Films | Flexibles | Bags
Films | Flexibles | Bags New film bags for fresh food and electronics Measuring only eight microns (µm) thick, Natural Shield transparent film bags are currently the thinnest bags made out of Ingeo PLA. Fully 70 % of the Natural Shield film consists of Ingeo. Because Natural Shield bags are so thin, water vapor and gas transmission are high and many fresh foods are better preserved with these properties. Furthermore, aroma transmission is low, preventing odors from being released, and while the film has good stiffness it is still quiet when handled. Natural Shields high transparency showcases the bag contents, and the bags reclose naturally thanks to the film’s unique twist effect. A high strength film as compared to petroleum-based alternatives, Natural Shield is USDA certified biobased (69 %, ASTM D 6866) and DIN CERTO certified compostable (EN 13432 / ASTM D 6400). Natural Shield film shrinks at energy saving low temperatures, making it an ideal choice for shrink-film applications. The film has a controllable shrink ratio for improved processing during shrink applications. The film does not contain BPA (bisphenol A), is food contact compliant, and offers superior printability. In addition to fresh food packaging, the film’s anti-static properties make it ideal for packaging electronic parts and components. Natural Shield key specifications include: Thickness (μm) 6-30 Thickness deviation (%) ≤±15 Width (mm) 200~600 Width deviation (mm) ≤±20 Tensile strength (MPa) Elongation at break (%) MD≥75 TD≥85 MD50-150 TD50-120 Initial shrink temperature °C 55-65 Shrink ratio (%) (70 °C) Light transmittance (%) Haze (%) MD20-65 TD20-65 ≥85 ≤4 O 2 permeability (kg·m/m 2 sPa) ~3×10 -18 H 2 O vapor permeability (kg·m/m 2 sPa) ~8×10 -15 Remarks: MD = machine direction, TD = transverse direction Shanghai Natural Shield New Material Technology Co. Ltd. developed the Ingeo based film. Formed by professors, students, and partners, this startup company relies on the outstanding engineering and technical knowledge of East China University of Science and Technology as well as the extensive business experience of its partners. Based on innovation and developing strategy, the company promotes novel environmentally friendly and sustainable polylactide-based films under the Natural Shield brand. MT www.natureshieldchina.com 10 bioplastics MAGAZINE [06/14] Vol. 9
Films | Flexibles | Bags Dutch Railways and Rwanda choose biodegradable packaging The Bioplastic Factory sees a growing demand for bioplastics at large companies. The 500.000 bags of train-shaped liquorice candy which the Dutch Railways (NS) is handing out these days to celebrate the 175-years of existence of the railway are made of a biodegradable laminate of corn based PLA and cellulose based film (Natureflex from Innovia). So are the bags of crisps, which the residents of Rwanda will snack on soon. Many more large companies and organizations in the Netherlands choose for biodegradable packaging, notes The Bioplastic Factory (Oud-Beijerland, The Netherlands). The company is a specialist in packaging, durables and disposables all made of bioplastics. These are made out of natural material such as corn, potato, sugarcane, bagasse, wood pulp and bamboo. All renewable raw materials are preferably from waste streams so the production is not affecting the food chain. The bioplastics are mostly certified compostable. Using renewable raw materials or argicultural waste streams, packaging and other plastics do not have to be made of crude oil anymore. Compostable plastics offer the additional benefit to the environment that there will be no pollution anymore with nondegradable plastics. The Bioplastic Factory has contact with foodproducing multinationals, large supermarket chains, garden centers, a producer of frozen chips and a large developing aid organization. ”We are talking with reputable companies and organizations. All are having interest in biodegradable plastics. We really see a growing demand and believe that this will provide huge opportunities.” says Bas van den Bogerd of The Bioplastic Factory. He and his colleagues Wouter Geldhof and Alfred Sandee started this company two years ago and with former CTO from DSM innovation centrum Dirk Sjoerdsma they have an experienced doctor in polymer chemistry at their side. The company will make packaging to order in consultation with the customer. From food-grade injection packaging made out of cornstarch to a thermoformed bagasse dish to a packaging foil made of wood pulp. Since the 20 th of September a half million bags of train liquorice are being handed out to celebrate the 175 years of existence of the railway. The company made these special biodegradable packaging together with their partner Bio4Pack. This way the NS will allow their travelers to enjoy their fun marketing campaign in an environmentally responsible way. For Rwanda, The Bioplastic Factory is in the progress of making biodegradable packaging for bags of crisps. “To my knowledge we are one of the first in Europe to develop a biodegradable crisp package, certainly the first in the Netherlands”, says Van den Bogerd. MT www.thebioplasticfactory.nl bioplastics MAGAZINE [06/14] Vol. 9 11
