Plastics News reporter Dan Hockensmith contributed the following items from Pack Expo 2008, held Nov. 9-13 in Chicago.
Klöckner displays packaging materials
Klöckner Pentaplast introduced a range of films, including several in its Pentamed rigid vinyl line for medical device applications. According to a Nov. 9 news release, the Pentamed line has been engineered to provide enhanced forming, denesting and sealing properties, and the heavy-gauge version has enhanced aesthetics.
Heiligenroth, Germany-based Klöckner also displayed its Pentapharm line of laminates, which has been expanded with Pentapharm ACLAR G04 films. The four-layer structures are engineered for sensitive drugs requiring ultrahigh moisture and oxygen barrier properties.
Also on display were Pentalabel roll sleeve label films for wraparound label applications and Pentastat washable APET films.
In its Pentaform film line for thermoforming applications, Klöckner introduced a new deep-draw vinyl film for hot/cold or impulse seal packaging, claiming a 6- 8 percent reduction in energy usage due to lower forming and sealing temperatures. The company also showed its Pentaform Smartcycle high density polyethylene. Made from recycled milk bottles, Smartcycle films are used for thermoformed inserts and trays.
Bemis division offers range of green films
The Clysar division of Oshkosh, Wis.-based Bemis Co. Inc. brought a range of specialty films it touted as eco-friendly to the trade show.
Clysar's EX Gold, a clear, heat-shrinkable, polyolefin-based film, is designed for machinability on most shrink-wrapping equipment, the firm said in a news release. The printable film offers low shrink force with minimal dog ears, chatter marks and crow's feet. Its clean-seal formula reduces the need for additional Teflon tapes.
LE Gold, another shrinkable film, is aimed at replacing PVC films in taut packaging for thin and delicate products such as air filters, stationery, greeting cards and magazines, the company said. Clysar said its proprietary technology allows LE Gold to achieve clarity and gloss with the highest available shrinkage at reduced temperatures.
Clysar marketing manager Vicki Larson said Clysar's new PLAnet shrink film, made from 100 percent corn, had gathered much interest on the show floor. Clysar promotes the PLA-based film, which has properties similar to LE Gold, to customers seeking to boost their environmental image.
``This allows them increase efficiencies and at the same time, PLAnet requires less water usage, it reduces oil consumption by half and it can be composted,'' she said.