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August 5, 2023
First Ever Recyclable Graphene Enhanced Stretch Film Will Come to Markets Soon
First Ever Recyclable Graphene Enhanced Stretch Film Will Come to Markets Soon
Film manufacturer Packseven will soon release the world's first ever recyclable graphene enhanced stretch film. The new film will incorporate Gerdau Graphene's Poly-G masterbatch. Graphene enhanced films offer several advantages over conventional films including enhanced durability, puncture resistance, and a reduction in virgin plastic use. Films optimized with Poly-G graphene masterbatch also feature optimized barrier properties that protect against oxidation, ultra violet light, and weather, while also providing excellent thermal and electrical conductivity. Packseven's new graphene enhanced stretch films showed noteworthy results, being able to pack 120% more material without tearing. The enhanced film can increase safety during packing and loading and it can also allow manufacturers to decrease film thickness without compromising functionality; this would in turn help them save money. all of this is thanks to graphene, an ultrathin material consisting of an atomic monolayer of carbon atoms organized hexagonally in a structure closely resembling a honeycomb. When added to plastics, graphene strengthens the polymer matrix and significantly enhances its physical and mechanical properties. Learn more here.
August 15, 2023
Thermoplastic Starch Boosts Compostability of PLA Flexible Films
Thermoplastic Starch Boosts Compostability of PLA Flexible Films
A team of researchers led by Rafael Auras from Michigan State university’s school of packaging recently developed a bio-based polymer blend that boosts the compostability of plastic packaging. The discovery is a promising sustainable solution to advance biodegradable petroleum-based plastics. The researchers chose polylactic acid (PLA) to develop their solution. PLA is derived from plant sugars and has been used in packaging for over 10 years. PLA is compostable in industrial composters which are more effective at breaking down bioplastics than home composters. However, even industrial composters don’t degrade PLA completely or quickly. The researchers mentioned that it can take at least 20 days for microbes to start digesting PLA under industrial composting conditions. To tackle this issue Auras and colleges combined PLA with a thermoplastic starch. Adding the starch enables the composting microbes to more easily digest the material while the PLA degrades. Now the researchers are more concerned with finding the sweet spot that allows the PLA to degrade as efficiently as possible but without compromising its other properties. They are also working on formulating different PLA-thermoplastic starch blends to observe how the different PLA film properties(strength, clarity, Etc. )are preserved. Learn more here.
August 24, 2023
Development of Cutting Edge Sustainable Flexible Packaging is Underway Thanks to Major Investment
Development of Cutting Edge Sustainable Flexible Packaging is Underway Thanks to Major Investment
TC Transcontinental Packaging made a significant investment of $60M US to jumpstart the development of cutting-edge flexible packaging solutions that feature a mono-material design, recyclability, and enhanced heat resistance for high-performance polyethylene films. Their cutting edge film development features biaxially oriented polyethylene (BOPE), a development the company refers to as the very first application of BOPE in North America. Furthermore, the investment project will also include a 120,000 sq. ft. facility expansion to be built at TC Transcontinental Packaging's Spartanburg, South Carolina facility. The facility expansion will come with new ancillary equipment as well. This move is part of Transcontinental's strategy to differentiate themselves by providing recyclable materials that have enhanced protective properties something they believe is lacking in the market. By filling the need for such products the firm looks to gain market share and provide their customers with high quality sustainable solutions that are high in demand. The project is already underway and it is expected to start production in fiscal year 2024. Learn more here.
August 31, 2023
Amcor Announces the Launch of AmFiber Performance Paper Packaging in North America
Amcor Announces the Launch of AmFiber Performance Paper Packaging in North America
Amcor announces the release of their new curbside recyclable AmFiber Performance paper packaging in North America. The recyclable paper packaging prequalifies for How2Recycle's "widely recyclable" classification, providing brands with a more sustainable option that they can offer to environmentally conscientious consumers. Curbside paper recycling is widespread and thus it makes sense to provide consumers with a widely recyclable option. Furthermore, it is common for environmentally conscientious consumers to seek out packaging with a more sustainable end of life, making Amfiber the perfect option to meet their preferences. Consumers also place a certain level of importance on how the packaging of a product looks and feels, they want the packaging to feel like what they are accustomed to . Amcor's AmFiber Performance paper packaging fulfills this requirement perfectly as it looks natural on the shelf and feels almost exactly like the typical plastic packaging that consumers are familiar with. AmFiber Performance paper also offers excellent operational performance thanks to its high-barrier laminated design which features improved barrier and packer efficiency over other coated papers. AmFiber paper packaging is also PVdC -free and it has offers packaging options for various products including dry mixes, dry beverages, bars, cookies, cereals, and confectionary. Learn more here.
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