment prior to application
Materials in flexible packaging: Main families
Polyethylene
HDPE
• Long linear polymer chains lead to high crystalline structure
• Good mechanical strength and stiffness
• Higher melting temperatures
• Higher moisture barrier properties
LDPE
• Branched chain structure leading low crystallinity
• Good transparent films, with enhanced flexibility and stretchability
• Good moisture barrier
• Poor O2 and gases barrier
• Excellent heat seal-ability due to low melting point
LLDPE
• Copolymer ethylene with copolymer (butene, hexene, octene) using
stereo-specific Ziegler-Natta catalysts

• Higher tensile and tear strength with lower gauge films

• Melting temperature between 10—15ºC higher than LDPE

• More difficult to extrude so that it is usually blended 70/30 with LDPE

Metallocene mPE
• Copolymer ethylene-hexene using stereo-specific metallocene catalysts
• Narrow molecular weight distribution (MWD)
• Excellent puncture strength and toughness at low temperatures
• Good transparency
• Lower melting temperatures and hot tacking for
better heat sealing performance
• Films for laminates in sacks, stand-up pouches, etc.
 Polypropylene (PP)

Semi-crystalline polymer with better mechanical strength, lower density

and higher temperature resistance than PE

Widely used in snacks, confectionery, pet food, etc.

 Cast PP (CPP)

Better thermal resistance than PE

Heat seal layer in boiling or retort packaging
Good impact strength
BOPP
Biaxial orientation provides enhanced mechanical strength
(stretching polymer chains in both machine and cross direction) and
higher barrier properties
BOPP
BOPP coextruded
In order to enhance performance in flow pack packaging lines a three layer
coextruded structure is obtained using low heat sealing PP copolymer resin
grades in the outer layers

Treated layer
PP homopolymer
Heat sealing layer
BOPP metallized
In order to improve barrier properties and light opacity an aluminium
coating layer is applied using a continuous metallizing process in a
deposition vacuum chamber

Aluminium layer
Carrier layer
PP homopolymer
Heat sealing layer
BOPP metallized
BOPP metallized
Optical Density test

OD Thickness
(nm)
0.5 6
1.0 12
1.5 19
2.0 28
2.5 38 ASTM D1003 – 13 Standard Test Method for Haze and Luminous
Transmittance of Transparent Plastics
Laminates metallized films: metal transfer

BOPP Met

BOPP Print
CARRIER

Delamination due to metallized layer transfer

Laminates metallized films: metal transfer

High Optic Density metallized films offer

homogeneous layer for a continuous adhesive coating
BOPP coatings

o UHB AlOx clear coating

Non toxic coating
Suitable for microwave and retort applications

Vacuum deposition process

with oxygen injection
BOPP coatings

o UHB AlOx clear coating

Plasma assisted
process

Non porous coating with improved optical transparency and

higher barrier properties
BOPP coatings

o UHB SiOx clear coating

Vacuum deposition coating

by plasma or Electron Beam

Transparent films with excellent oxygen barrier (similar to Al Foil and up to

250 times lower permeation than BOPP)
But leads to yellowish, flex-cracking issues and difficult printing
BOPP coatings

o Acrylic or chemical treated

Excellent gloss and optical properties

High surface energy to enhance printability
Film with COF more regular and durable
Lower heat sealing temperatures
Enhanced performance in high speed flow-pack packaging lines
Do not refresh using Corona treatment
How to identify acrylic coated side?

Tape peel test

Tape Tesa 51108 or 3M Scoth 610

Marker Staedtler Lumcolor Nº350

ASTM F2252-03, Standard Practice for Evaluating Ink or Coating Adhesion to Flexible Packaging Materials Using Tape
BOPP coatings

o Saran (PVdC)
High barrier properties to oxygen and water moisture permeation
Good heat seal-ability
BOPP coatings

o Saran (PVdC)
High barrier properties to oxygen and water moisture permeation
Good heat seal-ability

o PVOH
High oxygen barrier (in dry conditions)
Chlorine free
Difficult to heat sealing
Excellent printability
Lower solvent retention
BOPP white & pearl cavitated films

Spherical microparticles lead to microvoids during biaxial orientation process

Films with lower density (down to 0,3 g/cm3) and higher stiffness
Good opacity and improved printability
Soft touch (like plastic paper)
OPET
Good mechanical strength at temperatures above 150ºC
Excellent glossy and transparency
Good chemical resistance and excellent dimensional stability
Excellent printability
Good barrier properties (oxygen and moisture) due to high crystallinity
Also available in films metalized and special coatings

Widely used in retort packaging, dual oven, lids, etc.

OPA
Excellent toughness, drawability and resistance to puncture and stress
cracking
Excellent glossy and transparency
Good chemical resistance to fats
Excellent thermal resistance at high temperatures
Good oxygen and flavours barrier
Very sensitive to water moisture causing poor dimensional stability

Used in vacuum skin-layer packaging,

meat, cheese, coffee, boil & roast-in bags
OPA

PA 6 Excellent flex cracking resistance

Better impact resistance
Better resistance to fats and solvents

PA 66 Lower water sorption

Better resistance to high temperatures

MX D6 Higher oxygen and aroma barrier even in high moisture

environment
High temperatures resistance
Bioplastics
A wide family of materials featuring added value properties

Biobased non-biodegradable plastics

green-PE from ethanol using sugar can as raw material
PA from castor oil

Biobased and biodegradable plastics

PHAs synthesized by microorganisms
+
PLA from corn

Oil based plastics that are biodegradable

PBAT , PCL +
Biodegradable plastics (bio-based or oil-based) with the help of
micro-organisms degrade into natural elements water, CO2 and minerals

In addition, biodegradable plastics have to be able to degrade within a shorter

timeframe under controlled moisture and temperature conditions transforming into
compost to meet specific standards requirements for compostable plastics
Testing for certification according to standard EN 13432
encompasses:

• Chemical test: Threshold values for heavy metals

• Biodegradability in controlled composting conditions: Proof must be made that at
least 90% of the organic material is converted into CO2 within 6 months.
• Disintegration: After 3 months composting and subsequent sifting through a 2 mm
sieve no more than 10% residue may remain
• Practical test of compostability in a semi-industrial (or industrial) composting
facility: No negative influence on the composting process is permitted
• Ecotoxicity test: Examination of the effect of resultant compost on plant growth
(agronomic test)
Starch based films TPS

Starch blends from corn, potato, etc. are chemically modified to extrude films

 Good mechanical properties

 Good printability
 Good oxygen barrier
 Soft touch
 Antistatic
 Low COF
Starch based films TPS

Starch blends from corn, potato, etc. are chemically modified to extrude films

 Good mechanical properties  Low thermal resistance

 Good printability  Very sensitive to water moisture
 Good oxygen barrier  Opaque and matt appearance
 Soft touch
 Antistatic
 Low COF
Starch based films TPS

Starch blends from corn, potato, etc. are chemically modified to extrude films

 Good mechanical properties  Low thermal resistance

 Good printability  Very sensitive to water moisture
 Good oxygen barrier  Opaque and matt appearance
 Soft touch
 Antistatic
 Low COF

Main applications include bags for shopping

or organic waste collection
Poly Lactide Acid PLA

Polymerized material after corn starch biofermentation process

 Oriented BOPLA enhance mechanical strength

 Good oxygen and aroma barrier
 Good printability
 Excellent transparency and gloss
 Sealable at low temperatures
 Good twisting and deadfold behaviour
 Good resistance to oils
Poly Lactide Acid PLA

Polymerized material after corn starch biofermentation process

 Oriented BOPLA enhance mechanical strength  Poor thermal resistance

 Good oxygen and aroma barrier  Poor moisture barrier
 Good printability  Very low elongation
 Excellent transparency and gloss  Stiff and glassy
 Sealable at low temperatures
 Good twisting and deadfold behaviour
 Good resistance to oils
Poly Lactide Acid PLA

Polymerized material after corn starch biofermentation process

 Oriented BOPLA enhance mechanical strength  Poor thermal resistance

 Good oxygen and aroma barrier  Poor moisture barrier
 Good printability  Very low elongation
 Excellent transparency and gloss  Stiff and glassy
 Sealable at low temperatures
 Good twisting and deadfold behaviour
 Good resistance to oils

Used in food flexible packaging

Copolyester blends PLA + PBAT

Thermoplastic compounds for film extrusion (trade names Ecovio, Bio-Flex)

 More flexible films with elongation similar to LDPE

 Higher tear strength
 Good printability
 Sealable at low temperatures
 Pleasant soft touch
Copolyester blends PLA + PBAT

Thermoplastic compounds for film extrusion (trade names Ecovio, Bio-Flex)

 More flexible films with elongation similar to LDPE

 Higher tear strength
 Good printability
 Sealable at low temperatures
 Pleasant soft touch

Used in laminated films,

mulch agricultural film,
bags for shopping
or organic waste collection
 Multilayer films applications
Aseptic packaging, Puddings, soaps, PET/Al Foil/LDPE
PET/Al Foil/PPCast
Retort sauces PE/Al Foil/PE/Papel/PE

Bag in Box Wine, juices… Met PET / EVA o LDPE

Met PA / EVA o LDPE
LLDPE/TL/EVOH/TL/LLDPE

Dry food Cereals HDPE/HDPE/EVA

HDPE/TL/PA/Ionomer

Snacks Chips, nuts… BOPP/LDPE

PET/LDPE
MetRGB
BOPP / BOPP
Met PET/LDPE
21/160/0

Coffee Coffee PET/MetPET/LLDPE

PET/Al Foil/LDPE
Met BOPP/PE/TL/EVOH/TL/PE/LDPE
PA PVdC coating / LLDPE

Cheese Cheese PET / PA / PE

Frozen meals Fish, vegetables EVA/LLDPE/EVA

LLDPE/HDPE/LLDPE

MAP Fruits, vegetables Cast Homo PP/ Random PP

LLDPE/mLLDPE/LLDPE
PE Pr / PE
Multilayer films applications

Retort, Boiling, Hot Fill

RGB
21/160/0
PET Pr/ Al Foil / CPP

PET Pr / Al Foil / OPA / CPP

PET Pr / CPP

PET Pr / Al Foil / LDPE

PET Pr / PET Met / LDPE

PET Pr / OPA / LDPE

Multilayer films applications

Microwave

RGB
21/160/0

PET AlOx / OPA / CPP

Multilayer films applications

Aseptic bags and sackets

RGB
21/160/0

LDPE / Paper Pr / Al Foil / LDPE

PET Pr / Al Foil / LDPE

Multilayer films applications

Wet towells, cosmetics

RGB
21/160/0

PET Pr / LDPE

PET Pr / PET Met / LDPE

PET Pr / BOPA / PET Met / LDPE

PET Pr / Al Foil / LDPE

Multilayer films applications

Bag in Box

RGB
21/160/0

Met PET / EVA o LDPE

Met PA / EVA o LDPE

PET Pr / BOPA / PET Met / LDPE

LDPE /TL / EVOH / TL / LDPE

PA / EVOH / PA / TL / LDPE
Multilayer films applications

Dry food, cereals

RGB
21/160/0

HDPE / HDPE / LDPE

HDPE / HDPE / EVA

HDPE / TL / EVOH / TL / EVA

HDPE / PA / TL / EVA

HDPE / TL / PA / Ionomer

HDPE / TL / EVOH / Ionomer

Multilayer films applications

Pasta, rice

RGB
21/160/0

BOPP Pr / CPP
Multilayer films applications

Pet food

RGB
21/160/0

PET Pr / LDPE

PET Pr / PET Met / CPP

Multilayer films applications

Snacks, confectionery

RGB
21/160/0

BOPP Pr / LDPE
PET Pr / LDPE
BOPP Pr / BOPP Met
BOPP Pr / CPP
BOPP Pr /Met PET / CPP
Multilayer films applications

Coffee

RGB
21/160/0

PET Pr / Met PET o Al Foil / LDPE

BOPA Pr / Met PET / LDPE

BOPP Pr / Met PET / LDPE

Multilayer films applications

Cheese

RGB
21/160/0

OPA / LDPE

PET Pr/ OPA / LDPE

PET PVDC Pr / LDPE or CPP

PA / EVOH / PA / TL / PE
Multilayer films applications

Meat

RGB
21/160/0

PET Pr/ OPA / LDPE

PA / Ionomer
PA / TL / EVOH / TL /LDPE
PE / TL / PA / EVOH / PA / TL / PE
Multilayer films applications

Frozen food

RGB
21/160/0

EVA/LDPE/EVA
MHDPE/HDPE/LDPE o EVA

PET Pr / LDPE o EVA

Multilayer films applications

Salad bag and lids

RGB
21/160/0

BOPP Pr / BOPP

BOPP Pr / CPP

PET Pr / LDPE

PET Pr / PET Pelable anti-fog

Multilayer films applications

Lids iogurt, jelly

RGB
21/160/0

PET Pr / Al Foil HS lacquer

PET Pr / PET Met HS lacquer

Pr Papel / PET Met HS lacquer

How to identify the different plastic film materials?
METHOD 1:
Infrared spectroscopy analysis FTIR
METHOD 2:
Using a surface energy pen test,
METHOD 2:
Using a surface energy pen test,

a lighter,
METHOD 2:
Using a surface energy pen test,

a lighter,

…… and a skilled nose

Film unknown???
 Film unknown ???

Yes No
Stretchable?
PE? CPP? CPA? PET? BOPP? BOPA?
 Film unknown???

Yes No
Stretchable?
PE? CPP? CPA? PET? BOPP? BOPA?

Smells
like
burned
hair
CPA
 Film unknown ???

Yes No
Stretchable?
PE? CPP? CPA? PET? BOPP? BOPA?

Smells Smells like

like wax
burned Burns
hair slower
CPA CPP
 Film unknown ???

Yes No
Stretchable?
PE? CPP? CPA? PET? BOPP? BOPA?

Smells Smells like Smells

like wax like wax
burned Burns Burns
hair slower faster
Drips
CPA CPP
PE
 Film unknown???

Yes No
Stretchable?
PE? CPP? CPA? PET? BOPP? BOPA?

Side
Not
Treated
Smells Smells like Smells <38
like wax like wax
burned Burns Burns
hair slower faster
drips
CPA CPP
PE BOPP
 Film unknown???

Yes No
Stretchable?
PE? CPP? CPA? PET? BOPP? BOPA?

Side
Not
treated
>38
Side
Not
Treated
Smells Smells like Smells <38
like wax like wax
burned Burns Burns
hair slower faster
drips
CPA CPP
PE BOPP
 Film unknown???

Yes No
Stretchable?
PE? CPP? CPA? PET? BOPP? BOPA?

Side
Not
treated
>38
Side
Not
treated
Smells Smells like Smells Smells <38
like wax like wax like
burned Burns Burns burned
hair slower faster
drips hair
CPA CPP
PE BOPA BOPP
 Film unknown???

Yes No
Stretchable?
PE? CPP? CPA? PET? BOPP? BOPA?

Side
Not
treated
>38
Side
Not
treated
Krispy
Smells Smells like Smells Smells Burns
<38
like wax like wax like
burned Burns Burns brightly
burned
hair slower faster Sweet smell
drips hair
CPA CPP
PE BOPA PET BOPP
Thank you

Contacte with us:

www.aimplas.es
[email protected]
Tel. 96 136 60 40

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Twitter: @aimplas